To celebrate HITGS’s official debut, we caught up with each member individually.

Meet Hyerin — the group’s radiant center whose presence lights up any room. Certified in nail art and street-cast from a young age, she’s always drawn attention without trying. Now, with HITGS, she’s turning that natural star power into something magnetic and meaningful.

KPOPWORLD: You’ve been scouted since childhood, so clearly, people have always seen “star quality” in you. What does that label mean to you?

Hyerin: When people say I was born with star quality, it makes me feel like I have something special. That kind of compliment motivates me to work even harder to live up to it.

Being at the center means holding attention, but also holding a lot of responsibility. How do you stay emotionally balanced while embodying that role?

Hyerin: The center position is the “core” of the team in my opinion. Of course, that comes with pressure—but for me, I try to just enjoy it. Having fun helps me express myself better on stage.

Nail art is such a precise, expressive craft. What do you love about it and does it connect in any way to how you approach your artistry?

Hyerin: I think it’s similar to facial expressions on stage. Nail art requires delicacy and a sharp eye, and performing on stage also demands subtle analysis and precise expression. Expressing emotion clearly can be really challenging, so I’m practicing hard to refine those skills and bring more detail to my performance.

Visuals in K-pop are powerful storytelling tools. What references or aesthetics inspired you for this debut concept?

Hyerin: I’ve always been a fan of aespa's Karina sunbaenim. She’s my role model. Like her, I want to create amazing stages that impress our fans and grow into a global artist.

If you could design a stage outfit or music video look yourself, what would it be?

Hyerin: I love the outfits we wore in the “SOURPATCH” trailer the most. So, if I could, I’d design everything with that same vibe—bright and refreshing, just like a teenage girl.

What do you think people misunderstand about being the “visual”? What’s a side of your fans haven’t seen yet?

Hyerin: Probably my quirky side. I tend to act first without overthinking things, and I think that spontaneity is something people don’t expect from me.