ARrC Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for July: Exclusive Photos

Meet ARrC, a next-gen multinational K-pop group rewriting the rules of global pop. With seven members hailing from Korea, the U.S., Japan, Vietnam and Brazil, ARrC isn’t just crossing borders; they’re building bridges. The name stands for “Always Remember the real Connection,” and in just one year since their debut in August 2024, the group has lived up to that promise with a trio of EPs that blend sonic experimentation with raw emotion.

“We don’t try to blend in — we stay true to who we are and connect authentically. That’s what an ARrC connection looks like,” said the group’s leader, HYUNMIN.

Their debut EP ‘AR^C’ set the tone with “S&S (sour and sweet),” a genre-bending burst of hyper pop and hood pop-inspired electric hip-hop. From there, ‘nu kidz: out the box,’ the group’s second EP, took things further. Powered by the old-school boom bap swagger of its title track “nu kidz,” the release showcased a new layer of ARrC’s bold, genre-defying identity. The accompanying music video quickly made waves, racking up over 10 million views on YouTube in just two weeks and sparking global buzz from fans hungry for something fresh. ARrC isn’t just a group; they’re a movement rooted in authenticity, individuality and cross-cultural connection.

ARrC’s rapid rise is powered not just by their music, but by their unwavering commitment to connection. The multinational group recently made a splash in Indonesia, appearing on top programs like Trans TV’s Brownis and SCTV’s Inbox Nite, where they spoke directly to fans in multiple languages, proving that for ARrC, meaningful communication goes far beyond the stage.

Less than a year 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, main stage and dance showcases, ARrC held their own alongside some of the biggest names in K-pop, delivering high-impact performances that solidified their status as rising stars to watch.

Their latest EP ‘HOPE’ dropped July 16, led by the title track “awesome” — a feel-good anthem that captures the spirit of Gen Z with uplifting beats and unfiltered emotion. “Wherever and whenever, we just hope our music becomes a small source of comfort for someone,” the group shared. With each step, ARrC continues to carve out a new lane in K-pop, defined by authenticity, emotional resonance, and a global outlook.

In the following interview, the members open up about their creative philosophy, their chemistry as a team, and the road ahead.

What does your new mini album ‘HOPE,’ released on July 16, mean to ARrC? What kind of message did you want to deliver through it?

JIBEEN: With our third mini album ‘HOPE’, we wanted to talk about a kind of hope that’s less about something perfectly packaged and more about the feeling that blooms through endurance. As Gen Z, we live in a world that changes rapidly, where expectations often lead to disappointment. But within that, we started to see despair not just as something dark—but as part of a process we endure in our own bittersweet way. Even when things feel like they’re falling apart, we wanted our music to remain upbeat and powerful. This isn’t just an album of comfort or conventional hope; it’s about capturing the rhythm of our generation’s reality—a kind of hope that says, “we keep going, no matter what.” If listeners feel that ARrC’s identity has become clearer through this album, then that’s exactly the message we hoped to deliver.

What aspect of the new album did you focus on the most during production? Are there any tracks or performance moments you hope fans will especially notice?

CHOI HAN: One performance point I really want fans to notice is the “Ddabong Dance” from our title track “awesome.” It’s a move where we raise our arms and give a big thumbs-up. While it might look simple, it symbolizes the energy and message we wanted to share with this song—that “no matter what hardships come your way, it’s going to be okay.” The move captures the spirit of shaking off the little misfortunes of daily life with humor and strength. If fans join in and do the “Ddabong!” with us, I think the sense of connection on stage will be even stronger. It’s a performance that feels like a cheer made the ARrC way—not too heavy, not too light—and I hope fans have fun with it.

Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future? Why?

DOHA: I’d love to work with DEAN. His music, rooted in R&B, is both stylish and emotionally nuanced—he has such a delicate way of expressing feelings through sound. I think that kind of sensitivity would blend well with ARrC’s vibe. Especially on tracks like “vitamin I,” which combine emotional flow with complex sound structures, his vocals would add a completely new layer. I’d also love to talk with him about production—just imagining that collaboration already gets me excited.

ANDY: For me, it would be amazing to collaborate with the girl group, Billlie. Since my trainee days, I’ve looked up to them for how uniquely they tell stories—not just through music, but also through their performance and expressions. Each member has such a strong individual identity, and when they come together as seven, their chemistry really shines. In that sense, I see a similarity between them and ARrC, and they’ve become role models for me. The way they captivate audiences with their distinct energy and atmosphere on stage is something I truly admire. A collaboration would definitely help us grow both musically and performance-wise, and I think the synergy between ARrC and Billlie’s unique colors could create something really exciting.

What kind of group do you hope ARrC will be five years from now?

JIBEEN: Even after five years, I hope we’re still a team that trusts and supports one another, and continues to enjoy being on stage together. ARrC’s biggest strength is our chemistry, and I’d love for that to grow even deeper over time. I want us to become a group that truly understands each other’s strengths and emotions, so that everything we do on stage feels effortless and natural. Of course, we want to grow musically, perform on bigger stages, and meet fans in more countries—but at the heart of it all, I hope we keep this same mindset and energy we have now.

As your first anniversary approaches, what are your goals as a group and individually?

HYUNMIN: My goal for ARrC is simple—I want people to always expect something new and different from us. Whether it’s a performance or a piece of content, I hope everything we do carries our distinct ARrC signature. Personally, I’d love to explore more creative avenues. I took my first step with songwriting on this album, and one day I’d like to tell my own stories through music. My goal is to grow not only as a performer, but also as a creator.

If you could describe ARrC in one word, what would it be?

ANDY: I’d go with “ARrC-way”—our own unique path. We’re a team that’s not afraid to experiment with different genres and constantly take on new challenges. Instead of following trends, we create our own direction. That’s what makes us ARrC.

CHOI HAN: For me, it’s “awesome.” Just like the title of our latest track, ARrC has a way of turning the small, everyday moments into something special. With honest emotions and original music, we show how the extraordinary can come from the ordinary. “Awesome” represents our color—and it’s also the message we want to share with our fans.

What role do you play in the team, and what do you see as your personal strength?

DOHA: As the main vocalist, I see my role as conveying emotions as directly and clearly as possible through singing. I always try to fully understand the story and feeling behind the lyrics, and focus on delivering that sincerity to our fans during performances. I also try to provide vocal stability that allows all of our members’ unique energies to come together for a polished performance.

HYUNMIN: I’m the leader of the group, so I usually take the lead when decisions need to be made or when we need to find direction. I believe in making sure everyone’s voice is heard and in creating balance among us. Since we’re a multinational team, I think one of my strengths is helping us understand and harmonize our differences. I’m also kind of the mood-maker. Whether we’re in the practice room or backstage, I love lifting the energy when things get quiet. I think I’ve helped the team laugh and stay relaxed, especially in tough or tense moments.

If you were to give a nickname to another member, what would it be and why?

KIEN: I’d give ANDY the nickname “Di-An.” He always calls me “An-Ki” as a joke, so I thought it’d be fun to flip it around. It started as a wordplay, but now it’s part of our own little inside joke—kind of like an affectionate way of showing we care.

ANDY: I often call RIOTO “RIOKO.” At first it was just a silly nickname, but it ended up sticking because it rolls off the tongue and sounds kind of cute. Now it feels like a special name only I use for him.

What song are you currently into or listening to the most these days?

JIBEEN: Lately, I’ve been listening to Way Ched’s “Bad Idea” a lot. It has this emotional melody layered over a really stylish beat, and it always puts me in a reflective mood. I especially love listening to it at night with my earphones in—it’s perfect for that vibe.

CHOI HAN: I’ve been deep into indie music and old-school sounds lately. I’ve been listening to a lot of legends like Michael Jackson. There’s so much to learn from that timeless rhythm and emotion—especially when it comes to performance. It’s been a huge source of inspiration.

DOHA: The song I’m really into these days is DPR LIVE’s “Jasmine.” It has this dreamy quality with a smooth vocal laid over a stylish soundscape. It’s the kind of track that draws you in emotionally, and I find myself going back to it often.