ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) has boldly declared their ambition to become a new standard in K-pop.
On the afternoon of the 12th, the group, comprised of Rio, Junseo, Arno, Gunwoo, Sangwon, Sinlong, Anshin, and Sanghyun, held a showcase at the Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their debut album ‘EUPHORIA.’
ALPHA DRIVE ONE is a K-pop group formed through global fan votes on Mnet’s audition survival program ‘Boys Planet,’ which aired in September last year. The group’s name, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, signifies their goal (ALPHA) of excellence, passion and drive (DRIVE), and unity as a team (ONE), aiming to deliver ‘K-POP catharsis’ on stage.
During the event, the members shared their ambitions as they debuted in the music industry. Rio stated, “We practiced tirelessly every day to show our best. We ask for your interest and love.” Junseo added, “We hope ALPHA DRIVE ONE will be known as an icon of K-pop’s competitive spirit. We want to be a group that constantly strives for the top.”
Despite attending on crutches due to a fracture, Arno expressed his determination: “I want to become a symbol of K-pop. Watching senior artists perform globally inspired my dreams. We aim to be a group that makes K-pop history, just like them.” Rio echoed, “We want to be in the K-pop spotlight, to be known by many, and to leave a good impression.”
Anshin stated, “As we unite the drive of eight into one, we aim to showcase our unique team power.” Sinlong confidently added, “We want to become K-pop’s new formula. It would be great if people think of ALPHA DRIVE ONE when they hear K-pop. We want to prove ourselves to the fans who believe in us.”
Sangwon emphasized, “We want to forge a new path in K-pop. Our pre-released song includes the lyrics ‘create a path,’ and just like that, we want to pave our unique way in K-pop.” Gunwoo also expressed, “We aim to become a K-pop phenomenon, sharing positive energy and happiness through our music and activities.”
Arno, who is injured, specifically noted, “I’m so happy to finally share the song we’ve practiced countless times. It’s disappointing not to be able to perform on stage. I feel sorry to the members and fans, and I’ll make sure to recover quickly to perform with all eight of us dancing.”
Rio consoled Arno, saying, “Arno’s absence is significant. It’s our debut, and it’s regrettable that such an important member can’t perform with us. I will do my best to support him so that we can be together soon.”
Expressing admiration for groups with similar audition origins like Wanna One and ZEROBASEONE, they shared, “We greatly respect our seniors Wanna One and ZEROBASEONE.”
Sangwon stated, “To honor the path paved by our seniors, we’ve decided to fully embrace our unique color and grow into a magnificent team. We will certainly show that image.”
Sanghyun also said, “Our goal is to captivate more people with this activity and be dubbed ‘monster rookies.'” Anshin revealed, “We want to win the Rookie of the Year award. It’s an honor to share that moment, as you can only receive it once after debuting.”
Meanwhile, the mini-album ‘EUPHORIA’ captures the exhilarating moment of eight members’ journey towards their dreams, uniting as one team. It conveys the emotions of a new beginning after long preparation and the overwhelming euphoria experienced through ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s unique energy and narrative.
The title track ‘FREAK ALARM’ expresses ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s awakened identity, likening it to a ‘first alarm.’
