The group Alpha Drive One (ALPHA DRIVE ONE) is solidifying its position as the 2025 "top rookie" with more intense performances and a deepened narrative.
Alpha Drive One (Rio, Junseo, Arno, Geonwoo, Sangwon, Xinlong, Ansin, Sanghyun) held a showcase for their second mini album 'UNBREAKABLE : 少年BEAST' (Unbreakable : 少年BEAST) on the 24th at Blue Square SO Travel Hall in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Alpha Drive One's comeback, which also showcased a refreshing and free-spirited charm with the prologue single 'No School Tomorrow' in May, comes about three months later. Alpha Drive One, who debuted in January with their first mini album 'EUPHORIA', became a million-seller upon debut, secured top positions on major domestic and international music charts, and achieved four music show wins, marking a successful debut. They have continued their remarkable achievements by winning rookie and main awards at major domestic and international award shows, totaling eight wins.
Junseo said it is an honor to comeback with a great album. He said the album is especially appealing when enjoyed with the performance, so they prepared great performances. He asked for much anticipation and interest, saying they will show growth through this promotion. Arno said he was disappointed not to be able to perform on stage during the debut showcase and prepared hard with the desire to show a good stage, but could not show it directly due to an injury. Although he cannot perform together, this performance contains powerful energy; he asked for much interest because they prepared hard. Sanghyun said many people worried but the surgery went well and recovery is progressing well, and asked for much interest and love for their second album.
Rio said she is excited and happy to meet fans with their second mini album. She said the process of steadily building their own music is enjoyable, and because the album has a clear beginning, development and conclusion, listeners will be able to immerse themselves deeply when they listen to the full tracks. She promised to become a singer fans can be proud of. Sangwon said that the second mini album feels emotionally fresh and that seeing the whole stage will make it more enjoyable. Ansin said he wants to make good memories during this promotion. Xinlong said he expects various reactions because the album contains songs in diverse styles.
Starting with this album, Alpha Drive One will newly present the "immersive series." Beginning with the title sequence and 'BEAST ARCHIVE', they plan to expand Alpha Drive One's uniquely immersive and original narrative by unfolding the album's intriguing story through diverse content.
Rio said the word "UNBREAKABLE" has been a pledge and meaningful word since they became a team, to the point that they stuck it on the wall of their dormitory. She said it expresses the desire to rely on one another and run forward despite any fears. Junseo said it was not easy for people who lived different lives to become one team; they have bumped into each other while living together and have become stronger. He said he believes they are in a process of growth rather than being complete, and that the theme of this album aligns with Alpha Drive One's narrative. Thanks to the family members and fans supporting them, they can keep running without getting exhausted, and 'UNBREAKABLE' is an album that captures the image of growing and becoming stronger step by step.
Xinlong said he wants to solidify Alpha Drive One as they pioneer a new path. He said they achieved good results thanks to supporters, and because they prepared hard for this album as well, he hopes for good outcomes. Junseo said he wants to convey the keyword of Alpha Drive One's return: the boys who have grown stronger after numerous growing pains. He said they could stand here by repeatedly falling and getting back up, and the story of the boy becoming stronger resembles his and the team's story.
The title track 'BORN DIRE' sings a message of continuing to rush forward amid chaotic control. The rough textures created by the modern reinterpretation of British rave and punk energy through rap, chants and raw vocals maximize the song's tension, and the unpredictably unfolding sound, combined with intense performances, completes a singular immersive experience. It is a song that captures Alpha Drive One's intense identity with bold sound that breaks existing molds and explosive energy.
Sangwon said the title track was a bold challenge. He felt concern and pressure about needing to show a stage with a new resolution, but he wanted to show Alpha Drive One's boundless spectrum and prepared ambitiously. He said the many intense moments of deliberation allowed them to grow more and served as a valuable turning point in expanding the team's musical range.
Xinlong said the choreography intensity is extremely strong. Maintaining tension without faltering is the biggest challenge. They practiced fiercely to ensure the performance's explosiveness does not diminish by pacing breaths and stamina for each section. He said through breaking those limits and syncing their moves, he gained confidence that they will be recognized as a performance group.
The second mini album includes seven tracks: the title track 'BORN DIRE', 'Diamond Hour', 'One More Time', 'Talk to me', 'OMG!', 'Good Life', and 'WELCOME home'. In particular, 'WELCOME home' proves their musical growth as all members participated in writing the lyrics for the first time.
Regarding their first participation in lyric writing, Alpha Drive One said it was a big challenge. Arno, Ansin and Xinlong often compose lyrics in Chinese when they talk, and they write lyrics in Korean as much as they can. This time, personal parts were fixed and short, so it was not that difficult, they said. They added that they sometimes write in English, and if there were difficult parts they asked other members while creating the final lyrics.
Alpha Drive One, who soared after receiving great love upon debut. Junseo said he hopes this album conveys the courage to move forward boldly at one's own speed and direction without being shaken by others' opinions, even amid anxiety. He said the members are the same age and have many concerns about the future, but they draw warm strength from the fans' support, and he wants to send encouragement to everyone who listens to this album. Rio said that in the intense process of running, they face many concerns like other youths, and by overcoming them they are becoming stronger as a team and as individuals. She said that just as fans give them great strength whenever they waver, she hopes this album will be solid comfort to everyone who listens.
Sangwon said that he thought everyone had achieved their dreams just by debuting, and he cannot believe they are receiving such great love. Recently, while doing fan concerts and stages, he felt the fans' great energy. Performing in the United States made every moment feel amazing, thankful and enjoyable. He said he wants to work harder to aim higher, and if given the chance he would like to perform their music on stages like Lollapalooza or Coachella.
Alpha Drive One's second mini album 'UNBREAKABLE : 少年BEAST' (Unbreakable : 少年BEAST) will be released at 6 p.m. through various music sites.
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