The rising boy group AHOF has announced their first-ever solo fan concert in Seoul, signaling a major milestone for the group as they enter the new year.
The announcement comes shortly after their successful first comeback with their second mini-album, ‘The Passage’.
Concert Details
- Event Name: ‘AHOFOHA: All time Heartfelt Only FOHA’
- Note: FOHA is the name of AHOF’s official fan club. According to other reports, the name is a re-interpretation of the group’s official acronym (All-time Hall Of Famer), redefined here as “All Time Heartfelt Only FOHA” to symbolize their bond with fans.
- Dates: The concert will take place across two days: January 3 and 4, 2026.
- Venue: Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul.
- Context: The Jangchung Gymnasium is a historic indoor arena in Seoul with a capacity of approximately 4,507 seats, indicating a significant step up for the group’s domestic solo events.
AHOF (Credit: YouTube)
The fan concert will be the group’s first domestic solo performance since their debut in July 2025, reaffirming their rapid growth and popularity in South Korea following their early success abroad, including a sold-out fan concert in the Philippines one month after debut.
Recent Comeback Success
The announcement follows AHOF’s recent first comeback with their second mini-album, ‘The Passage’. This mini-album delves into a deeper narrative for the members:
- Concept: The album captures the group’s story as they navigate the transition between boyhood and adulthood, reflecting on the “struggles and uncertainties” that define raw youth.
- Title Track: The lead single, “Pinocchio” (full title: “Pinocchio Hates Lies”), is a band-driven song inspired by the classic fairy tale. It expresses the core desire to remain honest, particularly to their fans, even when facing anxiety and wavering emotions.
With a successful debut mini-album (‘Who We Are’) that set sales records for a 2025 rookie boy group and multiple music show wins, AHOF is cementing its reputation as a “monster rookie” group heading into 2026.
The January fan concert is a major opportunity for the group to connect with their domestic fans (FOHA) and showcase the mature concepts introduced in ‘The Passage’.
MAPPA has once again come under fire after new insider leaks revealed serious concerns about working conditions inside the studio. According to screenshots of a private Discord chat shared online, several animators claimed they were enduring 90-hour workweeks while rushing to complete upcoming episodes. The leak immediately reignited debates about MAPPA’s reputation for overworking its staff, something fans and industry members have criticized for years.
The messages in the screenshots appeared to show animators speaking openly and emotionally about the pressure they were facing. One of them even described the environment as “hell,” saying that tight deadlines and constant revisions were making it nearly impossible to rest.
Once the screenshots began spreading across social media, fans reacted with a mix of anger, sympathy, and disappointment. Many expressed concern for the animators’ health, while others questioned how MAPPA could continue allowing such conditions after similar accusations in the past.
MAPPA is known for producing some of the biggest titles in modern anime, including Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hell’s Paradise. While the studio’s animation quality is often praised, the demanding workload behind the scenes has been a recurring topic.
Former employees have spoken up before about long hours and rushed schedules, especially during high-profile productions. This latest leak only added fuel to the ongoing conversation about whether the studio’s success is coming at too high a cost.
Jujutsu Kaisen Franchise (Credits: Gege Akutami)
MAPPA Hit With New Overwork Allegations After Insider Leak
Fans were quick to notice that the leaked messages mentioned 90-hour weeks, a number that shocked many who already knew the industry could be harsh. Some pointed out that this amount of work can cause serious health issues, from burnout to physical illness.
Others argued that such conditions shouldn’t exist in a modern workplace, especially in a creative field where mental clarity and proper rest are essential. The emotional tone of the leaked chat messages made the situation feel even more real and personal, further intensifying the reaction from fans.
As the controversy grew, discussions spread across anime forums and social media platforms. Some users called for boycotts of upcoming MAPPA projects until the studio improves its treatment of staff.
Others urged fans to remember that individual animators are not to blame and that harming a project could also hurt the workers they are trying to support. Still, many agreed that something needs to change, not just at MAPPA but across the anime industry as a whole.
Several industry professionals also joined the conversation, with some acknowledging that crunch culture has been an issue in animation for decades. They explained that production committees often push studios to meet impossible deadlines, which trickles down to the animators.
In this sense, MAPPA may not be the only studio with such problems, but its high-profile status makes the issue more visible. The new leak gave people a direct look into the struggles faced by staff and reminded the community of how widespread the problem may be.
Meanwhile, fans questioned whether the studio would address the situation publicly. In previous controversies, MAPPA has sometimes released statements promising improvement but has been criticized for failing to follow through.
Many viewers expressed worries that nothing will change unless larger structural issues in the industry are fixed. They argued that animators need more support, better wages, and reasonable schedules to maintain their health and continue producing high-quality work.
Animators Claim “90-Hour Weeks” as Fans Demand Industry Reform
Despite the frustration, a portion of the fanbase urged caution, noting that the leaked screenshots might not provide the full context. They argued that online leaks can sometimes exaggerate situations or present only one side of the story. Still, most fans felt that even if the details were slightly unclear, the underlying issue of intense overwork is undeniable, given MAPPA’s history and the broader patterns within the industry.
The controversy also sparked conversations about whether anime production schedules have become unsustainably fast. Many modern anime seasons face tight release windows, constant delays, or last-minute fixes. Viewers pointed to recent examples where episodes were completed just days before airing. They believe this is a sign that studios are being pushed too hard and that animators are paying the price for unrealistic timelines.
Chainsaw Man Franchise (Credits: Tatsuki Fujimoto)
For now, the leaked chat has left MAPPA in the spotlight once again. Fans continue to share their opinions, and many hope the studio will take meaningful action to support its workers. The situation highlights the need for better industry standards and a healthier production environment. While MAPPA’s shows remain popular worldwide, the growing awareness of what happens behind the scenes has changed how many people view the studio’s success.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: the anime community cares deeply about the people who bring their favorite stories to life. The hope is that this leak pushes the industry toward real improvement, rather than becoming just another controversy forgotten over time.
