Multinational K-pop boy group ARrC has returned with their third mini album, ‘HOPE,’ bringing a message of connection, resilience, and positivity to kick off the second half of 2025. The release comes five months after their previous mini album ‘nu kidz: out the box’ and continues to showcase the group’s signature blend of sincerity and creativity.
Reflecting the meaning of their name, Always Remember the real Connection, ‘HOPE’ explores themes of overcoming uncertainty and embracing optimism in a chaotic world. The title track “awesome” has a 2000s hip-hop vibe with a modern twist, ensuring listeners that even the worst day can be turned around with a shout of positivity. The music video features cultural inspirations from Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Portugal, weaving together striking imagery, folklore references like Korea’s Dokkaebi, and symbolic traditional masks.
“This album expresses what ARrC thinks and feels these days with much sincerity, so I personally resonate with this album a lot. We shared many conversations and ideas while working on this album, especially about how we can convey certain emotions through music, and I hope all the listeners can relate to our message and sincerity.”
DOHA
Using their signature method, ARrC released a preview track “SKIID” as a way to connect with their fans (ARrCer) and bring them along their artistic journey. Reaching a milestone in their artistry, members HYUNMIN and CHOI HAN were credited as lyricists for “dawns,” marking a first in their careers.
Following the release of ‘HOPE,’ we got the chance to chat with ARrC via roundtable interview to discuss the inspiration behind the album. The members shared their thoughts on its message, reflected on their growth during the process, and gave insight into what makes this comeback especially meaningful.
POP TOKKI: You guys have worked hard for this comeback, is there a track on this album that felt like a turning point for you as artists?
HYUNMIN: “Well, to me, I think our second track, “dawns,” was a turning point for me as an artist because “dawns” is my first track to participate in writing lyrics, so I’m very fond of the song. When I wrote the lyrics for it, I tried to express the emotions and feelings during the time of dawn, like how I was afraid of the dark but not anymore because of ‘you.’ It’s actually a very sweet song, so as I wrote down the lyrics, I felt I upgraded into a better artist. I think I improved a lot, so “dawns” was a turning point for me.”
POP TOKKI: “What’s one challenge you faced while preparing for this comeback that pushed you to grow?”
CHOI HAN: “I think what helped us grow the most this time was how we expressed emotions. Since the song itself is very delicate and has a deep narrative, we needed to approach the emotional delivery more sensitively. So we spent time discussing things with the members, like how to approach certain parts, and matched the mood and vibe together through those conversations.”
As ARrC continues to carve out their path in the K-pop scene, ‘HOPE’ stands as a testament to their growth, artistry, and heartfelt connection with fans around the globe. With its message of sincerity and finding light in uncertain moments, it showcases ARrC’s ability to turn raw emotions into music that inspires and heals.
Want to feel the energy of ‘HOPE’? Listen to ARrC’s third mini album on Spotify & Apple Music and join the conversation, tell us your favorite track on Instagram and Twitter/X!
FOLLOW ARrC ON THEIR SOCIALS
X • Instagram • YouTube • TikTok
Featured Image Credit: MYSTIC STORY
