“We want to be remembered not only as respected idols but also as respected humans”—AHOF held a media conference prior to their first-ever FanCon in Manila.
On August 29, the media conference for the AHOF 1st Philippine FanCon Rendezvous in Manila happened at the Sheraton Manila Hotel. The nine-member group looked stunning in their black suits as they arrived and greeted the media.
Prior to the group’s main introduction, each member had the opportunity to pose for the media.
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AHOF shares how do they hope to be remembered as a K-Pop idol
Pop Journal asked the group how they wanted to be remembered as K-Pop idols, and the members responded with heartfelt sincerity.
Member Woongki said, “I wish we are remembered as one and only K-Pop idol.” He also mentioned that he thinks AHOF is incredibly charismatic while performing. With that, they want others to stock in that idea of them. One of their aspirations is to become a Hall of Famer in the K-Pop industry.
While the Filipino member JL delivers his response and impresses everyone, “We want to be remembered not only as respected idols but also as respected humans.”
The group dreams came true with their debut performance in the Philippines
With back-to-back sold-out events: FanCon at Smart Araneta Coliseum and a fan signing at Robinsons Galleria, the group proved their strong bond with fans and solidified their growing presence in the local scene.
JL confesses that he always returns to the Philippines alone but promises that the next time he will return with his members. And now that they’ve all arrived together, it’s like a dream come true. They know how supportive Filipino fans are, and despite the fact that it has only been a short time since their debut, the amount of support and love they have received has been overwhelming. Because of this, they are more pleased with and passionate about their activities in the Philippines.
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The group’s reaction to their sold-out show at Smart Araneta Coliseum
Their FanCon sold out in less than 30 minutes, which is surprising given that a two-month-old group is performing in a venue with a capacity of over 9,000 seats. A monster rookie, indeed.
Woongki says, “At first, when JL told me that we’re going to perform at a really huge stadium, he showed me how big it is. I was like, ‘Oh my god, can we do it? Can we perform it?'”
JL couldn’t believe it either, but they are excited to perform and meet their fans.
The kind of relationship they want to build with their fans
The group agrees that being natural is what they want the most. They want everything they do to be as natural as possible. They firmly believe that embracing their natural side should be their starting point, as it allows them to establish stronger connections with their fans through fan meetings, music, and online interactions such as social networking sites.
JL said, “We always think it’s better to be natural in everything, kasi pang matagalan po kumbaga.”
AHOF role models and inspiration
JL talks about his role models, “Personally, I grew up listening to 2NE1 sunbaenim. And then, of course, Ms. Sara Geronimo and my grandfather played The Beatles every Sunday.”
Meanwhile, member Juwon chooses Jennie of BLACKPINK because he believes she is talented even in her solo performances, and she can cover the entire stage. At the same time, her ability to compose her own songs is very inspiring.
In addition, when asked what they thought to be the most challenging part of being in a survival show program, the leader Steven answered, “I think the most challenging part was the consistent pressure to do well on every stage. And I think through that, we learned how to manage stress and to perform better under pressure.” Also, the member Jeongwoo confesses that he cried during the survival show, but that wasn’t broadcast.
Moreover, fans were ecstatic over the group’s debut performance on the Philippine stage and expressed that they want to see them again soon.
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Huge thanks to SBTown for inviting Pop Journal to the AHOF 1st Philippine FanCon Rendezvous in Manila media conference.
Photos: Bea Ibañez
