K-pop Group AHOF Talks Connection, Creativity, and Carving Their Path
interview
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interview ✦
AHOF, the nine-member K-pop group newly launched under F&F Entertainment, has officially made their debut—and it’s nothing short of electrifying. Formed through the SBS reality survival series Universe League, which aired from November 2024 to January 2025, the group was created with a clear mission: to embody the spirit of an “All-time Hall Of Famer.” That concept anchors not only their name, but also their drive—to build a career defined by impact, longevity, and undeniable presence from day one.
Though their name nods to legacy, AHOF also holds another layer of meaning: in Korean, it translates to “nine,” symbolizing the unity and strength of the group’s diverse lineup—STEVEN, JEONGWOO, WOONGKI, SHUAIBO, HAN, JL, JUWON, CHIHEN, and DAISUKE. This multicultural roster, representing South Korea, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia, brings together a wide range of influences, blending the polish of K-pop training with global pop sensibilities.
Thanks to their rigorous preparation and high-stakes formation on Universe League, the group generated serious momentum even before debuting—amassing over 300,000 followers while their sound was still taking shape. Now, that potential is fully realized in their explosive debut, led by a high-impact title track produced by EL CAPITXN. The result is a daring, tightly-executed introduction that showcases each member’s individual strengths while establishing a bold sonic identity for the group as a whole.
As they step into the spotlight, Stardust sits down with AHOF to explore their debut journey and the ambitions fueling their rise.
AHOF’s lineup spans South Korea, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia. How do you blend these diverse cultural influences into your music and performances, and what’s been the most rewarding part of building chemistry as a group?
JEONGWOO: First, we broke the language barrier and became really close. During our free time, we go to watch movies, go shopping, and eat together, help to build our chemistry.
STEVEN: We gained friendship by communicating in each other’s languages and backgrounds.
Leading up to your debut as a member of AHOF, what’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in this journey, and how has it helped you grow as an artist?
JEONGWOO: The biggest challenge was dancing. However, my members helped me a lot. This is the starting of me growing as an artist.
SHUAIBO: For me, Korean is the most challenging, but I am working hard on it. Also, all members are working hard and helping each other with everything, so we are growing as artists.
HAN: There was nothing hard [for me], but I am nervous. I prepared the debut album with happiness and excitement.
JUWON: There were things that I didn’t know, and all of them amazed me because everything was new to me. It was hard to get to know and adapt to whole new things. However, experienced members helped, and I always tried to [learn].
CHIHEN: I had lots of things in my head but as time went on, my mind got strong, and I know how to protect myself.
DAISUKE: The most challenging thing was that we must show great and perfect choreography! Other than that, nothing was hard for me.
AHOF’s name stands for “All-time Hall Of Famer,” suggesting you have some big ambitions as a group. What messages or emotions do you want to convey through your music to achieve that lasting impact?
WOONGKI: I want to convey AHOF’s love emotions. Feel our love!
HAN: I just want to show us! We want to explain and express ourselves!
K-pop is known for its bold and varied concepts. Are there specific themes or aesthetics—like futuristic, retro, edgy, charming—that you think would complement AHOF as a whole?
WOONGKI: Because it is still our debut, I want to try many themes and concepts [in the future]! I don’t want to set a limit for it.
As you’ve prepared for AHOF’s debut, what’s been the most rewarding part of the journey for each of you?
STEVEN: I felt rewarded when we finalized the music video shooting!
JEONGWOO: I felt rewarded when I developed myself step by step!
WOONGKI: In my case, when we really look like a team after so much practice together!
SHUAIBO: When we sweat together during practice.
HAN: When I hear compliments. Whenever I hear compliments during the recording and lesson, I feel rewarded and it makes me smile.
JL: When I get fans’ support and love, I feel rewarded.
JUWON: I feel rewarded whenever I gain confidence in dancing and rapping after practicing hard.
CHIHEN: When I can give joy and happiness to my fans.
DAISUKE: When I record my verse or part, I feel rewarded!
