The highly anticipated finale of Mnet’s survival show “Boys II Planet“ has concluded, and K-pop fans worldwide now have their answer to who will debut as the newest multinational boy group. After months of intense competition, global voting, and spectacular performances, eight talented trainees have secured their spots in ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), the group that will make their official debut in early 2026.
Breaking: Boys II Planet Finale Results Announced
On September 25, 2025, Mnet aired the live finale of “Boys II Planet,” the highly successful sequel to the original “Boys Planet” series. The show, which premiered on July 17 and 18, 2025, brought together 160 contestants from around the world, initially divided between Planet K (Korean contestants) and Planet C (primarily Greater China contestants), before merging into one unified competition.
The finale night was a culmination of a three-month journey that saw fierce competition, global fan engagement, and the creation of what promises to be K-pop’s next international sensation.
Meet ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1): The Final 8 Members
The Complete Lineup and Final Rankings
The final debut lineup for ALPHA DRIVE ONE was determined through a combination of global fan votes and mission benefits accumulated throughout the series. Here are the eight members who made the cut:
1st Place: Lee Sang Won
– Votes Received: Over 7.2 million votes
– Agency: Grid Entertainment
– Background: The undisputed leader of the pack, Lee Sang Won maintained his #1 position throughout most of the series, demonstrating exceptional talent and fan appeal that translated into the highest vote count in the finale.
2nd Place: Zhou An Xin
– Agency: Nouer Entertainment
– Background: Representing Planet C, Zhou An Xin consistently ranked in the top positions throughout the competition, showcasing his versatility and international appeal.
3rd Place: He Xin Long
– Background: A member of Boy Story, the Chinese boy group under JYP Entertainment, He Xin Long brought professional idol experience to the competition.
Additional ALD1 Members (Positions 4-8):
– Kim Jun Seo – Demonstrated consistent performance throughout the series
– Zhang Jia Hao – Strong vocalist who secured his debut position
– Lee Leo – Showed impressive growth during the competition
– Kim Geon Woo – Versatile performer with strong fan support
– Chung Sang Hyeon – Rounded out the final eight with his unique talents
The Journey to Debut: Boys II Planet Timeline
From 160 to 8: The Competition Structure
The path to ALPHA DRIVE ONE wasn’t easy. The competition structure included multiple elimination rounds:
– Starting Point: 160 contestants (80 from Planet K, 80 from Planet C)
– First Survivor Announcement: Top 48 remaining
– Second Survivor Announcement: Top 24 advancing
– Final Survivor Announcement: Top 16 proceeding to live finale
– Live Finale: Final 8 debut members selected
Star-Studded Mentor Lineup
The success of Boys II Planet was enhanced by its impressive mentor lineup:
Planet K Mentors:
– Lee Seok-hoon
– Kinky
– Kany
Planet C Mentors:
– Kim Jae-joong (legendary TVXQ member)
– Xiaoting
– Jrick
Training and Evaluation Mentors:
– Lim Han-byul
– Hyolyn
– Baek Koo-young
– Justhis
What Makes ALPHA DRIVE ONE Special?
International Appeal and Diversity
ALPHA DRIVE ONE represents the future of K-pop with its truly international composition. The group includes members from South Korea and Greater China, embodying the global nature of modern K-pop and appealing to fans across different markets.
Professional Experience Meets Fresh Talent
The group combines seasoned performers like He Xin Long, who already has professional idol experience with Boy Story, and fresh faces who have proven their potential through the rigorous competition process.
Early 2026 Debut Plans
Unlike some survival show groups that debut immediately, ALPHA DRIVE ONE is scheduled to make their official debut in early 2026, allowing time for proper preparation and training to ensure a strong launch.
Global Fan Engagement and Voting
The finale’s success was driven by massive global participation. Fans could vote through the Mnet Plus app, with voting closing on September 25 at 10 a.m. KST, just hours before the live finale broadcast. The international engagement was so significant that Soompi even launched an International Prediction Poll to gauge fan sentiment worldwide.
Social Media Launch and Official Presence
Following the finale announcement, ALPHA DRIVE ONE has already established their official social media presence, allowing fans to follow their journey from formation to debut. This immediate digital presence demonstrates Mnet’s commitment to maintaining momentum and fan engagement during the pre-debut period.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Following in ZB1’s Footsteps
As the successor to the successful “Boys Planet” series that created ZeroBaseOne (ZB1), ALPHA DRIVE ONE enters the industry with high expectations and a proven formula for success. The original Boys Planet demonstrated the continued appeal of survival show-formed groups in the current K-pop landscape.
Contract and Career Prospects
While specific contract details remain undisclosed, the group is expected to follow industry standards for survival show groups, with multi-year agreements that will allow for proper career development and international expansion.
What’s Next for ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
As ALPHA DRIVE ONE prepares for their 2026 debut, fans can expect:
1. Pre-debut content and activities to build anticipation
2. Individual member spotlights showcasing their unique talents
3. Collaborative preparation as they develop their group identity
4. International promotional activities leveraging their global appeal
The Boys II Planet Legacy
The success of Boys II Planet and the formation of ALPHA DRIVE ONE continues Mnet’s tradition of creating globally successful K-pop groups through survival competitions. With 160 contestants from around the world competing for just eight spots, the level of talent and dedication demonstrated throughout the series has been exceptional.
The show also announced plans for a spin-off featuring eliminated Planet C trainees, indicating the continued expansion of the Boys Planet universe and providing additional opportunities for talented individuals who didn’t make the final cut.
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
ALPHA DRIVE ONE represents more than just another K-pop debut group – they embody the evolution of the industry toward truly international collaboration and the power of global fan engagement in shaping musical careers. With Lee Sang Won leading the group after receiving over 7.2 million votes and a diverse lineup that spans multiple countries and cultures, ALD1 is positioned to make a significant impact when they debut in early 2026.
As fans eagerly await their official debut, ALPHA DRIVE ONE stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of survival show competitions and the global nature of modern K-pop. The journey from 160 hopeful trainees to 8 debut-ready members has created not just a new group, but a new chapter in the ongoing story of K-pop’s international expansion.
Vinod Singh is an entertainment news writer with a flair for storytelling and a passion for films, television, and celebrity culture. He delivers engaging, accurate, and timely updates on Bollywood, OTT, and pop culture, keeping readers entertained and informed about the latest happenings in the world of showbiz.