H1-KEY has captured the hearts of Southeast Asian music fans with their latest track. On the 23rd, the group released a remix titled "Re: Thinkin' About You," a collaboration with Josh Cullen, a member of the Filipino pop sensation SB19. The song has since dominated charts across various regions, marking a significant milestone for both K-pop and P-pop.
The track has achieved impressive rankings on international charts. It claimed the top spot on the iTunes K-pop charts in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, secured second place in Norway, and reached third place in the Philippines. Beyond the K-pop genre, the song entered the Top 10 of the pop and all-genre charts in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. On Genius Korea's daily K-R&B chart, the track debuted at fourth place, solidifying its appeal among global listeners.
The accompanying music video also garnered attention, reaching second place on the Philippine iTunes Top Music Videos chart. It climbed high on Apple Music's Top Videos chart, adding to its widespread success. Local media outlets, including Billboard Philippines, have spotlighted the release, noting the innovative blend of K-pop and P-pop. Billboard Philippines described the track as "a fresh and exciting collaboration between H1-KEY and Josh Cullen, merging the best of two distinct yet complementary musical worlds."
"Re: Thinkin' About You" is a remix of H1-KEY’s original track "Thinkin' About You," which was released in January. The remix retains the warm and comforting pop vibes of the original while incorporating new elements brought by Josh Cullen. As a member of SB19, the first Southeast Asian idol group to make it onto Billboard charts, Cullen added a unique perspective to the song by crafting a heartfelt rap in response to the original lyrics.
The remix explores themes of mature and realistic reflections on separation, with H1-KEY and Josh Cullen infusing their distinct musical styles to resonate deeply with listeners worldwide. The collaboration highlights the growing synergy between K-pop and P-pop, breaking new ground in global music.
An industry representative commented, "H1-KEY’s partnership with Josh Cullen exemplifies their commitment to pushing the boundaries of K-pop. This collaboration not only showcases their musical versatility but also expands the reach of Korean pop music to new audiences."
Beyond their music, H1-KEY has actively engaged with fans through performances and online content. The group’s efforts to connect with their global audience have further cemented their position as rising stars in the K-pop scene.
As H1-KEY continues to explore innovative collaborations and expand their musical spectrum, their influence on the global stage is expected to grow, reinforcing their status as a group that transcends cultural and genre boundaries.
Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com
