Kakao Entertainment’s new band hrtz.wav confirms early 2026 debut

Kakao Entertainment’s upcoming global band hrtz.wav is gearing up for its debut this year.

Kakao Entertainment confirmed the debut of its new five-member group, promising to leverage its music business capabilities – including IP planning, production, distribution, marketing, and more – to provide hrtz.wav with unwavering support and establish it as a globally iconic band.

“Please look forward to the musical adventure of hrtz.wav, which will lead the new wave of band music reflecting our youth,” Kakao Entertainment said in a statement.

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 took part in the naming to capture the band’s identity.

hrtz.wav consists of the five winners from Mnet’s “Steal Heart Club,” a global band-making project by Kakao Entertainment and CJ ENM. Premiered in October, the competition show crowned winners in key band roles: Keiten (guitar), Hagiwa (drums), Dane (bass), Riaan (vocals), and Youn Young Jun (keyboard), who mesmerized audiences with their solid instrumental skills and commanding live performances. 

On January 7, the band unveiled its first group profile photo on its official social media channels, highlighting the members’ free-spiritedness and diversity. Marking the beginning of its journey, the photo sheds light on the youthful chemistry and synergy among the members.

Following this, hrtz.wav appeared on Mnet’s music show ‘M COUNTDOWN,’ showcasing its first-ever performance as a new band. The members will take the stage with its own rendition of “A Youth of One Day,” a signal song from “Steal Heart Club.”

Actress Moon Ga Young, the MC of “Steal Heart Club,” participated in penning the lyrics for this fast-paced pop-rock song, which vividly portrays the thrill and insecurity of youth, as well as the authentic emotions of each moment. 

Through its first performance as a team, hrtz.wav will carve out its own musical identity, unfolding stories of youth both powerfully and subtly through dynamic sounds and performances.

Looking ahead, hrtz.wav is gearing up for its debut in the first half of 2026, diving headfirst into album production.

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