Photo Cr. F&F Entertainment |
On July 1, 2025 AHOF, the boy group formed through SBS's global debut project Universe League, has made their debut with the 1st EP "WHO WE ARE."
The nine-member group includes Steven, Seo Jeongwoo, Cha Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chihen, and Daisuke.
The group's name "AHOF" stands for "All-Time Hall Of Famer" and also represents "A hope," with the number 9 symbolizing their incomplete but promising nature. Their debut album, produced by EL CAPITXN, serves as a prologue to their musical worldview.
The album focuses on authentic emotions rather than typical bright boy group concepts, exploring themes of anxiety, wandering, and sincerity through six tracks. The title song 'Rendezvous' is a sentimental band track that captures the intersection of imperfection and hope, with member Cha Woongki contributing to the lyrics.
The group's concept emphasizes emotional authenticity over flashiness, with performances and choreography that highlight their vulnerability and sincerity. The album presents AHOF as artists who embrace their incomplete nature while offering hope and connection to listeners experiencing similar feelings in the modern era.
KpopWise met with AHOF to hear their feels about the journey leading up to their highly anticipated debut.
Interview Video
If you could send a voice message to your as self during Universe League, what would you say?
Steven : Isaiah 41:10 (A verse of encouragement and reassurance.)
Jeongwoo : Do not get afraid, work hard and you are doing good.
Woongki : Don't be afraid, be brave, and go ahead! yeah!
Shuaibo : Shuaibo you know you can do it, right?
Han : You are doing great! Don’t be anxious.
JL : Don't worry too much about the future and keep doing what you're doing because you'll meet a family that has the same dream as you that soon you will achieve it together.
Juwon : You are an attractive person so be confident!
Chihen : Work hard!
Daisuke : I am really different from you because my daily routine is really bad. So I wanna say “Sleep Early!”
Which track on the album do you relate to the most and why?
Steven : I like “Incompleted”. The lyrics are really pretty.
Jeongwoo : I say “The Universe”! I like bright mood songs.
Woongki : I chose “The Little Star.” The intro, the song begins with my voice, so that is the main point!
Shuaibo : Our title song! Because it is the first song as AHOF.
Han : I like “Incompleted” because I like the aura that the song gives.
JL: It depend on how you feel at the moment. Our title song screams AHOF and our B-side tracks are good to listen to when you're sad, or happy depending on your mood. Every song is nice!
Juwon : I like the title song the most! The song sympathizes with my heart even when I'm happy or sad.
Chihen : My favorite song is the title. Because the lyrics are so good, and also, the beginning and the ending it’s me.
Daisuke : My favorite is the title song because it has AHOF’s image.
'Rendezvous' Music Video
Which member surprised you the most during the album creation process?
Steven : I was surprised with Shuaibo. I could see that improved and developed his skills so quickly
Jeongwoo : To be honest, I thought I should pull it off so well that I can become like the members quickly.
Woongki : All our members surprised me, because we are doing so much more than I thought! So, keep going!
Shuaibo : It was surprising that everyone did a hard work.
Han : Chihen’s visual surprised me.
JL: Everyone! I'm surprised we got better results than what we thought. We just did the My Kfesta stage, during our pratice we were worried if it would be good or not, but it turned out really good!
Juwon : Steven! He leads us and takes care of all the members when we prepare the album.
Chihen : Myself. I feel that I have developed myself in everything
Daisuke : Woongki! We practiced all together but his vibe is really different. He is a really cute and funny person but on the stage, he is so amazing!
What’s the funniest misunderstanding or language mix-up that happened during training?
JL : We always sleep on the floor. And we say “This is a big practice of teamwork” laughing.
Chihen : For me it is JL. Because you cried!
Daisuke : When we practice until dawn. Everyone got weird, like they lost their minds, and went to buy drinks at the convenience store.
Steven : Daisuke! He used a translator but he didn't double check!
Which member has shocked everyone with a hidden weird talent that has absolutely nothing to do with music or dancing?
Steven : I was kind of surprised with Daisuke because he talks a lot by himself. Like A LOT
Woongki : My answer is also Daisuke. The reason why is that Daisuke is really flexible.
Steven :I would be the chef! The signature dish is Olive Oil Pasta and steak! BUT I cannot make pasta so I will need help from Han.
Jeongwoo : The signature dish is Aglio e Olio Pasta! The main chef is Han and the helper is Steven.
Woongki : If we try to run a restaurant, we will end up not opening. To be honest, we cannot!
Shuaibo : I will be the cashier.
Han : I will be the main chef because I am the one who mostly cooks... Rest of them will eat deliciously. Steven will help me with the ingredients.
JL : The signature dish will be Han’s pasta! I think I will serve!
Juwon : I think I’ll serve! We will open an Aglio e Olio Pasta restaurant! Han does it frequently!
Chihen : I'll draw people with my beautiful face. The signature dish is Han’s pasta, of course.
Daisuke : I’ll serve! Signature dish is AHOF’s malatang.
If you could teach fans one word or phrase from your native languages, what would it be and what does it mean to you?
Steven : 힘들 땐 잠깐 쉬어가요. (Take a break when it’s hard.) I always say to myself.
Shuaibo : 我也爱你 (I love you too)
JL : walang iwanan (until the end, be together forever)
Daisuke : なるほど!(I see!) I say this word a lot
What goals do AHOF want to accomplish together in the future?
Steven : I want to make and leave music that can comfort fans’ live for a long time or maybe even forever.
Jeongwoo : I want to win rookie award, and looking further, maybe Grand Prize too.
Woongki : Firstly, for this year, I want to win rookie award.
Shuaibo : Make lots of people to recognize us.
Han : I don’t know if it would be possible but first win on a music show!
JL : I want everyone to recognize and listen to our songs.
Juwon : It’s about growing into a great artist, showing a lot of great sides, and giving positive influence to our fans.
Chihen : I want to win rookie award.
Daisuke : first win on a music show!
Do you have a message for the fans who waited for you?
Han : Thank you for your patience. We did our best to meet your expectations! I'm sure all the songs on our debut album will be great. Please listen carefully and look forward to it!
Listen to "WHO WE ARE"
Great interview! Thank you for supporting AHOF through this. Is it possible to see the video as well? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's back if you missed it. Thanks!
DeleteWe love you AHOF! Let’s be together, forever! 🫶
ReplyDeleteLove the questions. Rooting for AHOF!
ReplyDelete