Two fresh-faced boy groups turned the 35th Seoul Music Awards into their personal victory lap. ALPHA DRIVE ONE and AHOF, both barely months into their careers, jointly claimed Rookie of the Year honors a rare shared win that perfectly captured the fierce yet collaborative spirit of K-pop's fifth-generation wave.
2026.06.20. 제35회 서울가요대상
— ALPHA DRIVE ONE (@ALD1_official) June 20, 2026
신인상&본상🏆#ALPHADRIVEONE #ALD1 #알파드라이브원 pic.twitter.com/pek3KvrqiA
[📸] 260620 제35회 서울가요대상 완료✨
— AHOF (@AHOF_official) June 20, 2026
열기가 가득했던 큰 무대에서 포하와 함께 신인상 수상🏆의 기쁨을 나눌 수 있어 정말 행복했어요❤️ 앞으로 더 자랑스러운 아홉이 될 수 있도록 열심히 하겠습니다🫡#AHOF #아홉 pic.twitter.com/1my1xkMXIE
I remember the buzz around ALPHA DRIVE ONE's debut like it was yesterday. Formed on Mnet's Boys II Planet (which wrapped in late 2025), the eight-member multinational unit Leo, Anxin, Arno, Geonwoo, Junseo, Sanghyeon, Sangwon, and Xinlong dropped their EP Euphoria on January 12, 2026. Lead track "Freak Alarm" wasn't just a banger; it delivered high-energy choreography and infectious hooks that had fans, known as ALLYZ, streaming nonstop. Watching Sangwon and Anxin share tearful fan messages post-win felt deeply personal like catching a glimpse of young idols who truly get the grind. Their additional Main Prize (Bonsang) nod underscores how quickly they've climbed, blending fan votes, sales, and judge picks.
AHOF, the nine-member powerhouse (Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chih En, Daisuke) from SBS's Universe League, debuted in July 2025 under F&F Entertainment. Their name "All-Time Hall of Famer" is ambitious, and they've backed it up with lightning-fast achievements: triple-crown music show wins shortly after release, strong debut sales, and a multinational lineup bringing diverse flavors. In sleek all-black tuxedos, they promised fans more pride ahead. Their rapid rise highlights how survival shows continue birthing stars ready for global stages.
K-pop analyst notes, "These groups represent the evolution global training, authentic storytelling, and fan-first engagement. In a crowded rookie field, their blend of charisma and work ethic stands out." As someone who's attended multiple SMAs, this year's rookie category felt especially vibrant, signaling healthy industry growth amid veteran dominance like ATEEZ's Daesang sweep.
The wins blend digital streams, physical sales, and expert judgment, fueling excitement for comebacks. For ALLYZ and AHOF's supporters, it's more than trophies it's validation of late nights voting and streaming.
K-pop's future? Brighter than ever with these talents leading the charge.
Source: 35th Seoul Music Award
