Mnet survival program Boys II Planet saw several eliminated trainees return with bold new plans.
Following the January 12 debut of the 'Boys II Planet' debut team ALPHADRIVEONE, groups WHIB and TUNEX have also announced their entries into the K-pop arena.
WHIB, who debuted in 2023 with their first single album 'Cut-Out,' had members Kim Jun-min, Lee Jeong, and Wonjun listed as contestants on 'Boys II Planet.' Although Wonjun was eliminated in the first round and Jun-min and Lee Jeong were cut in the finale—meaning they didn't make the debut lineup—the show still boosted the group's name recognition.
Afterward, Kim Jun-min, Lee Jeong, and Wonjun returned to the team, while member Inhong departed by his own decision, turning WHIB into a seven-member act ready for a fresh start. Their first comeback album since the reorganization signals a full-fledged leap forward, capitalizing on the awareness they gained through 'Boys II Planet.'
Recently, WHIB heightened fans' expectations by dropping a coming-soon teaser for their first mini album 'ROCK THE NATION.' The clip shows a gray-toned city and destroyed buildings, followed by a static-filled TV screen, the striking phrase 'We Rock the Nation,' and the album title—stirring curiosity for what's to come.
Meanwhile, a brand-new team composed of 'Boys II Planet' contestants and yet-to-debut trainees is also gearing up: IST Entertainment's TUNEX, who are set for an official debut this March. The lineup includes Park Dong-gyu, Kim Si-hwan, and Artic—who appeared on survival auditions—along with Kim In-hu, who was affiliated with Big Planet Made Entertainment during the show.
On the 15th, the label confirmed that "TUNEX is a seven-member group," further fueling curiosity about the remaining three members. Through the '0v__x0' social media account, the company has consistently shared day-in-the-life and performance content to communicate with fans. Despite being pre-debut, the account has amassed nearly 100,000 combined followers on Instagram and YouTube, proving the heated interest.
It's not just trainees chasing a flashy debut—already-debuted, 'experienced' idols hungry for more popularity continue to use survival audition shows as a launching pad.
From the 'nation's pick' Wanna One, reuniting in the first half of this year, to ZEROBASEONE, who extended their run on the back of explosive popularity, and the freshly launched 'Boys II Planet debut team' ALPHADRIVEONE—who will win fans' hearts amid the powerhouse groups carrying on the Mnet universe?