[Exclusive] Architect or K-pop Idol? AHOF's Steven Opens Up About His 18-Month Decision

"My original dream was to be an architect," Steven said.

The AHOF member grew up in Australia and spent about a year and a half deciding whether to become a K-pop idol. He recently spoke about his journey in an interview with K-POPIT at F&F Entertainment's headquarters.

As a child, Steven knew little about K-pop. His journey into the industry began with an unexpected casting offer.

"I got a casting offer through Facebook, and I went back and forth on whether to audition," he said. "People around me said it was a good opportunity and that I should give it a try. So I auditioned, and I passed."

But passing the audition did not mean he was ready to become an idol. He still had a difficult decision to make.

"I thought a lot about it," he said. "Should I give up everything and jump into a field I didn't really know, or keep living the way I had been in Australia?"

People around him encouraged him to take the opportunity. "They told me it was too good an opportunity to miss," he said. "I think it took about a year and a half before I became interested in being an idol and made up my mind."

He attributed the long period of uncertainty to the unfamiliar environment and the challenges of learning new skills.

"The system itself was unfamiliar, and dancing and singing were new to me too," he said. "I didn't even really know how to practice, so it was really hard at first."

In the end, Steven chose to pursue a career as a K-pop idol. He now performs as a member of AHOF and says he has found happiness in his new career.

"Now it's so much fun," he said. "I've found happiness in this job, and I've grown to love it."

The young man who once dreamed of becoming an architect now travels to different countries to meet fans. Steven said having members from different countries is one of AHOF's strengths.

"Since we have a lot of members from overseas, it's easy to learn about trends in each country and the styles people there like," he said.

When preparing for performances abroad, he sometimes asks members from those countries about local preferences. Even small decisions, such as how to style his hair, can lead to these conversations.

"Even when I'm deciding whether to sweep my bangs back or leave them down, I ask the member from that country which style people there like better," he said.

Meanwhile, AHOF is a nine-member boy group formed through "Universe League," a survival competition show on South Korean broadcaster SBS, in January 2025. The group debuted that July and has since released three mini albums. AHOF recently completed promotions for its third mini album, "RUN TO YOU," and wrapped up its first Asia tour, "THE FIRST SPARK."