[E-Daily Starin Reporter KIM HYUNSIK ] “K-Pop Hot Talk” is a weekly column that highlights memorable quotes gathered while covering the K-pop scene. <Editor’s Note>

◇“Thank you for making this miracle happen”
Boy group AHOF (AHOF·Steven, Seo Jeong-woo, Cha Woong-ki, Zhang Shuai-bo, Park Han, J.L., Park Ju-won, Zuan, and Daisuke) made these remarks at the press showcase for their third mini-album “RUN TO YOU,” held on the 8th at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
There is a good reason why Cha Woong-gi described the release of this album as “a miracle.”
Cha Woong-ki previously debuted in 2020 as a member of the boy group TOO, releasing two mini-albums. He continued his activities even after the group rebranded and changed its name to TO1, but left the group following the promotion for their second mini-album.
Afterward, Cha Woong-gi attempted to participate in Mnet’s idol survival program “Boys Planet” (BOPL), but he was unable to fulfill his dream of making a comeback. At the time of his elimination, he said, “When I announced I was going to try out for ‘Boys Planet,’ I heard a lot of comments like, ‘What you want to do and what you can do are two different things,’ ‘Your time is already up,’ and ‘I wish you’d face reality.’ But I don’t think that’s true. Through ‘BOPL,’ I realized my own potential. I’m going to become an even better person,” earning him a lot of support.
Finally, Cha Woong-ki seized another opportunity through the SBS idol survival program “Universe League,” which aired in 2024, and successfully made a comeback last year with the nine-member group.

Given all he’s been through, his “third mini-album” holds special significance for Cha Woong-ki. At the end of the showcase, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’d like to thank the fans and staff who made this third mini-album—something so dreamlike and miraculous—possible,” and reaffirmed his resolve, adding, “I’ll work even harder on stage.”
Meanwhile, “Run to You” is the album Ahop released to mark their first debut anniversary. It is also their first new release since kicking off their first Asian tour, “THE FIRST SPARK.”
The album features a total of five tracks, including the title track “Run to You,” as well as “Sugar High,” “JUST SAY YES,” “It’s Just Because It’s You,” and “Our Story.”
The title track, “Run to You,” is a refreshing summer song that expresses the feeling of running unhesitatingly toward someone you like. K-pop hitmaker El Capitán, who has consistently collaborated with Ahn, participated in the composition.
Introducing the new song, the members said, “It’s a great song to listen to when you want to cool off or beat the heat,” and shared their ambition, stating, “Our goal for this promotion is to reach No. 1 on music shows.”