Global band hrtz.wav (HaatzWave) proves a differentiated identity and competitiveness as a "complete band." More than a simple rookie, attention is focused on hrtz.wav (HaatzWave)'s full-fledged "first wave," as members who have each reached the pinnacle in their own fields have come together to form a finished team.
Kakao Entertainment (co-CEOs Ko Jeong-hee, Jang Yoon-jung) unveiled points to expect one day before the release of hrtz.wav (HaatzWave)'s debut album "The First Wave." Born from Mnet's global band making project "Still Heart Club," hrtz.wav (HaatzWave) departs from the usual debut formula and, starting in a different flow, promises differentiated moves in musicality, narrative and market position.
▲ 'team of five No. 1s' gathered…'all frontmen'·'all centers' differentiation
Yoon Young-jun (keyboard), Rian (vocal), Dane (bass), K-Ten (guitar) and Hagiwa (drums) secured first place in their positions on "Still Heart Club" and confirmed their debut as hrtz.wav (HaatzWave). Unlike a typical rookie band that faces its first verification after debut, hrtz.wav (HaatzWave) had already proven skill and teamwork early through pre-formation and post-formation survival missions and music show appearances. Then, breaking the formula of "debut = starting point," they begin expanding their activities in earnest as a "complete band."
Because each member holds a 'No. 1' title, the structure in which all members function as frontmen and centers rather than favoring a specific member is a clear characteristic and strength unique to hrtz.wav (HaatzWave). The members' different personalities and backgrounds coalesce into synergy to create a single band sound, which is expected to translate into team competitiveness.
▲ proven by sound beyond visuals…a band that first reacts to the ear
The pre-released teaser hinted at hrtz.wav (HaatzWave)'s bright, refreshing colors and drew a hot response from fans. The album's concept film and highlight medley, and the title track "NINETEEN" music video teaser, pre-revealed a powerful band sound and raised expectations. In particular, the ensemble sections showed high-level playing and explosive youthful energy, prompting responses such as "it automatically goes on infinite repeat" and "I'm curious about the full track."
In the visual-centered K-pop market, hrtz.wav (HaatzWave) plans to present groundbreaking live performances as a band that "elicits a reaction the moment you hear them," alongside their distinctive visuals. Indeed, they selected the Oil Tank Culture Park performance hall for their debut fan showcase to maximize vibrancy and the sense of being there for a live stage. In addition, they are expanding their impact as a "performance band" by appearing on major domestic and overseas festival lineups such as the April "2026 Awesome Music Festival" and May "KCON JAPAN 2026."
▲ iconic identity completed in three languages…signal to change the new band flow 'NINETEEN'
This "The First Wave" is an album that contains the ambition to create a new tide in the K-band scene with the keyword wave. Composed of Korean and Japanese members, hrtz.wav (HaatzWave) had all members participate in writing the lyrics for the title track "NINETEEN," and included Rian's and Dane's self-composed song "Eoriberri," proving this ambition through music.
"NINETEEN," which organically weaves together Korean, Japanese and English, has each member express the strengths of being nineteen from their own perspective, sublimating different languages and charms into the team's iconic identity. Also, the Youth Pop-Rock–based sound combines bright guitar riffs and fast-paced drums to three-dimensionally depict the excitement and rush of youth.
▲ proving why the global fandom chose them with a narrative of "compressed growth"
Formed in December last year, hrtz.wav (HaatzWave), which releases a debut album in about four months, responds to fans' expectations with a compressed growth narrative. Because members with individual capabilities were combined into a team, they reportedly raised teamwork and completeness through a dense preparation process despite the short period.
Amid expectations from global fans, hrtz.wav (HaatzWave) will release the mini 1st album "The First Wave" at 6 p.m. on the 8th. Later that day at 8 p.m., they will hold a debut commemorative fan showcase at the Oil Tank Culture Park performance hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
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