Are you waiting for a new K-pop boy group to turn the K-pop scene upside down? What happens when the best trainees from Mnet’s survival show come together to form a group? Are ALPHA DRIVE ONE redefining the international K-pop space and global fandom experience? And how exciting is it that ALHA DRIVE ONE contains a multinational lineup from Korea, China, and Australia, really diversifying the K-pop experience!
ALPHA DRIVE ONE, defined by the renowned reality show Boys II Planet, is making its debut in early 2026, exciting fans everywhere. ALPHA DRIVE ONE combines young energy, allure, and a love for music across 8 members excited to entertain globally, mark my words.
So, hang on tight because this is more than just a K-pop debut, it is an interplanetary journey of dreams, talent, and music! Let’s go on an Asia trip with ALPHA DRIVE ONE!
ALPHA DRIVE ONE: The Stellar New K-Pop Boy Group
- Group Name: ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1)
- Number of Members: 8
- Nationalities: 4 Koreans, 3 Chinese, 1 Korean-Australian
- Debut: Early 2026
- Contract Length: 5 years
Concept Behind the Name: ALPHA DRIVE ONE represents the drive, passion, and determination to be the best, which reflects the members’ goals and teamwork ethic.
Identity/Theme: Building on the space-themed essence of the Boys II Planet promotion, the group has a cosmic concept that represents their journey of growth, breaking through boundaries, and connection with global fans.
ALD1 is anticipated to make a splash not only in Korea, but also firmly establish their presence in the global K-pop space, using the group’s multicultural and multi-national backgrounds, charm, and powerful stage presence. Fans are counting down to this out-of-this-world debut!
ALPHA DRIVE ONE Members & Their Roles
- Lee Sang-won – Center, Korean, GRID Entertainment. Notable for his leadership and center position on Boys II Planet; previously part of trainee unit Leo & Sangwon.
- Zhou An Xin – Chinese, Nouer Entertainment. Competed in MAKE MATE 1, bringing strong international appeal.
- He Xinlong – Chinese, NCC Entertainment. Former member of BOY STORY, adding seasoned performance skills.
- Kim Gun-woo – Korean, Independent Trainee. Known for his versatility and strong stage presence.
- Zhang Jiahao – Chinese, Nouer Entertainment. Former MAKE MATE 1 contestant, bringing competitive experience.
- Lee Leo – Korean-Australian, GRID Entertainment. Also part of Leo & Sangwon, adding charisma and dual-market appeal.
- Jeong Sang-hyun – Maknae, Korean, WAKEONE. Youngest member, offering fresh energy and charm.
- Kim Jun-seo – Korean, OUI Entertainment. Former member of WEi and 1THE9, experienced in survival show stages and performances.
This lineup not only showcases a diverse and multinational team but also brings together members with prior experience in survival shows and established groups, making ALPHA DRIVE ONE a force to watch in K-pop.
Pre-Debut & Survival Show Journey
ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s journey began on Mnet’s Boys II Planet, which premiered on July 17, 2025, and concluded with a thrilling live finale on September 25, 2025. The show brought together 160 talented contestants divided into Planet K (Korean trainees) and Planet C (primarily Greater China), who later merged to compete for the final eight-member lineup.
The live finale revealed the top eight members of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, sending waves of excitement across the global K-pop fandom. Fans eagerly watched as Lee Sang-won, Zhou An Xin, He Xinlong, Kim Gun-woo, Zhang Jiahao, Lee Leo, Jeong Sang-hyun, and Kim Jun-seo secured their spots, each bringing unique skills and charisma to the team.
Unlike previous project groups such as Wanna One and ZEROBASEONE, ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s debut emphasizes multinational talent and global appeal, reflecting the evolution of K-pop’s international outreach. The survival show also featured a comprehensive international audition process, with participants from South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, the United States, and beyond, highlighting the group’s global potential even before their official debut.
This journey not only tested their skills and teamwork but also built a loyal international fanbase, setting the stage for a highly anticipated debut in early 2026.
Fan Engagement & Official Fanclub
Even before their official debut, ALPHA DRIVE ONE is creating waves with their Global Official Fanclub Early Bird sign-ups, running from September 26 to October 26, 2025. This initiative allows fans worldwide to join the group’s journey from the very beginning and enjoy exclusive privileges.
Membership benefits are designed to delight fans, including:
- Digital & physical goodies such as exclusive photocards and content
- Priority access to concert tickets and paid fan meetings
- Member-only events and special pre-sale privileges
- Early bird members even receive special edition digital membership cards and badges, adding an extra layer of collectible charm
The fanclub operates with a strict registration and verification process, ensuring that all members enjoy authentic benefits while building a strong, engaged community. With these programs, ALPHA DRIVE ONE is cultivating a loyal and passionate fanbase long before their first official stage, setting the tone for a global K-pop sensation.
Production & Debut Significance
The debut of ALPHA DRIVE ONE is proudly supported by Mnet and several entertainment agencies to make sure they lock in production quality, training and promotional considerations. The arranged multicultural lineup that includes members from Korea, China and Korea-Australia has prepped them for a global appeal and brought fans across Asia and beyond before their official debut.
ALD1 is the newest entry into the Planet survival show franchise, continuing to modern K-pop standards by stacking intense competition, skill and storytelling, while combining efforts internationally. There are several expectations as excited fans speculate and plan online and off for memorable performances, social media engagement and a world-wide fandom to cheer for them along the way.
This is not just the debut of a new boy group – this is a global event in K-pop on the verge of making an impact.
Fan Reactions & Hype
As soon as the Boys II Planet live finale finished, social media was inundated with fans celebrating the launch of ALPHA DRIVE ONE. The group’s diverse international makeup of Korean, Chinese, and Korean-Australian members has already stirred global excitement as fans anticipate the new group’s concept, performances, and even potential narratives around their story.
Amusement is particularly high for ALD1’s first official album, music videos, or public appearances since fans are interested to see how the new group starts to distinguish itself from previous project groups. In fact, fans are already drawing comparisons to past beloved K-pop project groups like Wanna One and ZEROBASEONE, and for ALD1 to push the standard of expectations for international K-pop.
From trending hashtags worldwide, to fan pursuits of community preparation for the official debut, its clear that ALPHA DRIVE ONE has already laid a claim to everyone’s hearts, before ALD1 ever sets foot in the performance realm.
Release & Debut Timeline
ALPHA DRIVE ONE will make their official debut in early 2026, and while we don’t have a confirmed date yet, the excitement continues to build. The group’s official social media accounts are up-and-running, creating a pre-debut experience meant to be fun for fans.
Pre-debut promotions are already in full swing and the first is the Global Official Fanclub Early Bird membership, which is now open to pre-register and gives fans content, digital and physical merchandise, and priority to events in the future. They also request that you stay connected for the latest news with the official accounts, so you don’t miss out on debut dates, concept teasers, and other announcements.
The K-pop world is counting down to ALPHA DRIVE ONE and their performant, high-energy space-themed performances that are set to amaze both local and global fans.
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Conclusion
ALPHA DRIVE ONE is ready to begin a new chapter in K -pop boy group debuts, bringing together unfiltered talent, global representation, the hard work and experience from their survival show challenge, and the anticipation from fans all over the world who are prepared to support their concerts, albums, and activations with fans.
For those ready to stay close to the action, don’t forget to join the official fanclub, to follow ALD1’s social media accounts, and to keep up to date with all the pre-debut and debut news coming soon.
Get ready to enjoy the drive, the passion, and the cosmic energy from the next global K-pop sensation, ALPHA DRIVE ONE!
