Lack of buzz for Hearts2Hearts debut compared with previous SM girl group debuts

I've been a kpop fan for the debut of every SM girl group since Girls Generation, and I don't think I've seen a SM girl group debut with so little buzz compared with previous SM girl groups. I've thought about various reasons as to why this might be: aespa is still in their prime so there's no demand for another SM girl group, too much competition, less upbeat debut song, etc.

But the only reason I think might really make a difference is that there wasn't any introduction of the members before they debuted.

SM girl groups, at least from Girls Generation onwards, has had at least one member be introduced or were well known prior to their debut. Yoona, Krystal, Wendy/Seulgi/Irene, Karina/Ningning. But Hearts2Hearts? An inconsequential cameo from Ian in SM's Celebration film.

I had never really thought of it before, but having pre-debut content matters a lot for generating buzz for a group. It allows fans to get attached to at least one of the main members and all that pre-debut hype does actually translate to the overall impact of the group's debut.

Obviously I'm not saying the group is dependent on individual teaser clips pre-debut for success, but I think that SM really dropped the ball in this particular aspect and they've got to be kicking themselves now for this oversight.

Agree? Disagree? I'd love to get your perspective!