ALLURE ALPHA DRIVE ONE (SPECIAL EDIITON)
SANGWON
How have you been since your debut? Do you still vividly remember your first stage?
Absolutely. I remember it so clearly. Especially when we performed on the stage of the 2025 MAMA Awards for the first time—I was literally sweating all over. It was the moment we were introduced to the world as ALPHA DRIVE ONE, and it was such a huge stage. I had blond hair back then, and I had never shown that look before, so I was worried it might be too shocking for people.
You're blond again now. Since then, you've performed on many big stages, right?
I've gradually gotten used to it. At first, even backstage, I was like, "Wow, how does everyone manage in this chaos?" and kept telling myself to stay focused. Now I've adapted to all of that. I can quickly prepare everything I need backstage. (Laughs) As time has passed, I've been able to enjoy performing much more naturally.
Life changes completely after debut. What felt the most new to you?
I suddenly had a home, fans, and staff members supporting us. I realized that it's not just the members who make up the team—everyone working with us is part of our team. That's when I truly felt, "I really have a team now." Being able to communicate and connect with fans is another huge change.
You're talking about ALLYZ, your fandom.
Exactly. I'm so thankful that we got such a beautiful name with a meaningful message behind it. I thought, "This is a name we'll be able to call beautifully for a long, long time."
You're making a comeback with "OMG." Have there been any moments recently that made you say, "OMG"?
Looking at our schedule for July and August! (Laughs) Recently, I covered "Beautiful," and I was really satisfied with how I sang it, so I felt proud.
The lyrics of "OMG" mention "Seven Days a Week." If you had one extra day in a week, what would you do?
I'd like to go on a day trip. Or maybe have a workout day. I want to build up my stamina, so I do a lot of cardio. Running is one of my hobbies.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself since debuting?
I've become more considerate. I've always thought being considerate of others was important and wanted to practice it, but after debuting, I feel an even stronger desire to care for my members and the people I work with.
How do you show consideration toward the other members?
I think small gestures matter. For example, if I'm in a car and want to recline my seat, I always ask the person behind me first. I'll say, "I'll move my seat forward a bit—would it be okay if I lean back?" There are moments when I can tell the members appreciate those little things.
Your team was formed through a survival show. What's the secret behind ALPHA DRIVE ONE's teamwork?
No one in the group has a difficult personality. Everyone is kind and pure-hearted. Of course, we get sensitive because of our busy schedules, but because everyone is naturally kind, things always work out again. That's why I think we can keep moving forward without major conflicts.
What role do you play in the team?
I'm always comfortable and have fun with the members, but I'm one of the quieter ones. Arno and I are probably the quietest. Sometimes when it's just the two of us, I think, "I guess I can stay silent too." (Laughs) But I do enjoy making dad jokes and random jokes, especially when I get no reaction.
You're also preparing for your fan concert. What have you been working on?
We're organizing the setlist and practicing now. There are two or three stages we're showing for the first time, so I'm nervous and excited to see how fans will react.
What are your goals as ALPHA DRIVE ONE and as Sangwon?
Professionally, I always want to do my best. My biggest goal is for our music, our performances, and each member's individual charm to shine in as many places as possible. I hope more and more people continue to discover and love us. Becoming a team that keeps growing steadily is our biggest goal.
Where do you get your motivation from?
From our fans, who love everything we do.
You became known for reading books even in hectic situations during BOYS II PLANET. Do you still read?
Not as much these days, unfortunately. But I still always carry a book in my bag.
You and LEO have a long history together. Looking back, how has he changed?
I always say this everywhere: "leo hyung brought me out of my shell," and "I debuted thanks to leo hyung." When I quietly look at him, all our memories come rushing back. It's amazing that we ended up on the same team. He's become much softer and gentler as a person. (Laughs) It was his birthday recently and he told me to pick a present, but I didn't. However, I definitely want to get him a birthday gift.
You spent your first birthday with the members. It must have been special.
We spent it performing at KCON. The fans all held up messages on their phones saying, "Happy Birthday." I was really touched. They congratulated me on stage and everyone applauded.
I feel like you'd be great as a late-night radio DJ.
I really love radio! It's one of the things I want to try someday. I think it's a medium where I can express my calm side and share people's thoughts and concerns. I feel like it could bring comfort both to others and to myself.
What are the three things that make up your ideal daily life?
ALLYZ, good music, and good people. I never want to lose my sense of romance. My favorite words are "love" and "romance." I'm someone who can't live without romance, so I think I'll hold onto it forever.
SANGHYEON
The yellow outfit suits you really well.
Right? Wearing this reminds me of my childhood. Normally, I only wear black and white clothes. These days, I only get to wear my own clothes when I'm traveling, so I end up choosing comfortable outfits—usually sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt.
A lot of things must feel familiar now. How do you look back on your first stage?
It wasn't bad enough to make me regret it completely, but when I watch myself, there are a lot of things I wish I had done better. I was so nervous that my facial expressions weren't as natural as they were during practice, and my body felt stiff too. I could clearly see how nervous I was. That's when I realized that I have to enjoy the stage first so that the audience can enjoy it with me.
Have you found a way to deal with your nerves?
At first, I'd shake the member standing next to me before going on stage. (Laughs) I think the secret is practice and teamwork. We practice a lot. I've even dreamed about being in the practice room several times. Because we're a team, we constantly exchange energy with one another. When one person is exhausted, someone else still has energy and shares it with the group.
Who seems to have the most energy during today's Allure shoot?
Me today. (Laughs) I have the most energy. Since it's an important shoot, I got a good night's sleep yesterday.
What has been the biggest change since your debut?
As trainees, we had a different song and choreography to practice every month. It was always, "This month's song, this month's dance." But after debuting, we finally have our own songs and performances. It makes me think, "This is really ours." As trainees, everything reset every month, but now we can keep showing our growth as time goes on, and I really like that.
What has been the best day of your life so far?
I've had many happy days, but the best day has to be the day I became a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE. The show ended after midnight, and then all of us awkwardly gathered together and were told things like, "Put cake on each other's noses," and "Laugh and have fun together" while filming something. (Laughs) We had no idea what was going on, but we did it all and finally got to go home at 5 a.m.
You've already revealed part of the title track, "OMG!" When was the last time you wanted to shout "OMG!"?
We've experienced so many things recently, but the first thing that comes to mind is when we won Best New Artist and The Platinum awards at the ASEA 2026. That was definitely my biggest "OMG!" moment recently. Not just one award, but two! And I really wanted to win Rookie of the Year, so I was incredibly happy.
What kinds of awards did you receive as a child?
The "Healthy Kid Award." (Laughs) When I attended school in the Philippines, I often received awards for my grades. After coming to Korea and becoming a trainee, I missed school a lot, so I ended up receiving the Healthy Kid Award instead.
Your album also includes a song called "Good Life." What three things do you need for a good life?
Enough rest, entertainment or fun experiences—like talking with friends—and lastly, the love of ALLYZ. If I have those three things, I think I could live happily forever.
Do you have a phrase you use often, like "OMG"?
After debuting, I've been saying one phrase a lot: "No way!" and "No way, bro!" During promotions and when I'm with the members, so many unbelievable things happen that make me say "OMG" and "No way."
Who do you say it to the most?
leo hyung and Anxin hyung. Especially leo hyung—he expresses everything physically. Both of us communicate a lot with our bodies. We're practically at a level where we can have conversations through gestures.
I heard LEO is really funny around the members.
leo hyung is so cute. He wasn't like that at all before, but I think he's changed after becoming part of ALPHA DRIVE ONE. At the same time, he also likes being alone. When he's outside, he uses up all his energy with everyone and then needs time alone to recharge. Me? I'm an extrovert both at home and outside.
Which room in the dorm is the loudest?
Anxin hyung's room. He shares it with Xinlong hyung, but about 95% of the noise comes from Anxin hyung. He's only one year older than me and one of the most energetic members, so when I feel like talking, I often go hang out in his room.
Have you discovered a new side of yourself since debuting?
I realized that I can do aegyo. I couldn't do it before—I had never even tried. The first time I did it was during BOYS II PLANET. Seeing how much people loved it made me want to do it even more, and I think I've gotten better at it. If fans want it, I think I could keep doing aegyo until I'm 100 years old. But if they don't want it anymore, I'll let it go and come back with whatever concept they want.
Recording your own songs instead of evaluation songs must have been emotional.
As a trainee, I spent a lot of time learning from senior artists and following their strengths. With our own songs, I can refer to the demo versions, but I can also add my own ideas. During "EUPHORIA," I tried to stay close to the demo, but starting with this prologue single, I've been putting more of myself into the songs. I keep asking, "How would Jung Sanghyeon sing this?" and gradually adding my own taste.
Which part best represents "Jung Sanghyeon's style" so far?
I really like "OMG!" But if I had to pick one part, it would be the line, "New Cap, freshly taken out." I practiced that part so much. "OMG!" is a song with constantly changing emotions—feeling happy one moment, suddenly sad the next, then surprised. I wanted to express those emotions properly, so I tried singing it in many different ways.
There are still many sides of you that fans haven't seen. What would you like to show next?
I'd like to show a more sentimental side of us. For example, something dreamy and emotional like the line, "You wanna feel, just like a dream," from "FORMULA."
Your nickname on BOYS II PLANET was "The Hip-Hop Cat-Dog." When did you become interested in hip-hop?
Hip-hop was really popular in the Philippines. I didn't even know what it was at first—I just enjoyed singing along, and before I knew it, I was listening to hip-hop and rap. My fashion style changed too. I used to wear whatever my mom picked out for me, like blue shorts and yellow T-shirts, but gradually my wardrobe became full of black clothes. This song is in the hip-hop and R&B genre, and someday I'd love to try authentic hip-hop too.
There's a long tradition in K-pop called "Maknae on Top." Does it apply to ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
Not exactly. In our team, I'm "Maknae on Number Two." Anxin hyung is on top. But when it comes to being cute, leo hyung and I are definitely at the top. (Laughs)
You seem like a calm group today. What's the reality like?
We're calm when we need to be, but when we're loud, we're on another level.
What are your goals as a member of ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
As a team, I want us to enter the Billboard Hot 100. As Sanghyeon, I dream of becoming a personal ambassador for a brand. You have to dream big, right?
JUNSEO
We’re meeting ahead of the release of your prologue single, No School Tomorrow, on May 26. What thoughts have been on your mind before going to sleep these days?
Since it's our first comeback after debut, I'm both nervous and excited to see how people will react to our new side. At the same time, we're also preparing for our fan concert, so we're planning to show everyone a lot of different sides of ourselves.
What kind of side of yourselves do you want to show?
I hope people pay attention to the details of our title track, "OMG!" We worked hard on every little detail, including our facial expressions. Especially the point choreography—we selected and refined it from thirteen different ideas suggested by our performance director, so I feel very attached to it.
You first performed "OMG!" at a university festival. How was the reaction?
It was a completely new experience because I could feel the audience's energy right in front of me. Even though it was a song they had never heard before, by the second chorus everyone was already singing along and cheering enthusiastically.
Before being cast through a DM, you were just an ordinary student. What made you fall in love with performing on stage?
The most attractive thing about it is being able to express yourself however you want. That's why I look forward to every stage. Especially with our pre-release song, "FORMULA," which marked the beginning of our journey, I still feel a sense of determination every time I perform it.
I heard your father was incredibly supportive when you were first cast. Do your parents still support you just as much?
When I first decided to take on this challenge, they worried a lot, but they've always supported me and been happy for me. These days, I really feel like I'm being a good son. Honestly, I don't think being a good son has to be something huge. Staying healthy and keeping in touch with your parents often is probably the most important thing.
That's the right answer. (Laughs) Have you discovered anything new about yourself while promoting as ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
I thought I was a very calm person, but after meeting such energetic members, I've changed a little. Recently, we filmed content using the remix version of "OMG!" and I was having so much fun. It made me realize that music can make you feel that excited.
So your original taste leaned more toward calm and emotional songs?
Exactly. I've also been taking vocal lessons consistently. Someday, on a special occasion, I'd like to cover one of my favorite songs and give it to our fans as a gift.
The members often describe you as considerate and dependable. Where does that caring personality come from?
Whenever I hear things like that, I'm grateful but also a little embarrassed. (Laughs) I really admire people who are genuinely kind without expecting anything in return, and I want to become someone like that too. Nobody is perfect, and life is about helping each other. I think that mindset naturally comes out in my actions.
As the dependable eldest member, you've even appeared on web variety shows with the Chinese members. Have you discovered any new charms about them?
I think it's amazing that they came from another country, learned a new language, and are promoting in Korea. I honestly don't think I could do it. They always try to say one more sentence and ask questions whenever they don't understand something. I find that admirable, and it makes me want to take even better care of them.
You said that after the final stage of BOYS II PLANET, you already felt like you were a team. Have there been moments recently that made you realize your teamwork has become even stronger?
While preparing for the fan concert, we've been learning a lot of new choreography. Back during the 2025 MAMA Awards, it took us a long time to perfect a routine, but now there are songs we've finished learning in just two days. That shows how much our teamwork and chemistry have improved.
Are there moments when you think, "I've worked really hard and lived well"?
Whenever people I've known from before recognize me, or when someone remembers and supports me among so many people, I feel like I need to work even harder. These days, I'm really happy.
What compliments make you happiest?
I often look up people's reactions for monitoring purposes. Comments like, "I love how immersed he gets on stage," or "He shines both on and off the stage," stay with me the most.
I heard you have a great sense for decorating your room.
Every time I look at it, I think, "I decorated this really well," and I'm satisfied. (Laughs) I recently got a reading lamp and some new lighting. I've also been studying Japanese diligently. Since we're promoting in Japan too, I review the words I learn and practice speaking with my teacher.
Have you noticed the members growing as well?
I can feel that everyone has become more responsible, but especially leo. He's becoming more and more like a true leader. He always takes the initiative and even goes over scripts one more time before schedules. Since I'm the oldest member, he used to come to me with questions or worries, but now he's become such a dependable leader.
Like your slogan, "One Destiny. Drive to the Top!" is there a mindset you never want to lose while moving forward together?
The members are honestly such adorable younger brothers. I hope they know that I cherish and feel proud of them even more than I express. I also hope they think of me as an older brother. As a team, I think it's incredibly important to respect each other's strengths and charms. As long as the members continue to grow, I just need to keep working hard too.
What keeps you moving forward?
I may be slow, but I never stop. As long as our fans are with us, I'll keep looking ahead and moving forward. That's something you can trust and believe in.
XINLONG
You're making a comeback with the bright and upbeat title track "OMG." What have you been thinking about most before going to sleep these days?
I've been practicing hard because I want to show an even cooler side of myself. I'm happy that we'll be able to show another charm of ALPHA DRIVE ONE together. I think we'll be able to perform while genuinely enjoying ourselves and having fun with the members.
You promoted on music shows for four weeks during your last activities. What's your favorite part about music shows?
The most fun part is monitoring our performances afterward. I'm always curious about how I looked on camera, and watching the recordings helps me think about how I can improve my gestures and facial expressions. I always look forward to that time.
Your low tone adds richness to the group's sound. Will we be able to hear that charm in the new single as well?
Thankfully, every song we've released so far has highlighted my parts really well. In "OMG!," please pay special attention to my low-tone rap in the second verse. I really love that part.
Even though you're known for your deep voice, I heard you actually have a cute personality.
I think it's because I've opened up more and become brighter than before. I'm actually very shy. In the past, I probably would've answered an interview like this with only one sentence. (Laughs)
You also have TOPIK Level 4 certification and have shown great variety skills on web shows. Do you enjoy filming variety content?
Since debuting with ALPHA DRIVE ONE, my Korean has improved a lot, and thanks to the members, I've become more comfortable and had more fun filming variety content and our self-produced content. I want to make our fans laugh, so I try even harder. Someday, I'd love to appear on rapper Lee Youngji's YouTube channel. What's it called again? Something like "No Side Dishes"...?
You mean Nothing Much Prepared?
That's right! I've been really enjoying the new season too.
You were so determined about your dream that you attended your first audition at the age of seven. What do you want to improve the most right now?
I want to look more relaxed on stage. I always think that my next performance should be my best one. The fact that I can keep standing on stage is something I'm truly grateful and happy for.
What's your favorite video of yourself that you hope people will watch?
Honestly, I'd love it if everyone watched all of ALPHA DRIVE ONE's videos. (Laughs) But if I had to choose one, I'd pick our performance at ASEA 2026. It was a huge stage, and we even won two awards there. I also showed my abs! I think they're always ready because I've been doing b-boying since I was young.
During BOYS II PLANET, your quote, "Because I've been caught in the rain before, I want to hold an umbrella for others," became a hot topic. How did you come up with that expression?
I've also received help from so many people—teachers, seniors, friends, and others. Because I know how difficult and hopeless things can feel at times, I naturally empathize with people who are in similar situations and want to help them.
Do you ask others for help yourself?
I'm a bit shy, so I don't usually ask first. Instead, I try different things and gradually find my own answers. Thankfully, compared to before, I've become much better at solving problems.
Is there anything you'd like to praise yourself for?
For never losing my passion and love for the stage. I think that's something I can genuinely be proud of. Moving forward, I want to stay humble and keep looking ahead.
Is there anything you've learned from the members?
My roommate, Anxin, immediately goes to sleep whenever we have an early schedule or something important the next day. He doesn't waste time scrolling through his phone. I think that's something worth learning.
Is there a role you'd especially like to take on within the team?
Of course, I want to keep doing my best in performances, but someday I'd also like to create choreography and work on music with leo. I want to improve my creative skills so I can contribute more in that area. Above all, I want more people to know the name ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
Even though your days are busy, what has brought you joy recently?
On our last day off, Sanghyeon's mother brought us some pork belly. Sanghyeon even grilled the meat for us at the dorm. Being able to relax for a little while made me really happy.
What food gives you the most energy?
Grilled mackerel. When I first came to Korea as a trainee, I liked it so much that I ate almost one fish every single day.
You have your fan concert coming up in June. What are you looking forward to the most?
The fact that we'll finally have our own stage. I hope we can create beautiful memories with ALLYZ there. The members and I are practicing very hard.
What promise would you like to make while continuing your journey as ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
I always want to show my best self. The definition of "perfect" may be different for everyone, but I think I know what it means for me. I don't want to have any regrets, so I want to keep moving forward without forgetting my promise to always show an improved version of myself.
ANXIN
You're making a comeback just five months after your debut. What have you been thinking about before going to sleep these days?
More than anything, I want to show our fans many different sides of us. We're also working really hard on preparing for our fan concert, so I hope ALLYZ will look forward to it and enjoy our promotions.
What kind of energy do you want to convey through your title track, "OMG!"?
It's a song that captures the fun feeling of hanging out with friends. I want to deliver a brighter, more energetic, and uplifting vibe than usual. When we performed it before, the cheers were so loud that I could barely hear my in-ear monitors. There were so many people in the audience. I hope we can hear that kind of huge cheering at our fan concert too. (Laughs)
The song seems to suit your bright and cheerful personality. The members often describe you as the team's prankster.
I love joking around. There are moments when you naturally get tired while promoting, but when we laugh together, our energy comes back really quickly.
When do you gain the most energy?
Food is really important to me. I think I'm the member who asks, "When is the food coming?" or "When are we eating?" the most.
What's your ultimate comfort food?
Anything delicious! When we went to my hometown, Shanghai, with the members, we ate a lot of good food. These days, transportation and food delivery have become much more convenient there, so I hope ALLYZ can visit Shanghai and enjoy great food too.
You started your entertainment career at the age of eight. When did you realize you had talent?
I think I realized I was good at singing when I was around five years old. (Laughs) I appeared in dramas, movies, and various TV programs, and I especially remember performing on stage with other artists at year-end events. It was a live performance and I was the last performer, so I was incredibly nervous. It was a huge stage.
Now you've gained even more experience performing on big stages, including your first stage as ALPHA DRIVE ONE at the 2025 MAMA Awards.
I was really nervous then too. Once I got on stage, I was okay, but while waiting backstage, my heart was beating so fast. Thankfully, I think I've become more confident and relaxed on stage now.
Compared to some of the other members, you and the youngest member, Sanghyeon, had relatively short trainee periods. Did that ever worry you?
I had also trained in China. When I first came to Korea, I was surprised because the system was so different. I wanted to do well, but I was frustrated because it was difficult to understand classes that were conducted entirely in Korean.
The members often mention you as someone who continuously works hard and keeps improving.
I'm really grateful for that. I'm thankful that people can see my growth and my efforts. The compliment I love hearing the most is, "You've improved so much." Of course, I still have a long way to go, and I want to keep growing.
What would you like to improve the most?
I've practiced dancing a lot because I want to become a better dancer. I take private lessons and receive a lot of help during group lessons as well. Also, my facial expressions don't change much naturally, but I realized that expressions are really important if I want to show myself better. Watching senior artists on music shows has also taught me the importance of confidence and composure on stage.
The lyrics of "OMG!" include the line, "Seven Days a Week." If you had one extra day in the week, what would you do?
I'd either sleep a lot or play games. Or maybe I'd like to go on a proper walk with all the members—we've never really done that before. I'd love to visit the Han River together. Whenever I get a little free time, I usually sleep. I naturally need a lot of sleep, and I've realized that resting properly helps me perform better on stage.
Is there a song you always sing at karaoke?
I've only been to karaoke once in Korea with the members, and we sang "FREAK ALARM." It was so much fun. Everyone only sang their own parts, though. (Laughs)
You have a long history with Arno. Have you discovered a new side of him?
He still likes spending time quietly by himself, but he used to be much calmer than he is now! I'm also amazed by how well he shows his own charm whenever he's on stage.
You're one of the youngest members in the team, but you have a younger brother in real life. Which member would make the best little brother?
All of them! (Laughs) Well… except Junseo hyung. He's so mature that I don't think he could be anyone's younger brother.
You were born on December 25. What would make you happy when looking back on 2026 on your birthday this year?
Winning a Rookie of the Year award. If we could receive one at an end-of-year award ceremony, it would be incredibly meaningful.
You once said in your self-produced content, "Life is originally difficult." Do you still think that way?
I do think life isn't easy, especially when you have clear goals and strong dreams that you want to achieve.
Even so, if you had to pick a simple moment of happiness in everyday life?
Being able to sleep in a little the next day! Waking up around 10 a.m. sounds pretty perfect to me. (Laughs)
ARNO
Everyone says you're the quietest member of the group. Who do you talk to the most?
I think I talk to ALLYZ the most. (Laughs) Among the members, probably Sunppongie? I've always been a quiet person ever since I was young.
What's the secret behind ALPHA DRIVE ONE's teamwork?
There are so many funny members. Rio, Sanghyeon, Junseo hyung, and Anxin are all hilarious. Even when we're practicing until dawn, they make me laugh and bring my energy back up. The atmosphere in the team is always really good. Sangwon and I are on the quieter side, but even Sangwon has funny moments without realizing it. Especially Leo —he seems a little crazy in the practice room! That's how funny and entertaining he is.
What has changed the most in your daily life since debuting?
I'm naturally a J-type (planner), so I used to make very detailed plans. Even during my trainee days, I always had a schedule for what I wanted to practice. But after debuting, it became impossible to plan everything. (Laughs) Things change all the time—new schedules suddenly get added or canceled. My personal routines and practice routines have almost completely disappeared, and that's probably the biggest change.
So have you become a P-type now?
Not really. I'm still not a P-type. I just try to plan as much as possible within the situation I'm in. But honestly, it's difficult because there are so many unexpected things.
Even so, there are important events ahead, like your comeback, first music show, and first fan concert. What have you been preparing for?
This comeback has a completely different concept from anything we've done before, so I've been practicing my facial expressions a lot to create a fresh, refreshing feeling.
How do you practice a refreshing expression?
I try to remember what it felt like when I was in school. I don't think you can simply act on stage—you have to genuinely believe in the emotions you're expressing.
You dreamed of becoming a K-pop artist from far away. Was there a particular song that inspired you?
When I was young, I wanted to become a singer. Then, by chance, I listened to songs like EXO's "Growl" and "Miracles in December," and suddenly I became interested in K-pop and dancing.
Growl
Miracles in December
Looking at your performances on BOYS II PLANET, your dance skills definitely weren't developed overnight.
I think I received good evaluations because I kept practicing. Whenever I want to improve at something, I study it in great detail and keep asking myself how I can do even better. Since I started dancing because I truly loved it, I've spent years researching and practicing every single day.
What was it like working on your own songs and choreography for the first time instead of covering other artists?
It was difficult. When I covered senior artists' songs before, I could learn their style, expressions, and stage presence. But now there isn't really a reference. I can express myself exactly the way I want, but I worried a lot about whether people would actually like it.
And how do you feel now that you've shown it to people?
I think it's been pretty good so far. (Laughs) And I believe I can continue improving.
Were there any parts during recording that you especially liked?
I really liked my second-verse part in "Cinnamon Shake" and my part in "Chains." I put so much thought and emotion into those recordings. The staff immediately said they were satisfied with them, and it felt like my efforts had been recognized.
How did it feel to stand on the big stages you'd always dreamed of?
It didn't feel real at all. Standing on stages that I used to watch at home with my family and relatives felt like a dream. At the 2025 MAMA Awards, I saw senior artists whom I had admired while training standing right in front of me, and I kept thinking, "This really feels like a dream." To be honest, I have some regrets because I didn't have much experience and couldn't find the cameras very well. But gradually I started getting the hang of it—"Oh, the camera is over there!"
Your hometown is Shenzhen. How did it feel to meet fans there?
That whole day felt so surreal. I returned to my hometown as a celebrity for the first time, met my parents, and even ate the beef burger I'd been craving the most. (Laughs) What felt especially strange was the airport. I used to come and go through that airport alone, but this time I was walking with my members and our managers. I think that feeling will continue to seem new and special no matter how much time passes.
Your title track is called "OMG!" Do you use that phrase often?
All the time. I was actually surprised when I heard the title. The phrases I use most are "Crazy!" and "Oh my God!" The other day I heard we had to wake up early again and immediately thought, "OMG!" But I'm still happy.
The lyrics mention "Seven Days a Week." If you had one extra day off, what would you do?
If I had another day, I'd spend the whole day eating—from morning until late at night. (Laughs) I'd eat hot pot, barbecue, desserts, and drinks. I wouldn't hold back at all.
You started using the name "Arno" after debuting. Do you like it?
Very much. It carries the meaning of "gentle on the outside but strong on the inside," and I think that suits my personality. I want to continue promoting with that meaning in mind and, like my seniors, have a positive influence on people all around the world.
What do you do when you're alone?
I have my own room, and I like to paint. These days, I'm working on an oil painting of a dark ocean at night with the moon reflecting on the water. I haven't finished it yet.
What has been the best day of your life since debuting?
Wow, that's really difficult. Maybe my best day is always tomorrow? (Laughs) I'm having fun today too. We also have individual covers coming up, so I think we'll be able to show everyone's unique charms. Please look forward to it, ALLYZ!
I heard from your self-produced content that you're not afraid of much. Is there anything that scares you?
Making mistakes… and dirty things, maybe? (Laughs) But I actually like ghosts. They're special.
LEO
heard everyone said their leader is really funny.
Who said that? (Laughs) Since my debut, I think people see me as a dependable leader. But honestly, I'm not that serious of a person. When I'm with the members, I joke around a lot.
You and Sangwon go way back. How do you think you've both changed?
When I first met Sangwon, he was still in middle school. He was so shy that he could barely even greet people. We didn't really become close until about two years later. At his core, he's still the same person, but compared to back then, he's become much more outgoing and playful. From my perspective, Sangwon loves freedom and gains energy from being around other people.
What kind of leader are you?
That's actually a question I ask myself every single day: "What does it mean to be a leader?" (Laughs)
So you're a leader who reflects a lot. (Laughs)
I try to keep things open. I want the members to feel free to express themselves. Everyone has so many strengths that I naturally want to respect each and every one of them. I don't think my role is to control them. Instead, I think my job is to truly understand each member—what kind of person they are and what they like. Honestly, I think I'll continue discovering new things and new sides of them even years from now.
Who is the biggest source of support for you as a leader?
Junseo hyung. He's the only member older than me, and our personalities are quite different, so I rely on him a lot. He's very detail-oriented, organized, and good at taking care of things. I learn a lot from him and often feel motivated by him. I'm really grateful for his presence.
How do you show consideration toward the other members?
I try to give everyone their own space. I don't like rushing people, and I only speak up when something really needs to be said. I want to respect everyone's personality and individuality. Every member has such a beautiful heart, and I'm truly thankful for that. I think it's wonderful that there are no walls between us.
Before debuting, what was your dream stage?
I think it was always MAMA, even if it was just a vague dream.
And your very first stage ended up being the 2025 MAMA Awards. You must have been overwhelmed.
Honestly, I didn't even have time to process my feelings. It was my dream stage, but I was also preparing for both my debut and the performance at the same time. The only things on my mind were, "Let's show everyone what we have," and "Don't make mistakes." If I ever get the chance to stand on that stage again, I'd like to get closer to the image I had imagined during my trainee days.
2025 MAMA Awards
Have you noticed any changes in yourself while promoting as ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
I think I've become much more responsible. I'm someone who likes lying down and relaxing, and I'm not naturally a very active person. But these days, I've become much more diligent and try to make the most of every day. Sometimes I think to myself, "Maybe I've really grown."
What's been the most exciting new experience recently?
We performed at a university festival, and to me, those stages always seemed like places that only famous artists could perform at, so it felt surreal. Things like shooting an Allure pictorial are also very special. I used to see those kinds of photos and videos on social media all the time, and one day I realized that I was in them too. Seeing ALPHA DRIVE ONE and myself as the people in those photos made me think, "Wow, I really debuted. My everyday life has completely changed."
And one thing that always feels new is the existence of ALLYZ. Every time our fans come to support us at our schedules, I can feel how sincere they are toward us, and it makes me incredibly happy.
How did it feel to achieve such an amazing first-week album sales record together with ALLYZ?
I'm so proud and thankful! It's an incredible achievement, but we can't stop here. I want to show everyone an even better side of us. This isn't something we achieved through our efforts alone—it's the result of collaboration with so many people, especially our fans. Since they made this possible, I want to repay them by becoming even better.
You always lead the chant, "One Destiny." What meaning does it hold for you?
It carries a lot of ambition. Even the name ALPHA DRIVE ONE has a beautiful meaning when you break it down. I especially love the word "Drive." It represents determination and the mindset of making things happen. At first, I thought it simply meant driving a car, but it actually holds much deeper meaning, and I really love that.
Do you have any rituals before going on stage?
Instead of saying anything, I clap loudly right in front of my face. It helps me whenever I'm nervous. During performances, if I ad-lib or encourage the crowd to cheer, I can see the members become more energized too. That's kind of my secret weapon—raising everyone's energy on stage.
At the same time, I'm always keeping an eye on everything: "Is everyone's mic on properly?" "Did everyone hear the change in blocking?" Things like that.
When are you happiest on stage?
When we successfully show everything we prepared. If we finish a performance without making a single mistake, I'm genuinely so happy. Just yesterday, we performed at a university festival where it was raining heavily and there were a lot of changes to the stage setup. But we pulled it off without any mistakes, and I felt incredibly proud. Afterwards, I bought snacks for all the members at the convenience store—with the heart of a father. (Laughs) That's how happy I was.
Do you enjoy the process of recording and releasing songs as well?
When things go well, I'm incredibly happy. I think, "This is another stage where I can express myself!" (Laughs) But when things don't go well, I feel frustrated and emotional. It makes me realize just how sincere I am about music. I know how happy I feel when I sing exactly the way I intended and listen back to the song afterward. I don't think I could ever give that feeling up.
Where does your drive as LEO of ALPHA DRIVE ONE come from?
Even deciding to participate in BOYS II PLANET wasn't an easy decision. I've been in Korea for about eight years now—it really took me eight years to get here. During that time, I experienced many failures, considered other paths, and had plenty of time to think and organize my feelings. Compared to others, I probably had more time to reflect. Through that process, my dream became clearer. My sense of purpose and determination grew stronger, and I came back with the mindset that if I was going to do this again, I had to do it right.
What are you hoping to achieve with your upcoming fan concert?
I just want to do well. I want our fan concert to become the start of great momentum. Concerts are incredibly important. I want people to say, "ALPHA DRIVE ONE is amazing live," or "They're a group whose performances are really fun to watch." That's why we're all preparing so hard. Whenever we're on stage, I want to show how sincere we are about performing.
We're already halfway through the year. How would you evaluate the first half of 2026?
I'm satisfied! I'm not actually a very optimistic person—I tend to worry about the next thing all the time. But we've done so well and achieved so much that I've been able to put those worries aside. Time has gone by much faster than I expected. I bet the second half of the year will go by even faster.
On December 31, what would you like to say to the members?
I'd like to tell them, "You all did an amazing job. This was your best year yet." If I'm able to say those words, it means everything went well. And I'd also want to say, "You worked hard." I think that's the warmest and most satisfying way to end a year together.