AHOF's 2nd mini-album "The Passage" features 5 tracks, showcasing their growth and maturity since their debut album. Title track hits charts.

AHOF has released their 2nd mini-album "The Passage." "The Passage" is a new album released about 4 months after their debut album "WHO WE ARE." The album includes the title track "Pinocchio Hates Lies" and a total of 5 songs, from "9, The Beginning of a Shining Number (Intro)" to "Running at 1.5 Times Speed," "So That I Never Lose You Again," and "The Sleeping Diary (Outro)." Above all, AHOF's transformation into a more mature group stands out. The title track "Pinocchio Hates Lies" ranked 1st on Bugs! real-time chart and 79th on MelOn's "HOT100" upon release, making its mark on Korean music distribution charts. Additionally, the song topped charts in the Philippines and Singapore, dominating iTunes charts in a total of 13 countries, gaining global popularity. -- After a 4-month break, how do you feel about your first comeback since your debut? Steven: I'm very excited and happy to come back with an album where all 9 members can showcase new charms. We worked hard while promoting our debut, so I hope many people can feel the charm of this album. -- Do you have any special episodes or memorable moments from the preparation process? Zhang Shuai Bo: I remember the day we filmed the music video for the title track "Pinocchio Hates Lies." It was my first time trying a one-take shoot for this music video. I was nervous and thought I couldn't fail, but it was a new experience, so it remains a good memory. Park Han: I also really enjoyed filming the music video. It was my first time using wires. Please try to find that scene in the music video. -- This album contains the growth stories of the 9 members. Since you are at a stage of maturing from boys to adults, do you feel you have grown personally? Cha Eun Gi: This album was completed with the members participating in the lyrics writing and actively sharing opinions. I felt that the whole group has grown musically as we worked even more actively than on our debut album. Zhang Shuai Bo: I think it’s about our abilities as performers. When we were preparing for our debut album, we focused on executing music and performances well, but through various stages, I realized the importance of expression. While preparing for this album, we thought about how to convey our stories and emotions effectively on stage. -- What kind of charm does the title track "Pinocchio Hates Lies" have? Is there a part you personally think is the killing part (the part that captures people's hearts)? JL: The title track expresses showing honest feelings only to “you” even amidst turmoil. While the lyrics may sound like words to a lover, the existence of “you” can also be interpreted as fans, friends, or family. I think the ability to expand interpretation to any relationship is its charm. That’s why I believe more people can empathize with our song. Park Juwon: I think the part that goes, "I can feel a bit more now that I've grown taller / Being honest takes courage" is the killing part. The lyrics unfold like an acrostic poem with "Pinocchio," which I find interesting and impactful. I particularly like that it conveys the message of “honesty.” -- The included songs unfold various stories as if the members are keeping a diary. What is your favorite included song? Steven: Personally, I have an attachment to "9, The Beginning of a Shining Number (Intro)," which I wrote the lyrics for. There’s a line that says, "Cause you & I and all nine shine brighter together," which symbolizes that we shine more because all 9 members come together, and that part stays in my heart the most. Park Juwon: I also really like "Running at 1.5 Times Speed." While the title track focuses on the inner aspects of youth, "Running at 1.5 Times Speed" expresses the bright and strong image that comes to mind when thinking of youth. I think many people will enjoy the refreshing and lively energy that contrasts with AHOF's style of youth. Daisuke: Just as our previous album's "The Universe" was loved, AHOF is also famous for its “track matches (great songs),” so I have confidence not only in the title track but also in the included songs. If I had to pick one, I would recommend listening to "The Sleeping Diary (Outro)." It has a soft R&B sensibility, so I think general listeners will enjoy it, and the lyrics are very beautiful and resonate deeply. -- How would you express "The Passage" in one word? I’m curious about the changes and new charms of AHOF that can be discovered in this album. So Jung Woo: I would express "The Passage" as an “egg.” While "WHO WE ARE" showed what kind of team AHOF is, this time we focused on expressing our true selves. I think it captures the image of the 9 members breaking their shells and moving forward. Cha Eun Gi: The keyword for this album is “rough youth,” so while we used band sounds like in our debut song, it has become rougher and deeper, and the performances have added power and splendor compared to the previous work. I believe you will feel the matured and intensified charm of AHOF. -- What kind of reactions do you want to hear through this work? Park Han: I want to hear reactions like, “As expected of AHOF, they’ve grown so much.” "The Passage" was produced with EL CAPITXN, who also worked on our debut album. We wanted to maintain the identity of AHOF shown in the debut album while surprising fans with a fresh image of AHOF and taking on many new challenges. I would be happy if you notice our growth in a short period. -- Finally, do you have a message for FOHA (fan name) who have been waiting for AHOF's new album? So Jung Woo: FOHA! Our 2nd mini-album has been released. I’m happy to meet you all again soon. I’m already looking forward to our upcoming activities. Let’s enjoy the activities of "The Passage" together. JL: Thanks to FOHA, who have always watched over us, we were able to prepare hard for this album. Standing at the boundary between boyhood and adulthood, we will do our best to show you an even cooler version of ourselves. I hope our sincerity comes through music and on stage.