Alpha Drive One Members Revealed: Boys 2 Planet Winners Set for 2026 Debut
Mnet's survival show concludes with eight-member group formation, but debut delayed until ZEROBASEONE contract expires
Mnet's "Boys 2 Planet" officially concluded on September 25, 2025, revealing the eight contestants who will form the new K-pop group Alpha Drive One (ALD1). However, unlike previous survival show groups, ALD1 faces an unusual delay - their debut is postponed until early 2026, after ZEROBASEONE's contract expires.
Final Alpha Drive One Lineup
The eight members selected through global voting are:
- Lee Sang Won (22, South Korea) - 7.2 million votes
- Zhou An Xin (19, China)
- He Xin Long (20, China) - Boy Story member
- Kim Geon Woo (22, South Korea) - Independent trainee
- Zhang Jia Hao (23, China)
- Lee Leo (23, Korean-Australian)
- Chung Sang Hyeon (18, South Korea)
- Kim Jun Seo (23, South Korea) - WEi member
The group name "Alpha Drive One" represents unity and the drive to reach the top position globally.
Record-Breaking Global Response
The show generated massive international engagement, recording 32.5 million votes from 213 countries and regions in the fourth round alone. Among female viewers aged 10-29, the finale achieved ratings of 1.5% and 2.4%, topping all networks in the same time slot.
On streaming platforms, the show dominated with nearly 80% real-time viewer share on TVING and a 33% increase in international streaming compared to previous weeks.
Unprecedented Debut Delay
Unlike previous Mnet project groups such as WANNA ONE and ZEROBASEONE who debuted within three months, Alpha Drive One's debut is scheduled for early 2026. This delay coincides with ZEROBASEONE's contract expiration at the end of 2025.
The group will be managed by WakeOne Entertainment and is contracted for five years of activity.
ZEROBASEONE's Shadow Looms Large
The pressure on Alpha Drive One is immense given ZEROBASEONE's phenomenal success. ZEROBASEONE achieved a "Rookie Grand Slam" by sweeping 10 Rookie of the Year awards from major ceremonies including Golden Disc Awards, MAMA Awards, and Seoul Music Awards.
Their debut EP "Youth in the Shade" sold over two million units and peaked at number one on South Korea's Circle Album Chart. The lead single "In Bloom" charted on Billboard Global 200, making them one of the most successful 5th generation K-pop groups.
However, ZEROBASEONE faces their own uncertainty with contracts set to expire in January 2026. While WakeOne has been in discussions about contract extensions since early 2025, no agreements have been finalized.
Mixed Reception for Group Name
The "Alpha Drive One" announcement sparked divided reactions online, with some fans comparing it unfavorably to ZEROBASEONE and others making jokes about its similarity to the supermarket chain "Aldi."
During the finale, MC Kim Jaejoong explained the name represents "one official team with the drive, passion, and determination to become the very best."
The Long Wait Begins
Alpha Drive One has already launched official social media accounts but faces the unusual situation of waiting over a year to debut. This extended period could either build anticipation or cause momentum to fade.
The timing raises questions about Mnet's strategy. Previous survival show groups capitalized on immediate post-show hype, while ALD1 must maintain relevance during the extended wait.
For now, K-pop fans must wait to see if Alpha Drive One can replicate ZEROBASEONE's remarkable success when they finally debut in 2026.
Alpha Drive One is managed by WakeOne Entertainment and contracted for five years of activity beginning with their 2026 debut.
