From dropped phones to found dreams: ARrC turns teen struggles into K-pop gold with ‘HOPE’

August 1, 2025 - 3:40 PM IST

Since bursting onto the K-pop scene in 2024, ARrC-the seven-member group known for its fearless musical experiments and genuine camaraderie-has cultivated a reputation for turning everyday struggles into anthems of empowerment. Comprised of Andy, Choi Han, Doha, Hyunmin, Jibeen, Kien, and Rioto, the band has quickly become a touchstone for fans seeking relatability and emotional depth in pop music.

From dropped phones to found dreams: ARrC turns teen struggles into K-pop gold with ‘HOPE’

Their latest release, the mini-album HOPE, feels less like a collection of tracks and more like a diary of teen life-complete with missteps, small victories, and that resilient spark that keeps you going. “This album was actually a challenge for us,” Hyunmin admits. “The first thing we had to figure out was what story we wanted to tell. A message and feeling in each song had to be matched with the sound to see how perfectly they fit.”

That creative ambition shows in every beat of the six-track journey, which spans warm R&B hugs to high-octane drum & bass mosh pits-each genre carefully chosen to mirror real emotions.

At the heart is the effervescent title track “awesome,” designed to turn frustration into positivity. “I think during this time, it’s important to think positively,” says Andy. “Even if you miss the bus… you want to think positively. We’re really trying to show our positive selves to ARrCers.”

The album’s visual metaphor comes alive in the “awesome” video, where a dokkaebi-a mischievous Korean goblin-transforms bad luck into good. It’s a playful nod to the band’s core belief: every setback holds a silver lining.

For Doha, that message is more than metaphor. “I dropped my phone on my bed but found my lost glasses underneath,” he laughs. “I was unlucky to drop my phone, but lucky enough to find my new glasses.”

Moments like this echo through the recording process. “We listened to the completed track… gave each other feedback… It felt like we were growing together as a team,” Doha recalls, underlining the group’s collaborative ethos.

As Hyunmin sums it up: “You’re a very important person, can do anything, and nail it.” It’s a powerful promise from a band that lives these words on stage and in the studio-an assurance that, with HOPE, ARrC is ready to soundtrack your next big leap.

Also Read: Hope, healing & headphones: ARrC’s new album is a love letter to youth and self-esteem