After three intense months of fierce competition, Mnet’s survival show BOYS II PLANET concluded with a dramatic finale, unveiling the next 5th-generation global K-pop boy group — ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1). The announcement marked the culmination of a season filled with emotional highs, shocking eliminations, and millions of fan votes from around the world.
The newly formed 8-member group, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, takes its name from the words Alpha (the beginning), Drive (passion and motivation), and One (unity and purpose). The meaning behind the name signifies the group’s shared goal — to move forward as one powerful unit, driven to reach the top of the global stage.
Following a total of 26.6 million votes from fans in the final round, the top eight contestants who secured their spots in ALD1 were announced as:
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Lee Sang Won
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Zhou An Xin
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He Xin Long
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Kim Geon Woo
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Zhang Jia Hao
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Lee Leo
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Chung Sang Hyeon
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Kim Jun Seo
Trailing just below the debut line was VERIVERY’s Yoo Kang Min, who finished in 9th place, narrowly missing his chance to debut. His strong performance in the final missions, including Brat Attitude and Never Been 2 Heaven, earned praise from both fans and mentors, making his near-miss one of the night’s most emotional moments.
The grand finale saw contestants divided into two teams of eight, battling it out with their final songs before reuniting on stage for a rousing group performance of “How To Fly,” an anthem symbolizing hope, perseverance, and dreams realized through hard work. The atmosphere was electric, as fans cheered on their favorites both in the venue and online.
According to My Daily, ALD1 is scheduled to debut in early 2026, and the group’s contract period will span five years — longer than that of their predecessors, ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), who debuted after BOYS PLANET season 1. Under this structure, members of ALD1 will also be permitted to pursue solo, acting, and brand activities alongside their group promotions, allowing for greater flexibility and visibility across entertainment sectors.