Sangwon and Leo have quickly captured the attention of K-pop fans with their powerful vocal performance on the second season of BOYS II PLANET. A preview clip released on July 14 featured the duo discussing their musical journey, followed by a short snippet of their stage act. The clip spread rapidly online, drawing praise for their impressive skill and chemistry. Their debut on the show marked not only a strong performance but also the beginning of what appears to be a growing fanbase.
For their star level test, Sangwon and Leo covered ENHYPEN’s “No Doubt,” a high-energy track known for its complex vocal layering and challenging arrangement. Their rendition stood out for its stability, tone, and precision. On BOYS II PLANET, trainees are sorted into four rankings—ALL STAR, TWO STAR, ONE STAR, and NO STAR—based on their audition performance. Those who earn no stars are eliminated from the competition. However, Sangwon and Leo’s exceptional showing made elimination seem highly unlikely. The judges’ expressions revealed clear admiration, and fellow contestants were visibly impressed, with some questioning if the performance had actually been done live due to how stable their vocals were.
Both artists are 22 years old and formerly trained under BIGHIT MUSIC as part of the Trainee A project. Lee Leo, originally from Australia, and Lee Sangwon, from South Korea, were being prepared for debut in what was expected to be the label’s next big boy group after BTS and TXT. The project, however, was canceled in December 2022, leaving many trainees without a confirmed path forward. After the disbandment of Trainee A, Sangwon and Leo signed with GRID Entertainment. Not long after, they were announced as a duo, set to debut under the name Leo & Sangwon.
Even before their official debut, their journey took another turn when it was revealed they would join BOYS II PLANET. Their longstanding friendship—spanning over eight years—and shared ambition to debut together have added emotional weight to their participation. Leo entered the show with over three and a half years of training experience, while Sangwon had trained for six years. Their story, combined with undeniable talent and on-stage chemistry, is resonating with viewers and creating buzz online as the survival show unfolds.
