[Review] RUDE! – Hearts2Hearts

Somehow, I missed the news that Hearts2Hearts would be making their comeback in February 2026. But I haven’t missed the music video release and have jumped onto it today to review the new single, RUDE! (otherwise, I might not review for months, given my track record). This is their first comeback since October’s FOCUS.

To me, RUDE!‘s background resembles FOCUS‘ instrumental. The consistent funkiness and groove behind the house-based instrumental feels like it was pulled from FOCUS‘ But there are some differences, mainly through how the members deliver their lines, that sets the new song apart from its predecessor. Hearts2Hearts’ vocals provide a bright tone to RUDE!, which is much different to the subdued tone the group had adopted previously. In turn, this helps make the chorus sound punchier and leads to a catchy centrepiece. I also quite liked the follow-up post-chorus instrumental part that followed the second and final choruses. It was a neat way to add more to the song without detracting from, or over-engineering, RUDE!. Interestingly, while I praised FOCUS‘ bridge previously, RUDE!‘s bridge is its least appealing asset. The spoken-rap sequence by JIWOO and JUUN was just clumsy and doesn’t fit with the rest of the song. But besides that, RUDE! is a neat follow-up in Hearts2Hearts’ discography.

I quite liked the social media concept they had going on in the video. It is fun and unique. From what I understand, the members operate a social media account, working to build their following. Along the way, someone they are interested in starts liking their post (excessively, might I add). But when they interact with the person, they were told they are rude (based on STELLA’s commentary). Some of the members don’t care, while the others try to figure out what went wrong (hence the fighting in the end). But they resolve conflict by taking a photo together to post onto their social media account. I am not to sure if I interpreted it right, but I relate the member playing the offline game on their laptop in the midst of the fight (thinking, eating popcorn whilst there is drama around you). Also, the end reveals the likes are not coming from a person, but rather a cat who is just randomly pressing the screen.

From what I can see in the music video (as all music shows have been canceled this week due to Lunar New Year celebrations), the performance is cute and features a slight bounce that complements RUDE! nicely. I could also observe sharpness and synchronisation, which definitely levels up their execution and performance, overall.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.2/10

ICYMI – Hearts2Hearts was voted for Best New Female Group in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Click here to find out who else came out on top in the other categories.

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