Rising K-pop boy band Ahof has made a swift return to the music scene with their second extended play album "The Passage," released just four months after their debut. The nine-member group, which was formed through the SBS audition program "Universe League," tackles the challenging theme of "rough youth" in their latest release, diving deep into the anxiety, pain, and turbulent emotions that accompany the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

During a media showcase held in Seoul, member Woongki explained the concept behind their comeback, stating, "When most people think of youth, they only picture beautiful and heartwarming scenes. But youth isn't always beautiful. Sometimes it's difficult and painful. 'Rough youth' is about accepting that instability and finding your genuine self." Fellow member Cha added that this concept directly reflects the group's own personal journey of growth and development, saying, "We've captured our story of growing stronger after navigating a rough and confusing period, expressing that process in Ahof's unique way."

The new five-track EP serves as a follow-up to their debut release "Who We Are," which came out in July. The album's title track "Pinocchio" features a powerful band sound and cleverly uses the classic fairy tale as a metaphor to explore themes of sincerity and honesty. According to the group, the song represents one's deep desire to be truthful with someone they love, despite experiencing moments of unpredictability, anxiety, and emotional uncertainty. The track showcases a more mature musical direction for the young artists.

The rapid comeback timeline presented its own set of challenges for the group members. Jeongwoo candidly admitted to feeling pressure about meeting heightened expectations, confessing, "There was anxiety about having to show a more grown-up side compared to our previous work. My confidence dropped with the thought, 'What if it's not perfect?' but the members' constant encouragement helped us push through." Woongki also noted a significant evolution in their performance style, explaining, "While our debut song, 'Rendezvous,' was characterized by a boyish charm, the choreography for 'Pinocchio' showcases tougher dance lines."

Since their debut, Ahof has experienced remarkable success in a relatively short period. The group achieved the impressive feat of topping three local television music chart programs within just ten days of their initial release. They have also successfully held a sold-out standalone fan concert in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in their young career. Reflecting on this memorable experience, member Han shared, "When I stood on stage at the concert venue, it felt as if I were surrounded by a universe of twinkling stars. It was a performance I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Filipino member JL expressed particular joy about performing with the group in his home country, sharing his hopes to continue developing as an artist alongside his bandmates. However, the group will be operating as an eight-member team for their current promotional activities, as Taiwanese member Chih En has temporarily suspended his participation due to health concerns. Jeongwoo addressed this situation, explaining, "Unfortunately, Chih En cannot join us for this promotion. He is currently focusing on recovery so he can return in good health." He added that despite his absence, Chih En remained supportive throughout the album preparation process, sending encouragement and compliments to his fellow members. The remaining members have committed to working extra hard to compensate for his temporary absence while ensuring his spot remains ready for his return.