ARRC has been selected as the new artist to lead 2025.

ARRC (Choi Han, Doha, Hyunmin, Jibin, Kien, Rioto, Jiwoo) won the Vietnam category for the ‘Promising Male Idol (Rookie) to Lead Next Year’ at the ‘2025 Korea First Brand Awards’ held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 7th.

The ‘Korea First Brand Awards’, now in its 23rd year, is the largest brand awards ceremony in Korea, where consumers directly select the brands they expect to lead Korea. Especially in keeping with the global era, this year, a consumer survey for the ‘Vietnamese Consumers‘ First Brand Awards’ was also conducted simultaneously with VTV Digital, a subsidiary of China and Vietnam’s state-run broadcaster VTV, and Ark was honored with an award in the Vietnam category.

On this day, Ark said through their agency, “We would like to thank Aker (fandom name) who always support Ark, and thank Akers in Vietnam and around the world who showed interest in being selected in the Vietnam category.”Just like the meaning of the team name ARRC, we will do our best to become artists who can always remember the connection with fans through good music and performances in 2025 and convey a good influence.”

Ark, who debuted in the music industry in August of last year with their first EP ‘AR^C’, showed off a flawless live performance combined with excellent music with the title song ‘S&S (sour and sweet)’. They earned the nickname of ‘Diamond-shaped rookie’. In just two weeks since their debut, Ark surpassed 100 million views on video platforms, and then surpassed 8.45 million search term views on China‘s largest SNS Weibo alone. They were also spotlighted by influential media outlets in Vietnam, member Kien’s home country, recording remarkable global growth.

They also showed off their entertainment skills in various web entertainment and short-form content, including the solo parenting entertainment show ‘Ark and Baby’. Expectations are high for Ark‘s future in the new year, as he has been recognized as a rookie male idol who will lead 2025 with his activities in various fields.

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com Reporter jhj@donga.com