AHOF Talks about their Debut Album and Journey During their Manila Press Conference

Ahead of their highly anticipated first Philippine fancon, <RENDEZVOUS> in Manila, rising K-POP boy group AHOF met with members of the press for a media conference held on August 29, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel.

AHOF, which stands for All Time Hall Of Famer, is a 9-member group under F&F Entertainment. They were formed through the survival show Universe League. The group consists of Steven, Seo Jeongwoo, Zhang Shuaibo, Cha Woongki, Park Han, JL Gaspar, Park Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke.

Fresh off their official debut on July 1, 2025, AHOF is already gaining momentum in the K-pop industry. Their debut album, Who We Are, recorded over 300,000 sales in its first week. Meanwhile, their debut title track, Rendezvous, has already earned them three music show wins, an impressive feat for a rookie group.

Now, the group is headed to Manila for their first fancon on August 30, 2025, with tickets selling out just 30 minutes after they were released to the public. The support they have received has been overwhelming, especially from Filipino fans who are eagerly waiting to meet their favorite idols in person for the first time.

AHOF’s Journey

Before becoming AHOF, the members faced intense competition during the survival show Universe League. When asked about the most challenging part of the experience and how it prepared them for debut, Steven shared, “I think the most challenging part was the consistent pressure to do well in every stage. But through that, we learned how to manage stress and perform better under pressure.” Jeongwoo also reflected on the emotional toll of the show, saying, “Since it was a competition, it was also mentally hard during that time.”

When asked what message they want to deliver through their debut album Who We Are, Woongki responded that the album showcases who AHOF truly is. Park Han added that the album reflects each member’s unique color, which they hope to share with everyone.

Describing the group’s concept and musical style, Park Han shared that their title track Rendezvous has a rock-inspired sound, and that all of their songs feature full Korean lyrics. Meanwhile, Juwon expressed that AHOF’s genre is simply “them as AHOF,” emphasizing that through their debut album, they aim to convey deep emotions through the lyrics.

Early in their career, AHOF has already achieved several milestones, including three music show wins. Reacting to their early success, Shuaibo said, “Is this a dream?” as they still find it hard to believe. Daisuke added, “It’s not that easy to get an award in Korea,” acknowledging how competitive the industry is. He also shared that the awards they have received have fueled their drive to keep improving and doing better.

AHOF’s First Fancon in Manila

Sharing a little teaser for their upcoming fancon, Chih En said that fans can look forward to AHOF’s version of We Ready. The track, originally the title song of Universe League, highlights the different sides of the show’s units: Rhythm, Groove, and Beat, and will be reinterpreted through AHOF’s own style.

When asked which song they are most excited to perform, JL answered that it’s their B-side tracks. He also shared that they have prepared many exciting performances that can only be seen during the fancon.

AHOF’s fancon in Manila was sold out in just 30 minutes. When Cha Woongki found out that they would be performing on a big stage at Araneta Coliseum, he wondered if they could really perform in such a large venue. After learning that it had sold out, Woongki shared that JL came up to him and said, “Woongki hyung, I can’t believe this!” He also expressed his excitement to perform in JL’s hometown and in front of their Filipino fans.

Philippines’ Pride: JL

Bringing pride to the country throughout the survival show up to now as a member of AHOF is JL Gaspar, who delivered incredible performances every step of the way. JL, proud to represent his Filipino heritage, has introduced aspects of Filipino culture to his fellow members. Jeongwoo shared that he learned a few Filipino phrases such as “Mahal kita” and “Maraming salamat po”, and mentioned that he enjoys eating Pancit Canton. He also demonstrated the ending poses that JL taught him.

Japanese member, Daisuke, on the other hand, learned the use of the word “po”, which is added to sentences as a sign of respect. He playfully shared that he sometimes mixes up languages and says “Konnichiwa po”, which made both the members and the media laugh.

Cha Woongki also shared that JL told him fast food in the Philippines is really good. However, the first thing he tried was a Philippine mango, which he said was very sweet and delicious.

AHOF’s Future, Role Models, and Chemistry

JL shared that when it comes to the concept or style AHOF wants to try in the future, the group is open to exploring. He said they are currently in an “exploring stage,” where they are figuring out which genre suits them best. However, as much as possible, they want to try everything.

As to who are their role models or music inspiration, JL mentioned that he grew up listening to 2NE1 and Sarah Geronimo, with a bit of The Beatles which his grandfather always plays every sunday. Meanwhile, Juwon shared that his role model is Jennie of BLACKPINK.

When asked to describe AHOF’s chemistry in one word, Steven chose “synergy.” He explained, “When we come together, even though all of our members have different colors, styles, and strengths, we create something really strong that we can’t achieve alone.” Shuaibo, on the other hand, described their chemistry as “shining.” He shared that when all nine members perform together as a group, they truly shine.

“Thank you so much for tonight,” Steven expressed his gratitude to everyone. JL added, “Unang-una sa lahat po, gusto po namin kayong pasalamatan sa pagbibigay ng time and effort para pumunta dito. Since first time po namin ngayon, marami po talagang worries, marami pong doubts. Pero since ganito po ka-warm ‘yung pag-welcome niyo sa’min, sobrang nawala po lahat ’yun. Mas pag-iihan po namin tomorrow. Sa susunod po, magkita-kita po ulit tayo. Salamat po!”

To end the media conference on a high note, AHOF treated everyone present with live performances of two of their songs: Rendezvous and The Universe.