Rookie Sensation AHOF to Make a Powerful Return with Second Mini Album

Rising K-pop powerhouse AHOF is proving their title as a “monster rookie” is no exaggeration.

According to their agency, F&F Entertainment, on the 14th, the nine-member group — Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke — will make their highly anticipated comeback with their second mini-album, The Passage, set for release on November 4.

The newly released Coming Soon poster immediately caught fans’ attention with its rugged, brown texture and minimalist design, sparking intrigue about the group’s next artistic direction. The bold typography of the album title and release date hints at a more mature and introspective concept, fueling anticipation among their rapidly growing global fandom.

This comeback comes just four months after AHOF’s explosive debut with their first mini-album WHO WE ARE in July — a release that marked a record-breaking entry into the K-pop scene. The group swiftly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, achieving the fifth-highest debut album sales for a boy group in history and earning three music show wins within weeks of their debut. Their successful 10,000-seat fan concert in the Philippines last August also demonstrated their massive overseas popularity and stage dominance.

Beyond impressive numbers, AHOF captivated listeners with their authenticity and storytelling. Their debut album presented a raw yet hopeful youth narrative — a story of striving for perfection while embracing imperfection. It resonated with fans for its sincerity and message of growth, carving out a distinct artistic identity that goes beyond surface-level appeal.

Now, with ‘The Passage,’ fans are eager to see how AHOF will expand that narrative. The title evokes the idea of journey and transformation — a symbolic continuation of their story as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of youth. Questions abound: What new soundscape will they explore? What emotions will they convey through this next chapter? Expectations are soaring as the group gears up to showcase another layer of their artistry through powerful performances and emotionally charged music.

AHOF’s rapid rise has already been validated through multiple rookie honors this year. They earned the K-World Dream Super Rookie Award at the 2025 K-World Dream Awards, followed by the Next Icon Award at the 7th Newsis Hallyu Expo, and the Hottest Award at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards — an impressive string of accolades that cements their place as one of the most promising next-generation boy groups in K-pop.

Living up to the meaning behind their name — “Aim High Our Future” — AHOF continues to chase greatness with unwavering ambition. With ‘The Passage,’ they are expected to present a richer musical narrative, blending growth, emotion, and vision.

As anticipation builds, AHOF plans to actively engage with fans through a series of pre-comeback promotions, ensuring that their journey from “rookies” to “future legends” is one fans around the world can witness — and be part of — every step of the way.