[Exclusive Interview] Rookie Group AmbiO Steps into their “SHOWTIME” with Ambition and Teamwork

Photo Cr. E Entertainment 

Rising rookie group AmbiO consisting of members Tetsu, Jeesoo, Ruone, Kiwon, and Seungsang is ready to take center stage with a debut that speaks directly to the spirit of youth. The five-member boy group under E Entertainment officially steps into the spotlight on March 18, 2026, carrying a name rooted in purpose—“Boys Be Ambitious.” With a mission to inspire courage, embrace challenges, and deliver hope to a new generation, AmbiO positions themselves as more than just performers, but storytellers of growth and determination. Their debut arrives with a clear identity, one that reflects both the uncertainty and excitement of chasing dreams in real time.


Their first mini album “Boys Be Ambitious” captures that journey through a dynamic blend of sounds and emotions, pairing high-energy anthems with introspective moments. Leading the project is the title track ‘SHOWTIME,’ a powerful performance-driven song built on striking guitar riffs and a vibrant rhythm, symbolizing the moment the members come together under the spotlight as true protagonists.


The album expands on this narrative with tracks like the energetic ‘Runnin’,’ the emotionally layered R&B track ‘I Wish,’ and the bright, nostalgic ‘First Love,’ alongside Kiwon’s heartfelt solo ‘Kokoro.’ With a unique call-and-response element woven into “SHOWTIME,” AmbiO’s debut doesn’t just introduce their sound—it invites listeners to become part of their journey from the very first stage.

First of all, congratulations on your debut! How does it feel to finally step into the spotlight as AmbiO after preparing for this moment?

Tetsu : I am incredibly happy to finally achieve my long-held dream of becoming an idol! I look forward to meeting all our fans after our debut, and I will continue to work my hardest moving forward!

Jeesoo : During our first few performances, I was so nervous just being on stage. But as I got more used to it, I tried to shift my mindset—focusing on enjoying the moment rather than letting the stress get to me. Now, I feel like I’m becoming much more natural and truly having fun.

Ruone : I am genuinely happy that all my hard work has led to my debut with AmbiO.

Kiwon : It feels like a dream to be able to show our songs and dances to so many people and bring them joy! Seeing our fans while standing on stage gives me so much happiness and strength. It makes me want to practice even harder to ensure our fans are always entertained and satisfied.

Seungsang : First of all, I am happy beyond words to have made the debut I’ve always dreamed of. I am so excited and happy to finally show everyone what we have been working so hard on during our practice days.

The name AmbiO comes from “Boys Be Ambitious.” What does ambition personally mean to each of you at this stage of your career?

Tetsu : My ambition is to become an idol who can bring a smile to everyone who watches me!

Jeesoo : At this point in my life, I believe ‘AmbiO’ represents broadening my perspective and having as many diverse experiences as possible. I think it’s important to have the ambition to actively try new things without being confined to a single genre or a single country.

Ruone : My ambition is for many people to hear our music so that we can become a very famous artist in the K-pop industry.

Kiwon : It might be a bit early to say since we’ve just debuted, but I really want to hold our own solo concert. I want to talk with our fans in the same space and show them our stage and our passion!

Seungsang : To me, ambition means moving forward to the very end without hesitation, even when faced with hardships and adversity.



Your debut album focuses on youth, challenge, and growth. What message do you hope listeners your age will take from this release?

Tetsu : Since this is our first debut, we also have many anxieties and worries. However, I believe we grow by overcoming those feelings. I hope our album, songs, and performances can be a source of strength whenever you take a new step in your lives!

Jeesoo : I hope that through our music, you can find a release for your emotions and worries, and simply enjoy the melodies and lyrics we share with you.

Ruone : When you’re going through a hard time or feeling down, I hope you listen to our songs. Let’s move forward together toward our own ambitions.

Kiwon : With this debut album, I want to provide listeners of our generation with the comfort and happiness of a close friend, as well as the courage to take on challenges without ever feeling discouraged!

Seungsang : I want to deliver a sense of refreshment and passion that you’ve never experienced before through our music.

Photo Cr. E Entertainment 

If you had to describe AmbiO in three words to someone hearing about you for the first time, what would they be?

Tetsu : Energy! Youth! Smiles!

Jeesoo : Comfortable, Friendly, Refreshing.

Ruone : Challenge, Courage, Hope.

Kiwon : Cuteness, Refreshing, Passion.

Seungsang : The birth of legendary rookies.



Are there any memorable moments from filling the music video?

Tetsu : Watching the other members’ solo scenes was very memorable. Since we’re usually always together as a group, I don’t often see them standing alone. Seeing them film their individual parts made me feel so proud of them!

Jeesoo : I loved enjoying the delicious food from the food truck our fans sent us. It was also a great chance to bond and get closer to the company staff who worked so hard throughout the two days of filming.

Ruone : It was when we were filming with a big dog. Even though it was a large dog, it got so excited like a little puppy whenever it got a treat, which was really cute.

Kiwon : The most memorable part for me was watching the other members’ gestures and acting during their solo scenes! It was surprising to see a completely different side of them compared to how they are during practice or at the dorm.


Seungsang : For me, it was my solo scene where I got to freely paint and splash colors everywhere.


What part of the choreography or performance for “SHOWTIME” was the most challenging to master?

Tetsu : Expressions! The choreography is so intense that it’s hard not to let the exhaustion show on my face.

Jeesoo : This song is full of energy and gives you a real dopamine rush, but the moment the bridge starts, everything goes quiet and the mood shifts. It was challenging to control my breathing and emotions while feeling completely out of breath.

Ruone : Our choreography is quite powerful. The hardest part for me was definitely trying to sing while keeping up with such intense dancing.

Kiwon : I think all the members would agree on this one! There’s a part after the dance break, during Tetsu’s “3, 2, 1, One more time, Go!” line, where we all slide across the floor and then jump back up. The move itself is very difficult, but doing it near the end of the song when our energy is almost spent makes it even tougher.

Seungsang : As the song goes on, my stamina starts to drop. The part at the very end where we have to slide and jump was the most physically demanding and difficult moment for me.

The mini album shows many sides of youth, from ambition to love to nostalgia. Which track represents each member the best?

Tetsu : Tetsu – Runnin’ / Jeesoo – First Love / Ruone – Click / Kiwon – First Love / Seungsang – Showtime

Jeesoo : Tetsu – Showtime / Jeesoo – I wish / Ruone – Showtime / Kiwon – First Love / Seungsang – Click

Ruone : I think it’s ‘Showtime.’ It feels like the lyrics capture the passion of the five of us appearing to the world and pushing past our limits.

Kiwon : First, for myself, I’d say it’s my solo track, ‘Kokoro.’ I feel it truly showcases my vocal skills and the emotions of the song! For Tetsu, since he’s our leader and the center of the team, I think the title track ‘SHOWTIME’ represents him best. For Jeesoo, I’d choose ‘I Wish.’ Since the entire song is in English, Jeesoo’s pronunciation and vibe—coming from Canada—really make his unique charm stand out! For Ruone, I think ‘Click’ is the one. While all our members have a cute image, Ruone has a noticeable hint of “coolness” that fits the song perfectly. Lastly, for Seungsang, ‘Runnin’’ seems like the best match. Our youngest member’s cuteness fits the adorable vibe and choreography of ‘Runnin’’ so well!

Seungsang : Tetsu – Runnin’ / Ruone – I wish / Jeesoo – Click / Kiwon – Showtime / Seungsang – First Love



AmbiO is built around the idea of synchronization and teamwork. What helped you become close as five members?

Tetsu : Living together! When you live under the same roof, there’s nothing to hide, and even if we fight, we make up quickly and get closer!

Jeesoo : Understanding the differences in culture and etiquette was the most challenging part, but as time passed, we naturally came to understand each other much better.

Ruone : We laughed a lot while watching the videos we recorded to monitor our practice sessions because the members’ expressions in them were so funny.

Kiwon : I believe the secret to how we got so close is mutual respect! I can say with full confidence that all our members are genuinely kind-hearted. Because we always look out for one another while working on our teamwork, we were able to become this close.

Seungsang : Since we come from different nationalities, cultural differences do happen. However, by understanding and being considerate of each other in those moments, we’ve been able to grow together and become closer.



If each member were the main character of a youth drama, what kind of role would you play?

Tetsu : I want to be an energetic student! I’d want to make a lot of friends!

Jeesoo : Tetsu – The rising star in arts and sports / Jeesoo – The voluntary outsider / Ruone – The trainee or aspiring artist chasing dreams / Kiwon – The top student in school / Seungsang – The mood maker

Ruone : Tetsu – The club senior / Jeesoo – The cool kid in class / Ruone – The quirky “4D” character in class / Kiwon – The very reliable junior / Seungsang – The slightly mischievous club junior

Kiwon : For myself, I think I’d be the one helping others with things they don’t know and making sure everyone feels comfortable around me. Tetsu would probably be the one giving advice and helping people move in a positive direction. Jeesoo seems like the quiet but incredibly hardworking type who consistently pursues and achieves his goals. Ruone would be the source of happy energy, always making people laugh and smile. As for Seungsang, with his natural social skills and cuteness, he’d definitely be the well-loved student who gets along with everyone.

Seungsang : I think I’d play the role of the mischievous younger brother or perhaps the protagonist’s rival—the second male lead.



Finally, please share a message to readers who are meeting AmbiO for the first time.

Tetsu : AmbiO has so many charms! I believe our music will give you strength, and each member has such a strong personality that once you see us, you’ll definitely fall for us!

Jeesoo : AmbiO is a group with diverse individualities, expressing a positive outlook on life through our music.

Ruone : We would be so happy if you show your love for AmbiO and our many charms.

Kiwon : We will always work hard and show you our growth so that many people can love us and feel happiness whenever they see us. Please keep an eye on us!

Seungsang : Hello, KpopWise! We are AmbiO. As you can see, our visuals are ready—and so are our singing and dancing! We are prepared for anything, so please trust us and follow our journey. Thank you!


Listen to “Boys Be Ambitious”

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