Ok-pop boy band AHOF is leaning into the turbulence of youth with its newest launch, a fairy-tale-infused mission that turns confusion, ache and hope right into a coming-of-age soundtrack.
The nine-member group — Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chih En and Daisuke — dropped its second mini-album, “The Passage,” Tuesday night, solely 4 months after its bold dive into the Ok-pop business.
Member Chih En will sit out present promotions as a consequence of well being points, leaving AHOF to carry out as an eight-piece in the meanwhile.
The group, initially shaped by broadcaster SBS’ survival audition present “Universe League,” turned heads in July with “WHO WE ARE,” a debut effort that ranked fifth amongst all-time first-week gross sales for a boy group’s debut. Its lead single “Rendezvous,” a sweeping rock anthem soaked in nostalgia, earned three music-show trophies inside simply 10 days, signaling the rise of a brand new powerhouse rookie act.
Woongki of Ok-pop boy band AHOF poses throughout a press showcase for the group’s second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Reside Corridor in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
At a press showcase held Tuesday afternoon at Seoul’s YES24 Reside Corridor, the members appeared dressed utterly in white, describing the brand new album as a chapter about “progress and transformation.”
“Our debut album confirmed our limitless potential,” Woongki mentioned. “However this time, we wished to inform a narrative concerning the rising pains that include transferring from boyhood to maturity … Youth feels lovely and passionate, but it surely’s additionally full of tension and uncertainty. We wished to embrace that and present the way it makes us stronger.”
Jeongwoo additionally up to date followers on Chih En’s absence.
“He is doing his greatest to get better and return in good well being. The love from followers has given him motivation, and we have labored laborious to fill his area till he is again,” Jeongwoo mentioned.
Jeongwoo of AHOF poses throughout a press showcase for the group’s second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Reside Corridor in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
Constructed across the theme of progress, “The Passage” takes inspiration from Pinocchio, the story of a picket puppet who learns to grow to be human. The members liken their very own journey to Pinocchio’s, reflecting a gradual means of discovering reality within the transition towards maturity.
The five-track document is anchored by the tune “Pinocchio,” a hovering pop-rock quantity that mirrors the emotional depth of “Rendezvous.” It layers highly effective band preparations with heartfelt vocals, culminating in a sonic catharsis.
Its choreography additionally takes benefit of AHOF’s massive lineup, creating synchronized formations that spotlight the members’ teamwork.
AHOF’s Daisuke poses throughout a press showcase for the group’s second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Reside Corridor in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
With 5 members coming from worldwide backgrounds, AHOF’s ambitions naturally stretch past Korea.
“We have traveled to many international locations since our debut, and it is all the time unimaginable to satisfy followers in all places,” mentioned Steven. “I particularly wish to carry out in Australia, the place I used to be born and raised.”
“Assembly followers internationally is one thing we have all the time dreamed of. A world tour would imply the whole lot to us,” Japanese member Daisuke mentioned.
Because the group units its sights increased, AHOF’s targets are as daring as its new idea.
“I would like us to win first place on each music present,” Steven mentioned. “We gained three final time, however this time we’re aiming for all of them, and to indicate how a lot we have grown.”
“With the 12 months coming to an finish, I hope we are able to take house a number of awards, together with Rookie of the 12 months. We wish to be remembered as probably the most memorable new act of 2025,” Woongki concluded.
