New K-Pop Group Hearts2Hearts Faces Backlash and Defense Amid Rookie Debut
A new K-Pop girl group, Hearts2Hearts, is sparking debate online following their recent performances, with some critics dismissing them as “nugu”-a Korean term for a relatively unknown or unsuccessful group. The controversy began after the group performed a cover of Girls’ Generation‘s iconic song “Gee.”
The initial criticism centered on the group’s perceived lack of “star power” during the performance. One Twitter user, @povsunooo, expressed this sentiment on August 22, 2025, writng, “this group is so nugu.”
However, the negative reaction quickly drew a counter-response from fans who defended Hearts2Hearts, emphasizing the members’ talent and skills. Many argued that these qualities should outweigh the demand for immediate fame. Several fans also criticized what they saw as unfair backlash, asserting that Hearts2Hearts was being unfairly targeted for simply performing their assigned work.
“why does hearts2hearts always get hate for… doing their job well? 😭” tweeted @aecendio on August 24, 2025. Similar sentiments were echoed by @irenetism, who posted on the same day, “they are the only group i’ve seen that always get hate for doing their job 😭 it’s crazy.”
Another user, @riechocolatte, pointed to a historical pattern within the industry, stating on August 24, 2025, “sm girlgroups always get hate during their rookie days, they’ll be big, trust me.” This comment references the common experience of girl groups debuting under SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies, often facing initial skepticism before achieving success.
Some observers also suggested that the choice of song-the upbeat and cutesy “Gee”-may have inherently limited the group’s ability to showcase a more mature or commanding stage presence. ”what kind of star power are y’all expecting from a Gee cover😭😭😭” questioned @baecix on August 23, 2025.
The debate surrounding Hearts2Hearts’ debut highlights a recurring discussion within the K-Pop industry: the balance between raw talent and the immediate projection of “star power” as crucial elements for achieving success.Hearts2Hearts, as of August 24, 2025, continues to build its fanbase and refine its image while navigating the challenges of a competitive debut.
