Hearts2Hearts made their comeback on June 22, 2026, with their second mini-album, Lemon Tang. This marks the girl group’s next album in eight months and their first release inspired by the summer season. The six-track EP features the title track “Lemon Tang” as well as “Rude!,” which was previously released in February this year. The new single combines upbeat dance pop sounds with a refreshing seasonal vibe. According to the group, the song uses lemons as a symbol of the members’ chemistry, delivering the message that they shine brighter when they are together.
The music video was filmed in Okinawa, Japan, and showcases ocean views, sunny beaches, and lemon farms that elevate the song’s bright theme. During a showcase in Seoul on June 23, member Jiwoo explained that the lyrics continue themes that have appeared throughout Hearts2Hearts’ music. The song also reunites the group with producer Kenzie, who previously contributed to writing the girlband’s songs “The Chase,” “Style,” and “Focus.” Choreographer Jo Nain came back after choreographing “Focus” and “Rude!.”
“I like her lyrics because they capture the message of ‘us’ that we want to express through music. A lemon tastes sour on its own, but it goes well with many different dishes. She used the lemon as a metaphor for how we shine more brightly together than alone.”
The members affirmed that they would like to continue the tradition of memorable summer releases associated with SM Entertainment artists. The 8-member team mentioned famous summer hits such as f(x)’s “Hot Summer” and Red Velvet’s “Red Flavor” as sources of inspiration.
“I often listen to music by our SM seniors, so I’d be happy if ‘Lemon Tang’ could continue that lineage,” Jiwoo revealed. “I hope people can beat the summer heat together with Hearts2Hearts through this refreshing and bright song.”
The comeback has also sparked attention because it arrives shortly after aespa released their lemon-themed summer song, “Lemonade.” Jiwoo said that, although both songs use lemons as a central image, each track delivers a different message and showcases an individual identity.
