AHOF Debuts 'The Passage' Exploring 'Rough Youth,' Aiming for Growth

Rookie group AHOF is back with their second mini-album, ‘The Passage.’

This album captures the honest worries and growth of AHOF as they stand at the threshold between boyhood and adulthood.

The title track, ‘Pinocchio Hates Lies,’ voices the dilemmas of youth caught between the desire to speak only the truth in the adult world and the reality of sometimes having to lie.

Woong-gi, a member of AHOF, explained, “The keyword for this album is ‘Rough Youth.’ Youth seems beautiful, but it’s always accompanied by anxiety. ‘Rough Youth’ encapsulates the story of AHOF’s growth through these rough and confusing times.”

Following their debut album ‘WHO WE ARE,’ which explored their journey to find team identity amidst imperfection, AHOF is set to showcase deepened emotions and a broader musical spectrum in this release.

Jung-woo added, “This album is special because it contains our confessions, emotions, and promises like entries in a diary. We felt anxious about showing growth, worrying about not being perfect, but we overcame it together as members. Our teamwork has grown; we now understand each other’s needs without speaking.”

Park Han described the title track, saying, “The song borrows from the fairy tale ‘Pinocchio’ and carries the message of protecting one’s own sincerity amidst various uncertainties with AHOF’s unique sensibility.”

Dubbed the ‘miracle of mid-tier idols,’ AHOF made a significant mark on K-pop history from their debut. Their debut album sold over 360,000 copies in initial sales, topped music charts, entered Spotify’s ‘Top 50’ Korea, and achieved two music show wins, proving their popularity and buzz.

They also held their first solo fan concert in the Philippines just over a month after their debut, solidifying their reputation as a ‘monster rookie.’

Park Han fondly recalled the Manila fan concert, stating, “It felt like being in the middle of the universe. I never imagined performing in front of so many people. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.” Steven and Jeil also expressed gratitude, noting, “Fans were there no matter where we went, and my wish to perform on a big stage came true,” highlighting their appreciation for the global fanbase.

Netizens are reacting enthusiastically, with comments like 'AHOF's new album already feels like a hit!', 'Looking forward to seeing them grow beyond being a monster rookie,' and 'Love the Pinocchio concept!'