ARrC Is Billboard’s Okay-Pop Rookie of the Month (July): Photographs

Meet ARrC, a next-gen multinational Okay-pop group rewriting the foundations of world pop. With seven members hailing from Korea, the U.S., Japan, Vietnam and Brazil, ARrC isn’t simply crossing borders; they’re constructing bridges. The title stands for “At all times Keep in mind the true Connection,” and in only one yr since their debut in August 2024, the group has lived as much as that promise with a trio of EPs that mix sonic experimentation with uncooked emotion.

“We don’t attempt to mix in — we keep true to who we’re and join authentically. That’s what an ARrC connection seems to be like,” stated the group’s chief, HYUNMIN.

Their debut EP ‘AR^C’ set the tone with “S&S (bitter and candy),” a genre-bending burst of hyper pop and hood pop-inspired electrical hip-hop. From there, ‘nu kidz: out the field,’ the group’s second EP, took issues additional. Powered by the old-school increase bap swagger of its title observe “nu kidz,” the discharge showcased a brand new layer of ARrC’s daring, genre-defying identification. The accompanying music video rapidly made waves, racking up over 10 million views on YouTube in simply two weeks and sparking world buzz from followers hungry for one thing contemporary. ARrC isn’t only a group; they’re a motion rooted in authenticity, individuality and cross-cultural connection.

ARrC’s fast rise is powered not simply by their music, however by their unwavering dedication to connection. The multinational group just lately made a splash in Indonesia, showing on high packages like Trans TV’s Brownis and SCTV’s Inbox Nite, the place they spoke on to followers in a number of languages, proving that for ARrC, significant communication goes far past the stage.

Lower than a yr into their debut, the group earned a coveted spot on the official lineup for KCON JAPAN 2025 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Over three jam-packed days, spanning the M Countdown pre-show, important stage and dance showcases, ARrC held their very own alongside a number of the greatest names in Okay-pop, delivering high-impact performances that solidified their standing as rising stars to observe.

Their ad block EP ‘HOPE’ dropped July 16, led by the title observe “superior” — a feel-good anthem that captures the spirit of Gen Z with uplifting beats and unfiltered emotion. “Wherever and each time, we simply hope our music turns into a small supply of consolation for somebody,” the group shared. With every step, ARrC continues to carve out a brand new lane in Okay-pop, outlined by authenticity, emotional resonance, and a worldwide outlook.

Within the following interview, the members open up about their artistic philosophy, their chemistry as a crew, and the highway forward.

What does your new mini album ‘HOPE,’ launched on July 16, imply to ARrC? What sort of message did you wish to ship by means of it?

JIBEEN: With our third mini album ‘HOPE’, we needed to speak a couple of sort of hope that’s much less about one thing completely packaged and extra in regards to the feeling that blooms by means of endurance. As Gen Z, we dwell in a world that adjustments quickly, the place expectations usually result in disappointment. However inside that, we began to see despair not simply as one thing darkish—however as a part of a course of we endure in our personal bittersweet manner. Even when issues really feel like they’re falling aside, we needed our music to stay upbeat and highly effective. This isn’t simply an album of consolation or typical hope; it’s about capturing the rhythm of our era’s actuality—a sort of hope that claims, “we maintain going, it doesn’t matter what.” If listeners really feel that ARrC’s identification has grow to be clearer by means of this album, then that’s precisely the message we hoped to ship.

What facet of the brand new album did you give attention to probably the most throughout manufacturing? Are there any tracks or efficiency moments you hope followers will particularly discover?

CHOI HAN: One efficiency level I really need followers to note is the “Ddabong Dance” from our title observe “superior.” It’s a transfer the place we elevate our arms and provides a giant thumbs-up. Whereas it would look easy, it symbolizes the vitality and message we needed to share with this music—that “it doesn’t matter what hardships come your manner, it’s going to be okay.” The transfer captures the spirit of shaking off the little misfortunes of each day life with humor and energy. If followers take part and do the “Ddabong!” with us, I believe the sense of connection on stage will likely be even stronger. It’s a efficiency that looks like a cheer made the ARrC manner—not too heavy, not too gentle—and I hope followers have enjoyable with it.

Are there any artists you’d like to collaborate with sooner or later? Why?

DOHA: I’d like to work with DEAN. His music, rooted in R&B, is each trendy and emotionally nuanced—he has such a fragile manner of expressing emotions by means of sound. I believe that sort of sensitivity would mix effectively with ARrC’s vibe. Particularly on tracks like “vitamin I,” which mix emotional stream with advanced sound constructions, his vocals would add a totally new layer. I’d additionally love to speak with him about manufacturing—simply imagining that collaboration already will get me excited.

ANDY: For me, it might be superb to collaborate with the lady group, Billlie. Since my trainee days, I’ve seemed as much as them for the way uniquely they inform tales—not simply by means of music, but in addition by means of their efficiency and expressions. Every member has such a powerful particular person identification, and after they come collectively as seven, their chemistry actually shines. In that sense, I see a similarity between them and ARrC, they usually’ve grow to be function fashions for me. The way in which they captivate audiences with their distinct vitality and ambiance on stage is one thing I actually admire. A collaboration would positively assist us develop each musically and performance-wise, and I believe the synergy between ARrC and Billlie’s distinctive colours might create one thing actually thrilling.

What sort of group do you hope ARrC will likely be 5 years from now?

JIBEEN: Even after 5 years, I hope we’re nonetheless a crew that trusts and helps each other, and continues to get pleasure from being on stage collectively. ARrC’s greatest energy is our chemistry, and I’d love for that to develop even deeper over time. I would like us to grow to be a bunch that actually understands one another’s strengths and feelings, in order that the whole lot we do on stage feels easy and pure. In fact, we wish to develop musically, carry out on larger phases, and meet followers in additional international locations—however on the coronary heart of all of it, I hope we maintain this identical mindset and vitality we now have now.

As your first anniversary approaches, what are your targets as a bunch and individually?

HYUNMIN: My purpose for ARrC is straightforward—I would like folks to all the time count on one thing new and completely different from us. Whether or not it’s a efficiency or a bit of content material, I hope the whole lot we do carries our distinct ARrC signature. Personally, I’d like to discover extra artistic avenues. I took my first step with songwriting on this album, and at some point I’d like to inform my very own tales by means of music. My purpose is to develop not solely as a performer, but in addition as a creator.

In the event you might describe ARrC in a single phrase, what would it not be?

ANDY: I’d go along with “ARrC-way”—our personal distinctive path. We’re a crew that’s not afraid to experiment with completely different genres and always tackle new challenges. As an alternative of following traits, we create our personal course. That’s what makes us ARrC.

CHOI HAN: For me, it’s “superior.” Identical to the title of our ad block observe, ARrC has a manner of turning the small, on a regular basis moments into one thing particular. With trustworthy feelings and unique music, we present how the extraordinary can come from the strange. “Superior” represents our shade—and it’s additionally the message we wish to share with our followers.

What function do you play within the crew, and what do you see as your private energy?

DOHA: As the principle vocalist, I see my function as conveying feelings as instantly and clearly as doable by means of singing. I all the time attempt to totally perceive the story and feeling behind the lyrics, and give attention to delivering that sincerity to our followers throughout performances. I additionally attempt to present vocal stability that permits all of our members’ distinctive energies to come back collectively for a cultured efficiency.

HYUNMIN: I’m the chief of the group, so I often take the lead when selections must be made or when we have to discover course. I imagine in ensuring everybody’s voice is heard and in creating stability amongst us. Since we’re a multinational crew, I believe certainly one of my strengths helps us perceive and harmonize our variations. I’m additionally sort of the mood-maker. Whether or not we’re within the observe room or backstage, I really like lifting the vitality when issues get quiet. I believe I’ve helped the crew snigger and keep relaxed, particularly in powerful or tense moments.

In the event you had been to provide a nickname to a different member, what would it not be and why?

KIEN: I’d give ANDY the nickname “Di-An.” He all the time calls me “An-Ki” as a joke, so I believed it’d be enjoyable to flip it round. It began as a wordplay, however now it’s a part of our personal little inside joke—sort of like an affectionate manner of exhibiting we care.

ANDY: I usually name RIOTO “RIOKO.” At first it was only a foolish nickname, but it surely ended up sticking as a result of it rolls off the tongue and sounds sort of cute. Now it looks like a particular title solely I exploit for him.

What music are you at the moment into or listening to probably the most nowadays?

JIBEEN: These days, I’ve been listening to Approach Ched’s “Unhealthy Concept” so much. It has this emotional melody layered over a very trendy beat, and it all the time places me in a reflective temper. I particularly love listening to it at night time with my earphones in—it’s good for that vibe.

CHOI HAN: I’ve been deep into indie music and old-school sounds recently. I’ve been listening to plenty of legends like Michael Jackson. There’s a lot to study from that timeless rhythm and emotion—particularly in terms of efficiency. It’s been an enormous supply of inspiration.

DOHA: The music I’m actually into nowadays is DPR LIVE’s “Jasmine.” It has this dreamy high quality with a easy vocal laid over a trendy soundscape. It’s the sort of observe that pulls you in emotionally, and I discover myself going again to it usually.