"We Want to Create a New Flow"...Keyveatz Makes Debut as AOMG's First Girl Crew

"Our team's biggest goal is to become someone's icon. We hope our own genre becomes clear enough that we can become a motto for someone." - Keyveatz Yeseul

Two months after releasing their first pre-release singles, AOMG officially launched its first-ever girl crew, Keyveatz, with the release of its debut EP "OXY-GEN" and title track "OXY."

The five-member team consisting of Juone, Newy, Jione, Yuna and Yeseul held a media showcase at YES24 Wonder Rock Hall in Seoul's Seodaemun District on June 30, where they introduced their debut EP and explained the identity they hope to establish as a "girl crew" rather than a conventional girl group.

Keyveatz opened the showcase by introducing both themselves and their slogan, "Don't Miss What's Next," which reflects the group's desire for audiences to stay with them through every stage of their journey. Leader Juone explained the meaning behind the team's name, saying, "Keyveatz means a crew that wants to become the 'key' to creating a new flow, and also to make a move in the scene." Yeseul expanded on that idea, adding, "The move we want to make could mean many things. If I had to name three, first would be musicality, second would be artistry, and third could be visuals."

Rather than describing themselves as another idol group, the members repeatedly emphasized that Keyveatz is built around the idea of a "girl crew." Under hip-hop label AOMG, home to artists including punchnello, Jvcki Wai and YUGYEOM, the members explained that their identity comes from attitude rather than concept.

"I think a crew is not created by a concept, but begins with attitude," Yuna said. "With the attitude of subculture and underground culture as our DNA, we create unpredictable movement and style. That is the identity we define as a girl crew and also Keyveatz's unique strength."

Member Yeseul also expanded how Keyveatz hopes to establish a new lane within K-POP saying, "Since we debuted as a girl group that is not exactly a girl group, we want to become the first spark and source of this 'girl crew' identity in K-POP."

The group's first EP OXY-GEN combines "OXY" (oxygen) and "GEN" (generation), symbolizing the beginning of a new generation that continuously moves forward while creating its own flow. Expanding on the project's overall message, Jione explained that the album focuses less on reaching a destination than embracing the journey itself. "OXY-GEN focuses more on the process than the result. Within that process are the pressure and effort we've built up, as well as our determination to see things through to the end."

The five-track release includes title track "OXY," "SUCK IT UP," "SUB-ZERO (Feat. punchnello)," pre-release track "Key Beats," and "Catch My Breath." All five members participated in writing, composing and arranging "SUCK IT UP," while Jay Park and rapper pH-1 contributed to the production of "Catch My Breath." Producer 200 (EBAK) also participated in the production of title track "OXY." Musically, the EP draws from hip-hop while incorporating Jersey Club, trap and R&B influences, reflecting the group's intention to establish its own sound alongside its "girl crew" identity.

The hip-hop-based title track "OXY" carries many of the production characteristics commonly associated with AOMG's sound while placing the members' rap performances at the forefront. Driven by a fast-moving beat and layered with rough, energetic rhythms, "OXY" immediately establishes the group's musical direction and highlights the confident performance style they introduced throughout the showcase. Yuna said, "'OXY' keeps building momentum through its fast-moving melody, addictive riser melody and rough, driving rhythm," adding that it best represents the group's energy.

Before making their official debut, several members had already been introduced to viewers through survival programs. Juone, Newy and Jione had previously appeared together on survival show "I-LAND 2." Reflecting on their experience and how it helped their journey to the place they hold in Keyveatz today Newy shared, "After the program ended I worried a lot about what I should do next. When I heard about this group, I thought, 'This is where I belong.'"

Having moved from Japan to Korea, she also shared that adapting to life away from home was one of the biggest challenges during preparations. Newy credited the members for helping her overcome difficult moments throughout training and said she was grateful to debut alongside people she believes she could not have met anywhere else.

Jione reflected on her I-LAND experience as well by adding, "Compared to when we were filming I-LAND 2, I think we've grown in many ways. Most of all, we've become much stronger on the inside."

Speaking about the chemistry they have built throughout training and preparations for their debut, Newy said she hopes audiences will come to view Keyveatz as a puzzle, explaining that each member plays an irreplaceable role within the team. "If even one of the five members is missing, the team cannot be complete."

Closing the showcase, the members thanked everyone for attending and promised to continue growing as they officially begin promotions for "OXY-GEN." Juone reflected on the hard work that led to the group's debut, while Yuna admitted that the official showcase felt even more nerve-racking than their pre-release promotions.

"I thought I would be less nervous because we had already gone through pre-release activities, but I actually felt even more nervous. It made me think that I need to work even harder." - Yuna

Keyveatz debut EP "OXY_GEN" will be released on various music sites today, the 30th at 6 p.m. KST