[TMA Interview] ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Two Wins From the Start... Proving Growth

'Next Leader' and 'Artist of the Year' AwardsDominating the stage with debut song 'FREAK ALARM'... Anticipation for their next moveThe '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on the 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan. Group ALPHA DRIVE ONE posed for photos before an interview. /Reporter Park Sang-min[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] Group ALPHA DRIVE ONE has made their presence known by winning two awards at the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' in their debut year. Following 'Next Leader', which is equivalent to a rookie award, they also took home 'Artist of the Year', recognizing their achievements since their debut.The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was held on September 19th at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. On this day, ALPHA DRIVE ONE (LEO&Junseo&ARNO&GEONWOO&SANGWON&XINLONG&ANXIN&SANGHYEON) won two trophies, consecutively receiving 'Next Leader' and 'Artist of the Year'.'Next Leader' is an award given to singers who have achieved outstanding results among rookies who debuted within the year, based on album and music sales, as well as judge evaluations. 'Artist of the Year' is also selected based on album and music sales, and judge evaluations. ALPHA DRIVE ONE, who won in both categories in their debut year, has made a significant mark by not only establishing themselves in the music industry but also receiving recognition for their achievements.ALPHA DRIVE ONE's accomplishments this year have been remarkable. Having officially debuted in January with their first mini-album 'EUPHORIA', ALPHA DRIVE ONE achieved four wins on music shows with their title track 'FREAK ALARM'. The album recorded 1,270,000 copies in sales in its first week, ranking second in the all-time debut album first-week sales for K-pop groups. They became million-sellers upon debut, achieving an unprecedented feat for a rookie group.Subsequently, they released the prologue single 'No School Tomorrow' in May, and in August, they continued their activities with their second mini-album 'UNBREAKABLE : 少年BEAST'. Having steadily expanded their scope of activities since their debut, the two awards at the TMA serve as another milestone for them.Group ALPHA DRIVE ONE received the honor of winning two awards, 'Next Leader' and 'Artist of the Year', at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' in their debut year. /Reporter Nam Yong-heeMeeting with the THE FACT press backstage after their TMA performance, the members shared various stories, from the joy of winning two awards to behind-the-scenes anecdotes and their future goals.On this day, ALPHA DRIVE ONE performed their title track 'FREAK ALARM' from their first mini-album and 'BORN DIRE' from their second mini-album. It was a particularly meaningful time for the members as it was a full-group performance with ARNO, who had been unable to join due to injury, also participating.Regarding the aspects they focused on while preparing for the two songs, Junseo explained, "We tried to double the passion by merging the aspirations of ALPHA DRIVE ONE that we emphasized with the first album and the growing pains of youth that we kept in mind while preparing for the second album. We hope our passion reaches our fans. We will continue to be a group that runs forward with full passion."He also did not hide his joy of performing with ARNO. Junseo said, "It was so good to be with Renoir," prompting applause, and ARNO added, "It's an honor and I'm so excited to be able to show our team's songs as a complete group at the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'." Anshin also emphasized teamwork, saying, "With Renoir, our team definitely performs better. Renoir is indispensable."They also shared their experiences off-stage. Sanghyun mentioned spending time talking and joking with the members in the waiting room, laughing as he said, "Some of us lay down in a line and slept like kimbap. We also took photos and videos, and if there's an opportunity, I'll upload them." Junseo recalled, "I arrived in Busan a day early for rehearsal, ate ssiat hotteok and beef, and also celebrated Sanghyun's birthday. It felt like we had a good time in Busan, making this THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS even more meaningful."Group ALPHA DRIVE ONE met with reporters after the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' and revealed their future aspirations. /Reporters Kim Sung-ryeol, Park Sang-minAs they are nearing their first anniversary, having passed the 9-month mark since their debut, their reflections on the past year were particularly special. When asked about the most memorable moment, Sangwon sang a song and brought laughter, saying, "This very moment. Like magic." He continued, "We are almost at our first anniversary, and we will constantly strive to show performances and appearances that are not typical for a one-year-old group. We will prepare to show continuous development in music, dance, and fashion, becoming a team that can have a positive impact on the world."ALPHA DRIVE ONE, who made 2026 their year with dazzling achievements, is not stopping here. Regarding their goals for the remainder of 2026, Shinlong said, "I think the most important thing is to be happy and healthy while promoting with the members." SANGWON added, "My biggest dream is to continue standing on big stages and showing great performances like at the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. I think it's most meaningful to deliver our message to more people, including our fans, Alize (ALPHA DRIVE ONE fandom name)."Finally, Junseo requested, "We are a really hardworking and cool group, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, so please continue to watch our growth. Thank you." Rio also conveyed his greetings to the fans, saying, "Alize, thank you again for giving us two awards. I will never forget today."ALPHA DRIVE ONE, who received two trophies in their debut year, is preparing for their next activities with this award as a stepping stone. Attention is focused on what kind of music and performances they will continue to show as they grow, having achieved music show wins and awards ceremony accolades in such a short period.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]