‘It Was Summer’ – NME’s Top K-Pop Song 2025

H1-KEY’s ‘It Was Summer’ Earns Critical Acclaim, Solidifies Global K-Pop Presence

A standout track from their fourth mini-album, “It Was Summer” by the girl group H1-KEY has been recognized as one of the best K-pop songs of 2025, signaling a significant expansion of the group’s international influence. The song’s success extends beyond critical praise, with a strong debut in the Japanese market and a growing catalog of popular releases.

Rising Stars in a Competitive Landscape

The title track, released in June, recently secured the 6th position in British music magazine NME’s “THE 25 BEST K-POP SONGS OF 2025.” This recognition underscores the growing impact of H1-KEY within the global music scene. according to NME, the quartet has consistently explored diverse sounds, including synth pop, dance pop, and hip hop, throughout their discography.

Did you know?– H1-KEY debuted in 2022 under Grandment Entertainment, comprised of members Sitala, Riina, Yeri, and Hina. Their name represents “Hie with Key,” signifying unlocking a new chapter.

A Shift in Sound and a Nostalgic Appeal

However,”It Was Summer” represents a distinct evolution for the group. The magazine noted that the song embraces a more focused approach, drawing inspiration from math rock to create a sound that is both “electric” and “bright and cheerful.” This sonic shift, combined with lyrics evoking “footprints in the sand and bright stars in the night sky,” delivers a “warm sense of nostalgia.” NME ultimately declared the song “one of Hi-Key’s best.”

Pro tip:– Math rock is a subgenre of indie rock characterized by complex, atypical rhythmic structures. Its influence on K-pop is relatively new, offering a fresh sound.

Expanding Global Reach: Japan Debut and Beyond

H1-KEY’s momentum extends beyond critical acclaim. The group has actively promoted “It Was Summer” throughout the summer months, establishing themselves as a leading “summer queen” in the K-pop world. Following this success,they officially entered the Japanese market with a Japanese-language version of their fourth mini-album,Lovestruck,achieving 3rd place on the Oricon daily Album rankings.

A Band-Inspired Sound and Consistent Growth

“It Was Summer” is characterized by its strong band style foundation, complemented by the members’ refined vocal abilities and evocative lyrics that capture the essence of summer. This combination creates a refreshing and invigorating listening experience. The song joins a growing list of successful releases for H1-KEY, including “Rose Blossom,” “SEOUL,” “Such a Beautiful City,” “Let It Burn,” and previous hit “It Was Summer,” demonstrating a consistent pattern of positive reception both domestically and internationally.

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The group’s continued success signals a solidifying position as a prominent force within the increasingly competitive world of K-pop.

Reader question:– What do you think sets H1-KEY apart from other K-pop groups? Share yoru thoughts on their musical style and global appeal.

Did you know?– The Oricon Daily Album rankings track album sales in Japan, providing a key indicator of a K-pop group’s success in the Japanese market.