Netizens are debating Hearts2Hearts’ latest comeback after one online post questioned whether the overall production of Lemon Tang matches what some fans expect from an SM Entertainment girl group.

A post shared on a Korean community criticized several parts of the comeback, including the music video, song, choreography, outfits, and overall visual presentation.

The original poster wrote, “Just looking at the ‘Lemon Tang’ MV, the song, choreography, outfits, and visual quality... it’s hard to believe it’s from SM.”

The poster also compared the comeback with SM Entertainment’s past reputation for introducing distinctive concepts and influencing K-pop trends, adding that the company once regularly brought fresh ideas to the industry.

The discussion became more heated after the poster compared the visual quality of Lemon Tang with RESCENE’s Love Attack, saying the two appeared similar in production style despite RESCENE coming from a much smaller agency.

However, the comparison remains subjective, as there is no confirmed public information showing that the two music videos had similar production budgets.

Several of the most-liked responses also disagreed with the criticism and argued that Hearts2Hearts continues to receive significant attention because of the group’s growing popularity.

One commenter wrote, “You’re so persistent. Hearts2Hearts really is one of the most talked-about groups of the fifth generation.”

Another said, “Just from how much Hearts2Hearts gets mentioned here, you can tell they’re successful. You’re always forcing this ‘small agency’ label onto them.”

Some netizens also questioned whether it was fair to compare Hearts2Hearts with some of SM Entertainment’s most influential older girl groups.

One commenter explained, “Honestly, are there even any fifth-generation groups that have released songs with the kind of impact groups from previous generations had? They all seem pretty similar to me.”

The commenter continued by pointing to Hearts2Hearts’ earlier track RUDE! as an example of a song that still managed to attract noticeable attention.

They added, “If you compare them to groups that had massive impact like Girls’ Generation, f(x), or Red Velvet, then it’s probably the same story for any group, not just them.”

The debate appears to center less on Hearts2Hearts’ actual company support and more on whether the creative direction of Lemon Tang feels as distinctive or polished as some viewers expect from an SM Entertainment release.

While the original post described the comeback as having a “small agency” feel, several commenters pushed back and argued that the continued discussion surrounding Hearts2Hearts is itself evidence of the group’s strong public interest.

More reactions include:

“Coming from someone who likes those concepts that make even wearing a tennis skirt look uncomfortable...”

“You’re so persistent. Hearts2Hearts really is the fifth generation’s most buzzworthy group.”

“Just with how much Hearts2Hearts gets mentioned here, you can tell they’re successful.”

“You’re always forcing your ‘small agency’ label onto them.”

“Wouldn’t you say Hearts2Hearts’ ‘RUDE!’ at least made a splash?”

“If you compare them to Girls’ Generation, f(x), or Red Velvet, then it’s probably the same story for any current group.”

“The trolls are at it again.”

With opinions divided, the discussion has become another example of how strongly fans continue to compare newer SM Entertainment acts with the company’s long history of influential girl groups.

What are your thoughts?