ARTMS

When LOONA is mentioned in K-pop spaces, one of the most loyal, passionate fandoms rally in support. That support is what backs ARTMS, driving five former LOONA members to new international heights in San Antonio as a dreamy, hyperpop collective years later.

For Heejin, Haseul, Kim Lip, Jinsoul and Choerry, the journey to performing as ARTMS can be divided into defined chapters. Each released a solo single album between October 2016 and July 2017 in preparation for their debuts as part of 11-member girl group LOONA, which swiftly rose in popularity. Their first mini album, [++], was the second best-selling debut from a girl group in 2018, reaching number two on Korea’s Gaon Album Chart. By the time of their hiatus in early 2023 amidst management disputes, LOONA had released five mini albums in addition to several unit projects, most of which landed on the Billboard 200 and World Album charts. 

Their international appeal has always been clear, and the members of LOONA refused to allow a hiatus to prevent their artistic growth and diminish that foothold. Only six months later in July 2023, Kim Lip, Jinsoul and Choerry made their return under MODHAUS using their previous sub-unit name ODD EYE CIRCLE. Later that year, Haseul released the solo single “Plastic Candy” and Heejin released the solo EP K within days of each other, both under MODHAUS. As a collective, the five were termed the ARTMS project – a name that stuck with their official debut on May 31, 2024.

By the end of 2024, ARTMS had already completed their first world tour and their songs were being commended on editorial lists from Billboard and Dazed. The following year, “Icarus” received even greater attention, backed by cinematics, mythology and haunting vocals as well as remixes showcasing an electronic, dance angle that has since been expanded upon in their third mini album <Hyper Ego>. What started as the result of one of the most well-known hiatuses in the industry became a carefully curated, recognisable group with immense narratorial and vocal power.

Immediately upon their formation, ARTMS built up a concept-heavy image and sound, experimenting with different variations of dream-pop and displaying angelic symbolism in outfits to match. The name ARTMS itself is a reference to the Greek goddess of the moon, Artemis, and that branding has not wavered – moreover, it has been rewarded. Performances see soaring vocals, stunning, cinematic visuals and backdrops, and a drifting, almost unreal atmosphere. ARTMS embody their sound, and its effect on the senses when witnessed live is all-encompassing.

Anyone who attended their Grand Club Icarus World Tour throughout 2025 and 2026 had the opportunity to witness the way in which they have mastered the art of setlist creation first-hand. An ARTMS set expands, from light to dark and from virtual to human, with floating moments contrasted by sinister shifts in songs like “BURN” and a further transition into experimental EDM. Designed for a night club setting, perfect for a concert hall like the Alamodrome.

If you’re new to ARTMS, three songs present their dreamy hyperpop sound and angelic concept best.

“Virtual Angel” is ARTMS’ debut title track, and established their theme early. Full of synthwaves, it is a satisfying, airy tone and plays with a divide between human and virtual.

“Icarus” refers to the figure from Greek myth, who adorned feathered wings and flew too close to the sun, driven by ambition. For ARTMS, it acts as a continuation of their angel imagery and a kind of narratorial rebirth, harnessing a soft yet classical sound.

“Born Stunner,” one of two title tracks from ARTMS’ most recent mini album <Hyper-Ego>, boasts confidence and sass to form a louder addition to their discography – and an expansion of the electronic club music presented in their previous release <Club Icarus>.

What ARTMS brings to the KPOPWORLD Festival line-up is a stunning display of the rich vocals and beautiful visuals that dominate an increasingly experimental K-pop girl group market. They arrive with the history of LOONA behind them, one of the first female groups to surface internationally, and carry a new sound to the United States at the peak of a new chapter for Korean music in the West.