The legacy of Mnet’s idol survival programs continues with a brand-new boy group. Following Wanna One (2017), X1 (2019), and ZEROBASEONE (2023), the franchise has now introduced ALPHA DRIVE ONE, also known as ALD1.

On September 25, the live finale of Boys II Planet aired, unveiling the final debut lineup and the official group name. The production team explained the meaning behind the name: “It embodies the catharsis created by the relentless drive of K-pop.”

Alpha Drive One debutpeople' 'idol' 'microphone' 'talent' 'performance.

The final eight members are:

  1. Lee Sang Won – 7,293,777 points
  2. Zhou Anxin – 5,950,137 points
  3. He Xinlong – 5,731,887 points
  4. Kim Geon Woo – 4,854,331 points
  5. Zhang Jiahao – 4,238,175 points
  6. Lee Leo – 4,147,134 points
  7. Chung Sang Hyeon – 3,862,466 points
  8. Kim Jun Seo – 3,856,677 points
Alpha Drive One debutpeople' 'microphone' 'ranking' 'purple' 'background' 'suits.

Just outside the cutoff were Yoo Kang Min (9th), Chuei Li-yu (10th), Yumeki (11th), and others, who unfortunately missed the chance to debut.

The top spot went to Lee Sang Won , who was visibly moved on stage: “Honestly, I thought Anxin would take first place. But today, I realized that I now care for all of you more than myself. I’m truly happy and grateful,” he said. He promised, “I’ll become a proud member of Alpha Drive One, and always strive to be your number one.”

Lee Sang Won’s victory carried extra weight as he was once a BigHit trainee and a member of the pre-debut team Trainee A, whose debut plans were canceled. After briefly stepping away from entertainment, he was encouraged by fellow trainee Lee Leo to join Boys II Planet. Both succeeded, with Lee Leo placing 6th and joining the lineup.

Alpha Drive One debutmen' 'standing' 'uniform' 'ties' 'stage.

Unlike the first season (Boys Planet in 2023), which saw China’s Zhang Hao make history as the first foreign trainee to win, season two concluded without a shocking upset. Lee Sang Won secured first place in the finale, becoming the Korean winner of the series.

With their debut as Alpha Drive One, the eight members are expected to carry forward Mnet’s survival show legacy, adding fresh energy to the fifth-generation K-pop landscape.

Sources: Naver