Multinational K-pop group ARrC continue to expand their global presence with latest single album CTRL+ALT+SKIID, an impactful collection that channels monotony and the sense of feeling stuck into a catchy production steeped in charm and relatability.
The two-track offering is underpinned by freshness whether its showcasing their bold musical approach and their penchant for experimentation on "SKIID," which introduces a new groove called the “SKIID rhythm,” or tapping into collaborative strengths by joining forces with MOON SUA and SIYOON of popular K-pop girl group Billlie to delivered layered pop-dance anthem “WoW (Way of Winning)."
A project that aligns with ARrc's growing influence around Asia and beyond, the septet – consisting of Hyunmin, Kien, Choi Han, Andy, Rioto, Doha, and Jibeen – have gone from strength to strength. From national TV appearances in Indonesia to holding their first fan meeting in Tokyo and performing Korea Spotlight 2025 in Vietnam, the band's activities reflect their vibrant global setup. With members from South Korea, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, and Brazil, ARrC's artistry is one coloured by diversity and heartfelt attempts at connection as they consistently transcend both sonic and geographic boundaries.
In conversation with Earmilk, ARrc dives into the process behind CTRL+ALT+SKIID, their sonic evolution, what performing live means to them and much more.
1. What was the creative process behind [𝗖𝗧𝗥𝗟+𝗔𝗟𝗧+𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗜𝗗]?
HYUNMIN : Whenever we start working on a new project, we always begin with the question: “How can we turn what we’re feeling right now into music?” For this album, the core emotion was that sense of being stuck, like something inside you is glitching, or your routine is looping endlessly. But even in that state, youth doesn’t give up and stand back up again. To capture that, we used digital-coded language like “error,” “system down,” and “reboot” in the lyrics. If you watch the music video, you’ll see that the visuals also playfully interpret the album’s theme. I think listeners will feel both the relatability of those emotions and the slightly quirky, uplifting vibe we wanted to convey.
JIBEEN : For me, the most interesting part was layering the sound onto the theme of “SKIID.” We wanted it to feel uneasy but still powerful, like refusing to run away from reality and choosing to face it head-on. The track “SKIID” itself is about Gen Z’s mindset of moving forward without stopping. We made it with the hope that fans could gain strength from it, that even when life feels like it’s glitching, this song could help you look at reality with a bit more boldness and playfulness.
2. How would you say your sound has evolved over time and where do you see it going from here?
DOHA : Our debut album introduced ARrC’s identity with the core theme of “connection,” and our third mini album, HOPE, explored the youthful attitude of laughing through ‘unlucky’ moments. With CTRL+ALT+SKIID, we wanted to dive even deeper into the real experiences young people go through. We tried to express the worries, uncertainty, and instability of youth more honestly, while also showing the strength it takes to push forward, get back up, and keep moving.
ANDY : Moving forward, we want to keep crossing genre boundaries freely and tell the real, diverse stories of people our age. Staying true to genuine communication and connection is the heart of ARrC, and we’ll continue growing so we can be a team that spreads positive influence. In the next chapter, we plan to expand our musical world with new experiments and various emotions that only ARrC can express. We hope you’ll look forward to everything that’s coming!
3. In terms of your music making journey, what’s the most rewarding part and what’s the most challenging part of the process?
RIOTO : I feel the most proud when I get to perform choreography that I’ve created myself. Seeing something that existed only in my head come to life on stage, and then watching fans follow along with ARrC’s performance, makes me genuinely happy. But creating choreography could be the most difficult part. Finding the direction that matches ARrC’s musical identity isn’t always easy, and sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error. Still, that’s exactly why the sense of achievement is so great. The mix of difficulty and pride feels like a positive loop that keeps pushing ARrC to grow in a better direction.
KIEN : My proudest moments are when all of our voices blend into something special. Every member’s tone is different, but when that combination unexpectedly fits together or creates a fresh new color, it is surprising in the best way. As trainees, it wasn’t always easy to mix such different styles, but thanks to the teamwork we’ve built, even that process feels fun now. Each new song becomes something to look forward to, and every moment we create together feels meaningful.
4. Who inspires you both professionally but also on a personal level?
ANDY : For me, it’s family. I have three brothers, and our parents took care of us with so much love and dedication that just thinking about them gives me constant motivation. My brothers also inspire me, because watching each of them overcome their own challenges teaches me perseverance and strength. As an artist, I really look up to TREASURE’s member, ASAHI. Like me, he came to Korea as a foreigner to chase his dream, and the way he works so hard, especially creating so much of his own music, is something I truly respect.
CHOI HAN : I mostly draw inspiration from the environment around me. Rather than having a specific person I get inspiration from, ideas tend to appear in the middle of ordinary routines, such as when I’m walking or showering. Those trivial moments end up naturally blending into my music, and I think that’s what helps ARrC create something honest and real.
5. You recently performed at Korea Spotlight 2025, what was that experience like?
KIEN : Every time we visit Vietnam, it feels truly special. Being able to return to my hometown with the members and perform for fans is something I’ve dreamed of for a long time as a singer. The passion and warmth from our fans made me incredibly happy, and it made me hope that we can visit Vietnam more often and stand on stage here many more times in the future.
HYUNMIN : I can still clearly feel the energy and excitement from our Vietnamese fans. One moment I remember vividly is performing “kick back” with the members and sharing eye contact with the crowd while enjoying the stage together. It’s one of our favorite songs but we didn’t get to perform it often, so being able to do it this time, and with fans cheering right in front of us, made it even more meaningful.
6. When it comes to live performances, besides getting to interact with your fans, what’s your favourite part?
RIOTO : Performance-focused songs are fun, but personally, I really love the moments when I get to sing vocal-heavy songs live. There’s something special about conveying emotion directly through my voice on stage, and that feeling can only happen in a live setting. I’m most happy and excited when I get to see our fans’ reactions simultaneously and to share music and hearts with them.
CHOI HAN : I feel my best when I’m dancing without forcing power, but the strength still comes out naturally. It’s like the energy flows freely through my body and mind. In those moments, I can truly enjoy the performance, and I think that when I’m enjoying it that way, the audience can feel that energy too and enjoy the stage even more.
7. If you could describe ARrC’s artistry in 3 words what would they be and why?
RIOTO : Passion, Connection, and Freedom. Passion reflects how we always give our all when creating. Connection is the message we value the most, and something we express through lyrics, performance, and sound. Freedom represents our mindset as a team; staying flexible on any stage and constantly exploring new genres without limits.
ANDY : Connection, New, and Chance. Connection is embedded in ARrC’s name itself, and it represents how we communicate with fans through music. New shows our desire to always bring something fresh, in sound, performance, and visuals. Chance means that every stage, interview, and recording session is an opportunity for us to grow into better artists.
HYUNMIN : Creative, Inspiration, Motivation. These three words express how we continuously challenge ourselves creatively, draw inspiration, and use that energy to motivate both the team and me.
CHOI HAN : Connection, Harmony, and Experimental. We value emotional connection the most, and we always think about how to deliver that sentiment in a way that feels authentic, fresh, and never predictable.
KIEN : Connection, Big, Handsome. Connection stands for our communication with fans, Big expresses the scale of our ambitions, and Handsome reflects not only our visuals but the unique individual beauty in ARrC’s artistry.
JIBEEN : Connection, Passion, and Preparedness. For me, these words capture our teamwork and connection, our passion for performance and music, and the mindset of always being ready.
DOHA : Freedom, Myself, and Dream. To me, art is freely expressing who I am and chasing my dreams, and that’s exactly how ARrC is portrayed.
Connect with ARrc : Instagram
