X1, which debuted through Mnet’s boy group survival audition program “Produce X 101“, gained significant popularity upon debut but disbanded just four months later due to manipulation controversies.
On September 30, profiles of participants for “Starlight Boys” were released. “Starlight Boys” is a boy group audition program co-produced by SBS and the Chinese platform iQIYI. Among the participants is Lee Han-gyul, a former member of X1, which has generated a lot of interest.
With this, Lee Han-gyul will be making his fourth appearance in survival programs. He has previously participated in “Produce X 101”, KBS2’s “The Unit” (2017), and JTBC’s “Peak Time.” He has debuted three times with groups IM, X1, and BAE173.
Netizens have expressed their support, “I hope he succeeds this time.” There is a growing anticipation for what Lee Han-gyul will achieve in “Starlight Boys.”
After the disbandment of X1, former members Song Hyung-jun and Kang Min-hee, who returned to their original agencies for re-debut, as well as Lee Eun-sang from the group Unite, have also reappeared in survival shows. They are currently participating in the ongoing Mnet program “Road to Kingdom 2”. Although they were in the same group, they are now competing as members of different groups.
“Road to Kingdom 2” features a fierce performance battle among rising boy groups, with a total of 7 teams participating, including Cravity, Unite, The New Six, The Crew One, ATEN, ONEUS, and TEMPEST. The winning team will earn a chance to participate in the next program, “Kingdom 2.”
In an interview prior to the airing of “Road to Kingdom 2,” Unite leader Lee Eun-sang mentioned, “I’ve been running non-stop for three years (since debut).” He remarked that it’s challenging to find someone who recognizes them as members of Unite. Song Hyung-jun also expressed frustration about Cravity’s ambiguous group position.
Despite the countless groups that debut each year, few achieve significant popularity and continue their activities. The voices of support are growing for idols and trainees who, with earnest hearts, continue to challenge themselves by participating in survival programs.
Source: Daum
