New K-pop boy band AHOF steps into spotlight with big dreams, global roots

Rookie K-pop boy band AHOF performs during a press event for the group's debut at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Yet another survival audition show has given rise to the next K-pop hopefuls — a nine-member boy band called AHOF, who say they're aiming for nothing less than a spot in the genre's hall of fame.

Formed through SBS audition program "Universe League" (2024), the group features a lineup that spans the globe: Jeongwoo, Woongki, Han and Juwon from Korea; Steven from Australia; Shuaibo from China; JL from the Philippines; Chih En from Taiwan; and Daisuke from Japan.

The name AHOF stands for "All-time Hall of Famer," but in Korean it also translates to the number nine, hinting at the idea of being "unfinished" and the group's desire to keep growing.

Rookie K-pop boy band AHOF performs during a press event for the group's debut at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Tuesday. Yonhap

AHOF officially took its first step into the industry Tuesday with the release of its debut album, "WHO WE ARE." Just a few hours earlier, the group hosted a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul to celebrate the launch.

The show hit a brief snag when a stage lighting glitch delayed the start by about 10 minutes, but the AHOF members appeared unfazed as they each shared their hopes for the debut.

"I'm so happy and thrilled that my dream has become reality," said Daisuke, the group's youngest member at 15.

"I want everyone to hear the music marking the very first moment when the dreams of all nine of us come true. We'd be grateful if people would cheer for the story we're about to write," he said.

Woongki of rookie K-pop boy band AHOF poses during a press event for the group's debut at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Tuesday. Yonhap

The group's debut piece, "WHO WE ARE," paints a picture of that journey. Jeongwoo described the work as a reflection of AHOF's push to become perfect K-pop idols.

"This album holds our dreams and hopes and our journey to reach perfection," Jeongwoo said. "It's filled with our honest feelings, the fear and anxiety of preparing for debut, but also our gratitude and love for the fans who have supported us."

He added that their idea of being "unfinished" isn't about lacking preparation, but about staying open to growth. "We hope people see it as a process of growing together."

Raising expectations for the album, EL CAPITXN, a producer under Bighit Music, a HYBE Labels subsidiary and home to BTS, handled the production for all six tracks. Among them, the title track, "Rendezvous," is an ethereal band number driven by dreamy guitars and drums.

Steven, leader of rookie K-pop boy band AHOF, poses during a press event for the group's debut at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Having survived a grueling audition process, the members said they leaned heavily on one another to push through the tough moments.

"There were times when I really wanted to do well but just couldn't make it work," said Juwon. "But each member has different strengths, so we learned from each other and grew together."

Several of the members have already tasted the music industry's highs and lows. Steven, Woongki, Shuaibo and JL all previously debuted with other groups or as solo acts, but joined AHOF after facing setbacks in the cutthroat K-pop scene.

"I felt it again just now while performing, but I'm so happy that all nine of us could debut together," said Steven, who once debuted as part of the now-inactive group LUMINOUS, his voice catching as he spoke.

JL and Chih En of rookie K-pop boy band AHOF perform during a press event for the group's debut at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Woongki, who first debuted with TO1, added, "Five years ago, I did my first showcase right here in this same spot. Since then, it's been difficult and challenging to stand here again, but what kept me wanting to dance and sing in front of everyone was our fans and this amazing journey with these nine members."

As they wrapped up the event, the group said they hope to follow in the footsteps of the biggest names in K-pop.

"BTS always brings fresh concepts and music. They're the kind of seniors who truly belong in K-pop's hall of fame," Steven said. "That's why we want to choose BTS as our role model."

Rookie K-pop boy band AHOF poses for a press event for the group's debut at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Tuesday. Yonhap