Nine Stars, One Story: AHOF Talk Debut EP “WHO WE ARE,” Teamwork, and What’s Next
If you’re not already obsessed with All-time Hall of Famer, also known to the world as AHOF, don’t worry, you’re about to be. Born from SBS’s high-stakes survival show Universe League, the nine-member powerhouse group — comprised of STEVEN, JEONGWOO, WOONGKI, SHUAIBO, HAN, JL, JUWON, CHIH EN, and DAISUKE — made their official debut at the beginning of July with their first EP WHO WE ARE. Packed with multi-national talent, overflowing charisma, and just the right amount of mischief, AHOF are ready to prove they’re more than just rookies.
Over a Zoom call, the group greeted EnVi with the same combination of chaos and charm that’s quickly becoming their signature. Whether reflecting on the emotional core of their debut, or joking about ants, AHOF proved that while their stage presence is polished, their offstage camaraderie is just as captivating. In this exclusive interview, the group open up about the heart behind WHO WE ARE, the teamwork that brought it to life, and the behind-the-scenes stories that kept them laughing along the way.
“The Little Star”
On July 1, 2025, AHOF officially debuted with their first mini album, WHO WE ARE, marking their transition from survival show contestants to active rookies. The album quickly made an impact, topping iTunes charts in six countries and earning over 3.6 million YouTube views on the “Rendezvous” music video within 24 hours. Their momentum continued with wins on Show Champion and The Show, impressive milestones for a group just entering the industry. Only months ago, they were named the final lineup of Universe League and now they’re performing on major stages, setting records, and hearing their names chanted by fans around the world.
Months of intense preparation led up to the release of WHO WE ARE, and when asked what it felt like to finally share it with the world, leader STEVEN didn’t hesitate. His hand pressed to his chest, he lit up as he described the joy of watching fans embrace their hard work. “We’ve been preparing for so long, so the fact that we can finally show the fans what we prepared… it just means so much, and it’s so heartwarming.”
From the start, the album was built to reflect the group’s identity. JL explained simply, “It’s literally who AHOF is.” The members wanted their debut release to offer a narrative, not just a collection of songs. “Each track is connected,” WOONGKI, who directly contributed to the lyrics of title track “Rendezvous” added. “If you listen from track one to six, it explains who we are.”
When it came to choosing a favorite track off WHO WE ARE, the members of AHOF shared one unified answer: they couldn’t pick just one. While each member found different moments to connect with, one song stood out as especially meaningful. “The Little Star,” the album’s soft and sentimental opener, became a quiet favorite.
Built around a delicate motif inspired by the lullaby “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” the track is both a love letter to their dreams and a reaffirmation of themselves. “Every time up until now [that] I listen to that song, it makes me cry, you know?” JL said.
(For those looking for a deeper dive into the entire track list and the stories behind the songs, be sure to check out our full WHO WE ARE album breakdown here!)
Left: STEVEN Center: JL Right: WOONGKI
Lights, Stage, AHOF
As they looked back on their time on Universe League, EnVi asked about the moment when it all clicked that they’d graduated and earned their places on stage?
For them, that moment wasn’t during a dramatic elimination episode or even the final ranking reveal. It happened in a playback session after the album’s recording had wrapped. WOONGKI recalled, “We listened to our voices on the songs, and I thought, ‘We could be superstars. We could really be great artists.’” Surrounding him, the members chimed in agreement. “Yeah! Yeah!” they echoed enthusiastically. Even from the edge of the frame, SHUAIBO offered a firm nod.
JL added, “We really wanted to make [the album] perfect, and we wanted to do something that will make the fans feel it too. So we were kind of worried, but when we listened it was like…this is it.”
That passion extends while they’re on the stage. With their lead single “Rendezvous,” AHOF delivers choreography that balances sharp group formations with moments of individuality that let each member shine to their fullest potential.
JEONGWOO called out the opening sequence as a standout, humming the melody as he explained how it lets each member come into focus. HAN and JUWON both singled out the dance break, a moment that builds in intensity as the music swells. “It expresses a lot of emotions,” JUWON said. “You can really feel the energy as you dance.”
Looking ahead, HAN dreams of leaning deeper into hip-hop concepts, while DAISUKE, youngest of the group, is open to either end of the spectrum. “Something really cute… or really powerful,” he said with a laugh, miming opposite ends of a scale.
Left: JEONGWOO Center: SHUAIBO Right: HAN
Nine Colors, One Canvas
Though their visuals and stage presence may steal the spotlight, AHOF’s real strength lies in their connection with each other. From dorm room chaos to long days on set, the group finds energy in their shared bond, a theme that came up often in our conversation.
STEVEN recalled the exhaustion of their music video shoot, but also the unexpected warmth that came with it. “We were there for each other, giving support to each other, even though we were tired ourselves,” he said. “That’s when we really got closer.”
JL compared their teamwork to ants, a surprisingly fitting metaphor. “You know how ants are really, really small? But together they can lift heavy things,” he said. “Even though our condition [wasn’t] that good, we still did everything to hype each other. It just naturally came together with the group.”
“Wait, so we are ants?” WOONGKI asked with mock confusion, setting off a round of laughter.
“Yes! We’re ants!” JL confirmed proudly.
That’s the power of AHOF. Individuals strong on their own, but unstoppable as one. “AHOF is not AHOF without each member,” JL emphasized. While the group’s name stands for All-time Hall of Famer, its pronunciation — “Ah-op” — mirrors the Korean word for nine, 아홉 (ahop).
Even the quieter members like SHUAIBO and CHIH EN embodied this resilient strength during the call. CHIH EN stayed focused with attentive posture, nodding thoughtfully as others spoke. SHUAIBO, quick to laugh at inside jokes and exchange knowing glances with his more chaotic bandmates, radiated a soft warmth that spoke volumes without needing to say much.
AHOF is made up of nine members from six countries: South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and the Philippines. Eldest member STEVEN, from Australia, leads the group with prior experience in the industry. South Korea is represented by JEONGWOO, WOONGKI, HAN, and JUWON, while CHIH EN and SHUAIBO come from Taiwan and China, respectively. DAISUKE represents Japan, and JL, from the Philippines, made history as the first Filipino male idol to debut in a K-pop group through a televised survival show.
Together, they each hold a piece of what makes AHOF whole.
Keeping the Light Lit
Behind the scenes it’s the little things that keep AHOF grounded. Through shared meals, inside jokes, and even impromtu concerts, the group finds joy in each other even off the clock. When asked how they find comfort in difficult moments, the members always brought it back to each other.
JUWON shared how he used to find comfort in eating delicious food alone. “Now, with my members, I laugh a lot. When I’m with [them], it’s like, they help to uplift and cheer up my mood,” he said. STEVEN turns to fans. “Reading [the] support and fan letters, reminds me of the purpose of why I started this journey in the first place.” HAN is all about his sweet treat fix: a strawberry banana drink that recharges his battery instantly.
JL revealed a hidden gem in the dorms, which was received with a chorus of laughter and a loud “Oh my god!”
“WOONGKI’s concerts,” he said, looking up at the older boy from his seat. “Even when we’re tired…WOONGKI will prepare everything and he’ll start singing. It’s so fun!” He continued, “He makes us watch for free too.”
At this point, WOONGKI is beaming, giving a playful look to the camera. “It will be changed.”
“We’ll have to pay soon,” JL laughed, “So we need to enjoy it now.”
Left: JUWON Center: DAISUKE Right: CHIH EN
Just the First Star
AHOF’s journey from survival show trainees to chart-climbing rookies has been anything but easy. However, it’s taught them one essential skill: adaptability. “Back then [during Universe League], our goal was to debut,” JL reflected. “Now, we want to connect with fans, and grow not just as artists, but as people.” The group is embracing the challenges ahead with open minds and even bigger hearts.
When it comes to fans, whether longtime supporters or new listeners, AHOF’s gratitude runs deep. “When we’re tired, your guys’ letters, fanmeetings, events, video calls…everything gives us lots of support,” said WOONGKI, “That’s why we cannot stop. You guys are the reason why.” JUWON added, “We promise to repay that support with great music, choreography, and performances.”
“Let’s meet together everywhere, whenever,” JL chimed in, clapping his hands with excitement. “Let’s be together and achieve great things together.”
STEVEN, always one for connection, signed off with “Let’s make memories.”
As a final question we asked the members to fill in the rest of this sentence. “The next chapter of AHOF will be….?”
STEVEN: “The next chapter of AHOF will be a mystery for now.”
JUWON: “We’ll show you.”
WOONGKI added in one of the groups goals for the remainder of the year: “Rookie Awards! Our goal [for] 2025. We wish we can get it!”
As our time wrapped up (with the group politely wishing me a good night’s sleep after this 4AM call), one thing was clear. WHO WE ARE is only the first star in their journey to collect the rest of the cosmos. AHOF are ready to carve their name into the Hall of Fame.
Be sure to listen to WHO WE ARE on Spotify, & Apple Music, and follow AHOF’s journey on Instagram, X, and TikTok to stay up on date on everything they do next.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories? Read our exclusive interview with Filipino R&B artists Dionela on love, music, and inspiration here!
