KB News Desk
Amid Geonwoo’s hiatus over a hot-mic controversy, the rookie group says it has grown stronger
Alpha Drive One says the challenges it has faced since its debut have only strengthened the team, with the bandmates hoping their latest release will deliver the same kind of encouragement to listeners navigating their own uncertainties.
“As Alpha Drive One, we’ve been running forward at full speed, but we’ve also faced so many worries along the way,” leader Leo said at a showcase in central Seoul on Monday, ahead of the release of the group’s second EP, “Unbreakable: Beast.”
“I think we’ve become stronger by confronting those events one by one,” he added. “Just as we gain strength from Allyz (fandom name) whenever we feel shaken, we hope this album can give positive and comforting energy to our fans and other listeners.”
The new effort arrives seven months after Alpha Drive One debuted in January with “Euphoria.” The project group, formed through Mnet’s survival show “Boys II Planet,” quickly surpassed 1 million album sales with its debut release and earned four music show wins.
Since then, however, the group has weathered challenges, including Geonwoo’s indefinite hiatus following a hot mic controversy in April.
Now a septet — Leo, Junseo, Arno, Sangwon, Xinlong, Anxin and Sanghyeon — the group is continuing to expand its ambitions alongside its growing confidence.
The seven-track EP centers on the growing pains of young people who struggle against prejudice and labels imposed by others, exploring the vulnerability hidden beneath a hardened exterior.
Musically, “Unbreakable: Beast” also marks a sharp departure from the brighter image Alpha Drive One presented through its debut album and May’s prologue single “No School Tomorrow.”
Lead single “Born Dire” blends British rave and punk influences into an explosive performance track about refusing to stop even amid chaos and pressure.
For the bandmates, the word “unbreakable” has long been more than just the album’s title.
“Ever since we became a team, the word ‘unbreakable’ has been meaningful to us. We even have it written on the wall of our dorm,” Leo said. “It represents our determination to rely on one another and keep moving forward no matter what fears we face.”
Junseo said the phrase also captures where the group currently stands.
“We’re still a work in progress as we continue to grow. In that sense, I think this album’s theme fits Alpha Drive One’s own story perfectly,” he said.
