K-Pop rookies AMPERS&ONE are proving that dreams do come true as they embark on their first North American tour, spanning 19 cities.
amNewYork Metro got an exclusive look at AMPERS&ONE’s journey moments before they took the stage on Feb. 24 at Queens Theatre, where they discussed what inspired them to become artists, their future goals, and their gratitude toward fans’ continued support. What better way to take part in their first North American tour than in the “concrete jungle where dreams are made,” especially since their moniker signifies becoming one to achieve their dreams?
“The vibes are really different in America and Asia, so meeting new people and new cultures is really fun,” BRIAN said.
“[Fans] will be able to see a different AMPERS&ONE’s than usual. We prepared new covers with different vibes to show the versatility of our group. We were able to perform really well because the cheers from fans were really crazy loud and fun,” KAMDEN said.
Dressed in Ralph Lauren’s latest designs, the multinational group consisting of KAMDEN (U.S.A), BRIAN (Canada), JIHO (S. Korea), SIYUN (S. Korea), KYRELL (U.S.A), MACKIAH (Australia), and SEUNGMO (S. Korea) were eager to perform for their New York City fans.
“They actually dance along with us, too. So, it’s nice that they know our choreo. And watching them dancing was pretty impressive,” KAMDEN said.
Holding approximately 472 seats, The Claire Shulman Theater—the mainstage at Queens Theatre—was filled to the brim with adoring fans waving AMPERS&ONE light sticks, pickets, and posters. AMPERS&ONE shared that this enthusiasm helps to fuel their energy while on stage, especially watching the fans, affectionately known as ANDEAR, dance to their choreography and sing along.
Performing across the United States is the first step to achieving their dreams. They humbly state that they haven’t exactly made it to stardom yet, but they are ready to climb that uphill journey together.
“I think it’s the first step,” JIHO said.
“We have so many more dreams to go,” KAMDEN shared.
“It’s just a part of the journey,” BRIAN said.
“I think we are always dreaming of doing bigger and better things, but also not forgetting to enjoy every moment. I’m living the dream right now. Dreams are not something necessarily that are achieved and like one and done, but it’s something that we’re constantly working for,” KYRELL said.
AMPERS&ONE debuted in 2023 under FNC Entertainment; they have already earned Rookie of the Year at the Hanteo Music Awards 2023, Best New Male Artist, and Artist of the Year at the MAMA Awards 2024. Additionally, they’ve gained another accolade as “Rookie Artist of the Year” at the prestigious 39th Golden Disc Awards. Despite their success, AMPERS&ONE members have a sincerity not often seen in the world of fame. This genuine nature makes this K-Pop group stand out amongst the masses.
While the entertainment industry can be cruel and difficult to break through, AMPERS&ONE works together as a band of brothers who lean on one another.
MACKIAH says that confidence in each other and themselves is key to making it through difficult times.
“I always say, ‘We’re the best guys, and we can do this; this is nothing. We got this in the bag.’ We train so hard, and this is just a way to show what we’ve prepared. That helps a lot because when I think I’m the best, that’s when I perform the best. I think it’s good just to be confident, because we prepared a lot, so we just got to show it,” MACKIAH said.
“I think the biggest thing for me is just having each other. A recent moment I made kind of a small mistake on stage at a previous show, I was down about that. So, I was backstage, we’re getting ready, and then JIHO noticed that, and just came up to me and said, ‘Hey, clear your head, it’s gonna be fine. Just do the rest of the performance well, and you can think about it later.’ Little things like that really help. I think having each other to lean on really makes it easier. It’s the biggest part of being on a team, being able to push each other forward,” KYRELL said.
AMPERS&ONE professionalism, both on and off the stage, along with their musical talents, have captivated audiences. While the members are working together to achieve their dreams, they each have different reasons for walking the path to becoming a K-Pop idol.
“I think the biggest part was the music because we can send our messages through music, and the message can be a good influence, and some may change their whole life [because of it]. I think that was the biggest part. I thought the music was amazing. I want to make music like that,” JIHO said.
For BRIAN, he wanted to become a professional basketball player; however, he was hit by a car and the physical damage ended his sports career. But while he was recovering, BRIAN came to the realization that life is short, and he should try and pursue his other dream of music.
“I realized we only live once. And then, from then on, I always wanted to try singing, but I was too scared to try, but after that moment, I said, why not and I started singing, and I really loved it,” BRIAN said.
“I was born and raised in Seattle, and so growing up in America, I think I was always kind of looking for Korean representation. I always wanted to be better at Korean and know Korean culture better. And so that’s kind of how I stumbled into K-Pop, and I watched music videos by BTS and that’s the first moment where I felt like, wow these guys are really cool; they’re people of my ethnicity. That was really encouraging,” KAMDEN shared.
‘2025 AMPERS&ONE LIVE TOUR ‘My First_’ in North America’ kicked off last month in Miami, FL, and will span 18 states, including Charlotte, NC; New York, NY; Columbus, OH; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; and Omaha, NE, concluding in Los Angeles, CA.
