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Hype Malaysia
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
K-pop Group AHOF's Debut Mini Album 'Who We Are' Reaches No.1 On iTunes Worldwide
For many artists, performing or releasing new music to a huge audience can be a nerve-wracking experience. There's always the worry whether the release will flop or become their greatest work. Fortunately for the newly debuted K-pop boy group AHOF (아홉), their mini-album launched worldwide with a strong and promising start, quickly capturing the attention of fans around the globe. The rookie group made their debut on 1st July (Tuesday) with the album 'Who We Are', which quickly gained popularity. Following their debut, they hit #13 on the worldwide iTunes album charts. Additionally, It reached #1 on iTunes' Top Albums charts in seven countries, including Malaysia. It also secured a spot in the top 20 in several other countries, including Hong Kong, Thailand and Canada. The group consists of 9 members, all of whom were finalists in the SBS survival show 'Universe League'. Even though they just recently debuted, the boys already had quite a following under their belt. For example, the leader, Steven (스티븐), was originally part of the Australian-Korean boy band LUMINOUS (루미너스) before they disbanded. Woongki (웅기) was part of another K-pop band, TO1 (티오원), before leaving due to personal reasons. Their debut album, 'Who We Are', includes six tracks: 'The Little Star,' 'The Universe,' 'Rendezvous,' 'Incompleted,' 'Cosmic Underdog,' and 'AHOF.' Critically acclaimed producer EL CAPITXN (이정), who also served as a mentor on 'Universe League', produced the entire album, including the title track 'Rendezvous'. The album didn't just gain popularity on Apple Music but also on YouTube. The music video for 'Rendezvous' has already hit over 6 million views since its release earlier this week, showcasing the strong connection between the group and their growing fanbase. AHOF's debut marks a significant milestone in the K-pop industry, highlighting the power of international collaboration and dedicated fan engagement. With a diverse lineup representing multiple countries, they've successfully reached audiences far beyond South Korea and the traditional K-pop community, signalling a new era of global appeal. Check out their title track 'Rendezvous' below: Sources: Allkpop, Kprofiles Zaima Humaira contributed to this article.
Korea Herald
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Boy group AHOF makes emotional debut with 'Who We Are'
AHOF, the first K-pop boy band launched by F&F Entertainment, made an emotional debut Tuesday with its first EP, "Who We Are," following months of preparation documented on a local TV audition show. The nine-member group was formed through SBS TV's 2024–25 reality competition show "Universe League," which followed contestants as they competed to join a new K-pop act. The final lineup includes Steven, Seo Jeongwoo, Cha Woongki, Zhang Shuaibo, Park Han, JL, Park Juwon, Chih En and Daisuke -- hailing from South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan and China. AHOF, an acronym for "All-time Hall of Famer," also resembles the Korean word for "nine," which the agency said symbolizes both imperfection and potential for growth -- reflecting the group's ambitions in the global K-pop industry. Expressing his feelings about the debut, Daisuke, the Japanese member, said at a press showcase in Seoul, "I'm truly happy. We want to share our music first with the fans who helped make our dreams come true." Seo Jeongwoo described the debut EP as a reflection of the group's own journey. "It contains our raw emotions -- the fear and anxiety we felt ahead of our debut, and our gratitude toward our fans," he said. Several members, including Steven and Zhang Shuaibo, have previously debuted in other groups. Steven, visibly emotional, said, "I'm just so happy that all nine of us were able to debut together." Zhang added, "It means a lot to stand on stage under the name AHOF." JL, who previously worked in the Philippines, also teared up as he said, "I've held onto the dream of becoming a K-pop idol for a long time. I'm so happy and thrilled to be able to achieve that dream with the name AHOF. I also expect my experience in the Philippines to have a positive influence on AHOF." Asked what distinguishes AHOF from other young boy groups, Park Juwon pointed to the group's diverse strengths. "We're confident in our visuals, vocals, rap and performance," he said. "Having gone through a survival competition, we've also gained stage experience and a sense of professionalism that will show in our performances." Members also cited the group's international composition as a key asset. "Having members from different countries is a strength," Cha Woongki said. "We hope to meet fans around the world in person and build a unique fan culture for AHOF through direct communication with them." Looking ahead, members shared their aspirations. "I believe in dreaming big," Park Han said. "Topping the charts is our goal. If we hit number one, I think I'd just stare at my phone all day in disbelief." Chih En added, "I want to win Rookie of the Year because it's an award you can only receive once after debuting. I'd love to share that moment with my bandmates." (Yonhap)
GMA Network
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Who is JL Gaspar? 5 things to know about the Filipino idol
JL Gaspar is on his way to become an international star. The young idol is set to debut with the K-Pop boyband AHOF (All-Time Hall of Famer) on July 1 after competing in the talent search 'Universe League.' He was the only Filipino in the competition and garnered the highest number of votes in the finals, with 3,168,841. Here are 5 fun facts to know about JL: 1. The basics JL was born Jay Lawrence Gaspar in Muntinlupa City. He was born on April 21, 2004, making him 21 years old and a Taurus. 2. Member of the boy band PLUUS PLUUS debuted in 2023 and is composed of Theo, Gab, Justin, Yen, Haro, and JL. It is a boy band under SBTown, whose CEO is Geong Seong Han, or Tatang Robin, who was the former president of SB19's previous agency ShowBT Entertainment. They released songs meant for parties, with its influences in the house and pop genres. The boyband, along with their sibling group YGIG, are the first P-Pop groups to perform at the Waterbomb Festival 2024 in Incheon, South Korea. Their songs include 'Amigo,' 'Shining Star,' 'My Time,' and 'Missing You.' The members of PLUUS continuously show support for JL's 'Universe League' journey. 3. Backup dancer for PSY and AC Bonifacio JL has got some very impressive dancer credits to his name. In January, PSY was tapped as a brand ambassador for Solaire Entertainment City. The ad had a song titled 'I Like It There,' and JL appeared dancing behind the South Korean superstar. JL also joined actress and dancer AC Bonifacio for a dance cover of the BTS song 'On,' and he showed his dancing prowess in the video. 4. A true-blue K-Pop fan JL is a true K-Pop stan. A quick look on his YouTube channel reveals that he posts dance covers to artists like BTS, Stray Kids, and Treasure. JL is also a fan of NCT's Ten, his mentor on 'Universe League.' 5. JL is among the Filipinos who will debut with international groups JL joins the roster of talented Filipinos who are debuting in international idol groups, with AHOF set to debut on July 1. More Filipinos who have debuted internationally include Sophia Laforteza of Katseye, and Elisia Parmisano, Gehlee Dangca, and Filipina-Korean Jin Hyeon-ju of UNIS. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
