April 9, 2026,SEOUL, KOREA – Kakao Entertainment’s global band hrtz.wav officially debuted with the EP “The First Wave” on April 8, aiming to spark a new wave in the music scene. 

hrtz.wav consists of five winners from the global band-making project “Steal Heart Club” –Keiten (guitar,) Hagiwa (drum,) Dane (bass,) Riaan (vocals,) and Youn Young-jun (keyboard). It is a multinational band composed of three Korean and two Japanese members, which has already built a global fanbase thanks to the compelling performance skills and stage presence on the survival show. Kakao Entertainment handles its management, leveraging its music business capabilities – including IP planning, production, distribution, marketing, and more – to provide comprehensive support. 

“It feels surreal to finally make our debut,” Keiten said in Korean during a media showcase in Seoul. “I feel like I’m living my dream.”

‘The First Wave’

The band’s debut EP portrays how the five members, each with their own distinct frequencies, come together in a previously silent world to create their “first wave.” The EP explores diverse emotions of youth ranging from excitement and confusion to love and heartbreak. With bright, refreshing band sounds, addictive melodies, and dynamic energy, “The First Wave” highlights hrtz.wav’s unique musical color.

Leading the EP is “NINETEEN,” a youth pop rock track built on warm synth sounds. Blending an upbeat chord progression with refreshing guitar riffs and driving drum beats, the song captures a timeless, unchanging feeling reminiscent of being 19. The age 19 represents not only the legal age of adulthood in Korea, but also the symbolic threshold between youth and coming of age. The track evokes nostalgia and a feeling that is at once fleeting, emotional, and universally familiar. All hrtz.wav members participated in writing its lyrics, bringing their creativity and sentiment to the track.

“’NINETEEN’ best represents us,” Youn Young-jun said. “It’s about being 19, the moment when everything feels like it will last forever.”

The EP also offers “Dream,” a lively and dynamic song about the growing feelings of affection toward someone. “Highlight,” driven by a modern rock sound, expresses lingering love after a breakup while moving toward closure. “I AM SO FINE” portrays the feelings of longing and emptiness after a breakup, characterized by stylish guitar riffs, danceable drums, and groovy bass. Riaan and Dane took part in the creative process of “Outta my mind,” a dreamy track expressing the awkward yet heartfelt feelings of young love. “Close To Me” symbolizes the first page of hrtz.wav’s long journey with its fans, combining the distinctive guitar textures of alternative music with modern sounds. 

‘Steal Heart Club’ winners

Beyond the music, the band name is the combination of “Hertz” – referring to the heart and soul, as well as the frequency of sound – and “.wav” – symbolizing raw, high-quality sound and waves. Member Keiten contributed to naming the band. He is a Berklee College of Music alumnus, known for his versatile musical style across diverse genres and polished guitar techniques. Hagiwa, the masked drummer who can play with both legs, brings a unique character and energy that defines hrtz.wav. Dane is an all-round bassist who writes, composes, and arranges songs while also handling vocals. Riaan serves as the voice of hrtz.wav, showcasing a broad vocal range and emotionally rich delivery. Youn Young-jun, a skilled keyboardist, knows how to create a balanced sound for the band.

Having showcased solid instrumental skills and commanding live performances during “Steal Heart Club,” the five members are now gearing up to display synergy as a team. With ambitions to usher in a new wave of band music that resonates with youth, hrtz.wav aims to establish itself as an iconic band reshaping the global music landscape.

“All of us were the winners in our respective positions on ‘Steal Heart Club,’ and we each had distinctive characters,” Riaan said. “However, like a rainbow that creates harmony with various colors, we too found harmony among ourselves. As we prepare for our debut, we respected our differences, found ways to compromise on differing opinions, and practiced together as one.” 

Hagiwa, who always wears a mask and claims to be a three-year-old boy born in the “Hagiwa World,” has no trouble mingling as well.

“People may think Hagiwa would be hard to get along with because he does not reveal his face,” Dane said. “But honestly, we have no issues with that and are close like a family.”

Shortly after its debut, hrtz.wav will kick off its festival activities by joining the Awesome Music Festival 2026 in Seoul (April 25-26) and KCON JAPAN 2026 in Chiba (May 8-10.) It will also perform the OST for the upcoming drama “Perfect Crown,” further expanding its global presence.

Riaan said, “One day, we will work together to produce an album featuring the lead track that we wrote ourselves, showcasing the coolness of a band.”