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AHOF explores growth in fairytale-inspired new album 'The Passage'
Members of K-pop boy band AHOF pose during a press showcase for its second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Member Chih En will sit out the group’s promotion activities for health reasons. Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop boy band AHOF is leaning into the turbulence of youth with its latest release, a fairy-tale-infused project that turns confusion, pain and hope 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 evening, only four months after its ambitious dive into the K-pop industry.
Member Chih En will sit out current promotions due to health issues, leaving AHOF to perform as an eight-piece for the time being.
The group, initially formed through broadcaster SBS' survival audition show "Universe League," turned heads in July with "WHO WE ARE," a debut effort that ranked fifth among all-time first-week sales for a boy group's debut. Its lead single "Rendezvous," a sweeping rock anthem soaked in nostalgia, earned three music-show trophies within just 10 days, signaling the rise of a new powerhouse rookie act.
Woongki of K-pop boy band AHOF poses during a press showcase for the group’s second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
At a press showcase held Tuesday afternoon at Seoul's YES24 Live Hall, the members appeared dressed completely in white, describing the new album as a chapter about "growth and transformation."
"Our debut album showed our limitless potential," Woongki said. "But this time, we wanted to tell a story about the growing pains that come with moving from boyhood to adulthood ... Youth feels beautiful and passionate, but it's also full of anxiety and uncertainty. We wanted to embrace that and show how it makes us stronger."
Jeongwoo also updated fans on Chih En's absence.
"He's doing his best to recover and return in good health. The love from fans has given him motivation, and we've worked hard to fill his space until he's back," Jeongwoo said.
Jeongwoo of AHOF poses during a press showcase for the group’s second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
Built around the theme of growth, "The Passage" takes inspiration from Pinocchio, the tale of a wooden puppet who learns to become human. The members liken their own journey to Pinocchio's, reflecting a gradual process of finding truth in the transition toward adulthood.
The five-track record is anchored by the song "Pinocchio," a soaring pop-rock number that mirrors the emotional intensity of "Rendezvous." It layers powerful band arrangements with heartfelt vocals, culminating in a sonic catharsis.
Its choreography also takes advantage of AHOF's large lineup, creating synchronized formations that highlight the members' teamwork.
AHOF's Daisuke poses during a press showcase for the group’s second mini-album “The Passage” at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
With five members coming from international backgrounds, AHOF's ambitions naturally stretch beyond Korea.
"We've traveled to many countries since our debut, and it's always incredible to meet fans everywhere," said Steven. "I especially want to perform in Australia, where I was born and raised."
"Meeting fans across the world is something we've always dreamed of. A world tour would mean everything to us," Japanese member Daisuke said.
As the group sets its sights higher, AHOF's goals are as bold as its new concept.
"I want us to win first place on every music show," Steven said. "We won three last time, but this time we're aiming for all of them, and to show how much we've grown."
"With the year coming to an end, I hope we can take home multiple awards, including Rookie of the Year. We want to be remembered as the most memorable new act of 2025," Woongki concluded.