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TOZ From ‘Boys Planet’ to Make Korean Debut in Early May

The Mnet survival show Boys Planet has already given us many successful K-pop groups. There’s EVNNE, ONEPACT, and of course, the winning nine-member team of ZEROBASEONE. But it seems the show isn’t done being the gift that keeps on giving. Another group—the four-member Japanese act TOZ—is set to make their official Korean debut. Their EP, TO my new friends, will be released on May 2.

TO my new friends is TOZ’s second EP, following their debut EP Flare, which included five Japanese tracks and was released simultaneously in Japan and Korea last September. The upcoming EP, featuring all Korean lyrics, aims to cement TOZ’s presence in the Korean music industry. A promotional poster featuring a light blue teddy bear and the EP’s release date was shared on the band’s social media pages, sparking excitement among fans.

Meet the members of TOZ

All four members of TOZ were popular contestants on Boys Planet, but they didn’t make the ZEROBASEONE lineup. Anthonny, the group’s leader and main vocalist of Filipino-Japanese descent, trained under WAKEONE for a while before joining Boys Planet. He also participated in Produce 101 Japan Season 2. When he’s not onstage, he enjoys drawing, playing badminton, and watching movies. His role model is AB6IX’s Lee Dae Hwi.

Haruto has a rich multicultural background. He lived in the US—specifically in New Jersey—which is how he became fluent in English. He can also speak Japanese and Korean, and is currently trying to learn Chinese. Not only is he multilingual, but he’s also adept at various styles of dance including ballet, breakdancing, and tap dancing. His smooth moves made him popular on Boys Planet and an integral part of TOZ.

@toz_yyent

🐼🐶🍑❤ #TOZ #ANTHONNY #HART #YUTO #TAKUTO

♬ summerlove – kit 🎀

Like Haruto, Yuto is fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean. His admiration for BTS influenced him to become an idol. His favorite BTS song is “Spring Day.” When he’s not dancing, he can be found eating ice cream (he says his specialty is “eating food quickly”) or watching animated movies.

The youngest member, Takuto, is known for his love of nature. When he has spare time, he enjoys going on bike rides to soak up some fresh air. For his Boys Planet audition, he dressed up as a boxer, charming both the judging panel and his fellow contestants. He can do backflips and round-offs, which make him a compelling presence onstage. His favorite song is “Cheers” by the SEVENTEEN leaders.

A wide variety of content

According to their agency YY Entertainment, TOZ will hold live concerts, perform on music shows, and work on a wide variety of content to connect with the Korean audience. All four boys are determined to make their mark in the highly competitive K-pop scene, like many of their fellow Boys Planet alums have done. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Anthonny, Hart, Takuto, and Yuto are so cute! Source: X/@TOZ_YYent.

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Former ‘Boys’ Planet’ Contestant Winnie Leaves Group NINE.i

Agency FirstOne Entertainment announced on January 28 that Winnie has parted ways with K-pop boy group NINE.i.

According to the agency’s statement, it was revealed that former Boys’ Planet contestant Winnie was diagnosed with a shoulder injury in April 2023. As the rookie idol needed consistent treatment and rehabilitation, he went on an indefinite hiatus.

However, FirstOne continued that based on the opinions of medical experts, it will be difficult for Winnie to completely recover if excessive choreography is performed. After a long and in-depth-discussion with the company, FirstOne decided to let NINE.i continue as a nine-member boy group without Winnie.

Moreover, the agency reassured fans that the singer will return as a soloist once he fully recovers. “Winnie will take some time to focus more on recovering his health and then show his various sides through personal activities,”  FirstOne explained. 

Fans wish Winnie a speedy recovery

While fans were saddened with Winnie’s departure from the group, a lot still wished him a speedy recovery. Others also reassured the idol that they will continue supporting his solo endeavors.

On social media, NINE.i fans sent their encouraging words for Winnie. One comment read: “You worked so hard.” Meanwhile another said: “You’ll be missed but I sincerely hope that you can recover and move on well to a new path.” 

Other fans also expressed their appreciation for Winnie’s hard work despite the short time he’s been with the group. “Your talents did not go unnoticed. You accomplished so much in such a short time. Be proud,” the user wrote.

For those who are unaware, NINE.i made their official debut in March 2022 with the mini album New World. In December 2023, they released their latest single Back to Christmas.”

With Winnie’s departure, NINE.i is set to continue promoting with members Eden, Jewon, Minjun, Vahn, Vari, Seowon, Taehun, and Joohyung.

Featured image: NINE.i introduces Winnie as a member of the group. Credit: Twitter/NINE.i

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‘Boys Planet’ Contestant Ollie Finally Discusses Arm Injury During Show’s Filming

Ollie is finally opening up about a curious mystery. The former “Boys Planet” contestant has addressed the cast he was wearing during the show. As it turns out, the young trainee suffered an arm injury during filming but Mnet staff ignored his pleas for help!

Former ‘Boys Planet’ Contestant Ollie Addresses Shocking Arm Injury

Ollie, a former contestant on “Boys Planet” and a trainee under Yuehua Entertainment, recently shed light on the mistreatment he endured during his time on the show, sparking outrage among fans. Ollie’s revelation came during a Weibo live stream where he addressed questions from fans, and one inquiry focused on the cast he wore on his left hand during “Boys Planet”.

According to Ollie, the injury occurred during the show’s field day when he landed incorrectly while participating in one of the games. Despite experiencing considerable pain, Ollie informed the production staff about his condition. Shockingly, the staff advised him to wait until filming concluded before seeking medical attention. Unable to endure the pain, Ollie eventually took matters into his own hands and sought help from an ambulance.

“Right, I have never told you why I was in a cast,” he said. “It was during a sports meet, there was a game where you had to pull people onto a mat. I was being pulled. It was Jiwoong-hyung, right? He was pulling my leg, and I was falling backwards, so when he exerted his strength…I was lying down like this, and my leg got pulled up like this…and landed on my fingers.

“I was in so much pain, so I told them, ‘I’m in a lot of pain, I want to go to the hospital,'” Ollie continued. “They were like, ‘It’s okay, it’s okay, take a break first and wait until the end of filming.’ I told them I have a bone fracture. They said ‘It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay.’ I was in so much pain. My hand felt like they were throbbing, like it was popping dancing. In the end, I said I couldn’t take it anymore and went to the ambulance myself.”

The revelation has stirred strong reactions from fans, particularly given Ollie’s age at the time of the incident – a mere 16 years old. The mistreatment of a minor on a popular survival show has ignited anger and disappointment among viewers, with many directing their frustration towards Mnet, the network responsible for “Boys Planet”.

Ollie’s willingness to share his experience sheds light on the harsh realities faced by contestants behind the scenes of such reality shows. The incident raises concerns about the prioritization of contestants’ well-being and the responsibility of production staff to ensure their safety, especially when dealing with young participants. The controversy surrounding Ollie’s mistreatment on “Boys Planet” highlights the need for greater transparency and ethical practices within the entertainment industry, urging networks and production teams to prioritize the welfare of their participants.

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ONE PACT Reveals Official Fandom Name Ahead Of Debut

ONE PACT has just revealed their official fandom name! The new boy group made it official in a new video, announcing what their fans will be called just one day before their official debut!

New Boy Group ONE PACT Announces Fandom Name

ONE PACT, the new boy group composed of former contestants from “Boys Planet”, has officially named their fandom. In a video released on November 29, the members of ONE PACT announced that their fandom will be called “&heart,” stylized as “&♡.”

The significance of the chosen name was explained by the members. The “&” symbolizes the point of contact that brings the five members together, emphasizing unity and connection. Meanwhile, the “heart” represents the “inevitable encounters that make ONE PACT exist.” The combination of these elements reflects the group’s philosophy and the meaningful relationships formed within the group.

Who are ONE PACT?

ONE PACT comprises five talented members: Yoon Jong Woo, Oh Seong Min (Jerome), Tag, Lee Ye Dam, and Jay Chang. The group has generated anticipation and excitement since its formation, with fans eagerly looking forward to their debut.

The boy group is set to make their official debut with the release of their first mini album, titled “Moment,” on November 30 at 6 p.m. KST. The debut is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see the musical direction and performances that ONE PACT will showcase with their debut album.

The choice of “&heart” as the official fandom name adds a personal and heartfelt touch to ONE PACT’s interactions with their fans. Fandom names often hold special significance, symbolizing the unique bond between artists and their supporters. In the case of “&heart,” the name also suggests a shared connection and a sense of unity, emphasizing the meaningful encounters that brought the members and fans together.

As ONE PACT prepares to embark on their journey in the K-pop industry, the announcement of their fandom name also marks a significant milestone in their pre-debut activities. Fans, now officially known as “&heart,” will undoubtedly play a crucial role in supporting and cheering for ONE PACT as they also navigate their careers in the competitive world of K-pop.

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ONE PACT Drops Teaser for November Debut

It’s official: ARMADA Entertainment’s upcoming boy group ONE PACT is gearing up for their debut. 

Moreover, ONE PACT is composed of five former Boys Planet contestants. They are Yoon Jong Woo, former TO1 member Oh Seong Min (who did promotions  as Jerome), former Ciipher member Tag, Lee Ye Dam, and Jay Chang. 

Notably, Tag initially joined Boys Planet as a contestant, but ultimately left the survival show before it began airing. Furthermore, Jay Chang was also first rumored to debut as a soloist, before surprising fans with his ONE PACT involvement. 

On Thursday,  November 2, the group released a scheduler for their first mini-album Moment. The quartet will be releasing the usual concept photos, track lists, and teasers prior to the album and music video release on November 30. 

As of writing, other details, such as the number of songs and title track for Moment have yet to be announced. 

Prior to the release of Moment, ONE PACT already released a performance video for their pre-debut track “Hot Stuff.” Aside from the video showcasing the synchronization of the group, fans were also impressed that the song is produced by member Tag. 

Through “Hot Stuff” and other performance video teasers, the upcoming boy group has been gaining attention among the fans. 

 

What we know so far about ONE PACT

In September, ARMADA Entertainment first confirmed  their plans of debuting a new idol group. 

As for the group name ONE PACT, it reportedly is a fusion of the words “one” and “impact.” Furthermore, the group name is meant to signify the act’s goal of being united to make a significant impact. 

Ahead of their official debut, the group is also embarking on a pre-debut fan concert tour in Japan and Thailand.

With their upcoming debut, ONE PACT will join the list of growing Boys Planet contestants who entered the industry after the series. 

First, the formed group who won in the show are now promoting as ZEROBASEONE, or ZB1. Consisting of Zhang Hao, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew, Ricky, Park Gun Wook, Kim Taerae, Kim Gyu Vin, Kim Ji Woong, and Han Yu Jin, ZB1 debuted in July with their first mini album Youth in the Shade.

Another boy group produced by Boys Planet is EVNNE, who made their debut in September. Meanwhile, four more former contestants of Boys Planet are set to debut as the boy group TOZ  in 2023.

Featured image: ARMADA Entertainment shares group photo of ONE PACT. Credit: Twitter/ARMADA Entertainment

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RBW Entertainment To Debut New Boy Group NXD

RBW is gearing up to debut their first new boy group in nearly half a decade, creating excitement among K-pop enthusiasts. The new idol group will also consist of former contestants from “Boys Planet” and “Fantasy Boys”!

RBW Reveals New Boy Group

Officially announced on November 3, RBW is set to introduce NXD, a five-member boy group poised to make their mark in the K-pop scene. The group’s lineup includes Hiroto, who garnered recognition as a participant on “Boys Planet,” as well as Hwang Jaemin, Kang Daehyeon, and Park Hyeonggeun, all former contestants from “Fantasy Boys.” Rounding out the quintet is Lee Yongjoon, a new talent ready to shine.

In preparation for their highly anticipated debut, NXD is gearing up to launch their official social media accounts on November 9. This milestone will mark the beginning of an exciting journey for both the group and their fans. Fans can look forward to a diverse range of pre-debut content, providing glimpses into the talents and personalities of the members, and building anticipation for their official debut.

RBW, the entertainment company behind NXD, is renowned for its track record of creating successful idol groups. They’ve introduced iconic acts like MAMAMOO, ONEUS, and PURPLE KISS to the K-pop landscape, solidifying their position as a major player in the industry. Additionally, RBW houses the band ONEWE, showcasing the company’s versatility in nurturing a wide range of musical talents.

With the official introduction of NXD, RBW continues to shape the future of K-pop and add another promising group to their impressive roster. As fans await the debut of NXD, there’s excitement in the air, as the group promises to bring fresh energy and talent to the K-pop scene.

In related news, ONEUS recently made a successful comeback with the EP ‘La Dolce Vita’ and the single ‘Baila Conmigo’.

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Ex-TO1 Member Oh Seong Min to Debut in One Pact

Former Boys Planet contestant and TO1 member Oh Seong Min will start anew as he’s confirmed to be part of the upcoming rookie boy group ONE PACT. 

On Wednesday, October 4, ONE PACT’s agency ARMADA Entertainment introduced Oh Seong Min as the group’s second member.

He’ll be joining fellow Boys Planet contestant Yoon Jong Woo. 

Interestingly, ONE PACT would be Oh Seong Min’s second group as he was previously part of the group TO1. There, he promoted under the stage name Jerome. 

For those unfamiliar, TO1 was formed through Mnet’s reality show To Be World Klass. Initially named as TOO, the group made its debut in April 2020. However, the group didn’t gain that much popularity as its management CJ ENM and n.CH Entertainment got involved in legal disputes. Because of this, several members left the group, which lead to lineup changes. 

In June 2022, Jerome announced his departure from TO1, alongside Minsu and Woong Gi. 

Although they left TO1, they remained to be part of WAKEONE Entertainment. Several months after leaving the group, Oh Seong Min participated in Boys Planet wherein he finished in 35th place. 

What we know so far about ONE PACT

In late September, ARMADA Entertainment announced their plans of debuting a new idol group. 

The group will be called ONE PACT, which is a fusion of the words “one” and “impact.” Furthermore, the group name is meant to signify the act’s goal of being united to make a significant impact. 

According to Korean media, the agency has teased that the members of ONE PACT will have members with diverse personalities and charms. 

Aside from Oh Seong Min and Yoon Jong Woo, ARMADA Entertainment has yet to provide details on the other members.

Additionally, the agency also hasn’t confirmed the final number of members, as well as target debut date for the group. 

Moreover, ONE PACT will join the list of growing Boys Planet contestants who entered the industry after the series. 

First, the formed group who won in the show are now promoting as ZEROBASEONE, or ZB1. Consisting of Zhang Hao, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew, Ricky, Park Gun Wook, Kim Taerae, Kim Gyu Vin, Kim Ji Woong, and Han Yu Jin, ZB1 debuted in July with their first mini album Youth in the Shade.

Another boy group produced by Boys Planet is EVNNE, who made their debut in September. Meanwhile, four more former contestants of Boys Planet are set to debut as the boy group TOZ.  in 2023.

Featured image: ARMADA Entertainment introduces Oh Seong Min as a ONE PACT member. Credit: Twitter/ONE PACT

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BOYS PLANET’s Yoon Jong Woo To Debut In New Boy Group

Yoon Jong Woo is getting a fresh start with a new boy group. The former “BOYS PLANET” contestant has just been revealed to join an upcoming rookie group. Yoon has been confirmed as the first member of the group that is set to debut later this year.

ARMADA ENT Confirms Yoon Jong Woo as First Member of New Boy Group ONEPACT

On September 27, ARMADA ENT announced that they are launching a new idol group later this year. “We are launching boy group ONEPACT with the goal of making their debut in the second half of this year,” their statement read. It was later revealed that Yoon Jong Woo had signed with the company. The “BOYS PLANET” finalist was confirmed as ONEPACT’s first official member.

Yoon secured the 18th position in the “BOYS PLANET” finals. Unfortunately, he did not become part of ZEROBASEONE, the group that included the top nine finalists. Despite not having made his official debut yet, Yoon Jong-woo already garnered recognition for his impressive and unique skills. ONEPACT will boast of a diverse lineup of members, each with their distinct personalities and charms, with the collective ambition to captivate the hearts of the public.

ONEPACT is a fusion of the words ‘one’ and ‘impact,’ encapsulating the concept of unity to make a significant impact. ARMADA ENT, the agency behind the group, also collaborates on various activities, including performances, fan meetings, and festivals. Their plans also include the execution of projects that will expand their reach internationally, aiming to become a prominent presence in the music industry in 2023.

As they continue to unveil additional members of ONEPACT, ARMADA ENT will embark on an extensive promotional campaign leading up to the group’s debut. Fans can also anticipate further information about the group’s journey and achievements, solidifying ONEPACT’s position as an exciting newcomer in the music industry.

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Jay Chang From ‘Boys Planet’ to Debut as Soloist

Heads up, K-pop fans! Jay Chang from the survival show Boys Planet is confirmed to be gearing up for his solo debut.

On Monday, September 18, FM Entertainment announced that Jay Chang signed an exclusive contract with their agency. And he’s currently preparing for his official debut in October. 

Additionally, the agency mentioned that the artist took part in the album preparations. “Jay Chang’s participation and contribution are high as it is his debut album,” they said. 

As of writing, details such as album title and final release date of Jay Chang’s solo album have yet to be released. However, FM Entertainment promised fans that they will support Jay Chang so he “can show his potential and versatile talent.”

Jay Chang and his idol journey

Even before joining any survival series, the aspiring idol was already making waves online. In his trainee years, he released his first digital single “Is You.” Apart from that, Jay was also part of the pre-debut group M.O.N.T Arena.

Prior to his participation in Boys Planet, Jay Chang was already a familiar face to some K-Pop fans. The Filipino-American singer has previously competed in the 2018 survival program Under Nineteen. Unfortunately, he was eliminated early on which led him to continue pursuing his idol dreams in Boys Planet.

Despite drawing attention for his charm and excellent vocals, Jay Chang did not make it to the final lineup. In Boys Planet, MNET only intended to form a nine-member global boy group, and Jay Chang placed 10th in the global rankings. 

Which paved the way for Jay Chang to embark on his solo career. 

Where are the participants from Boys Planet now?

With Jay Chang about to debut as a soloist, he now joins the list of the Boys Planet contestants who entered the industry after the series. 

To start off, the formed group who won in the show are now promoted as ZEROBASEONE, or ZB1. Consisting of Zhang Hao, Sung Han Bin, Seok Matthew, Ricky, Park Gun Wook, Kim Taerae, Kim Gyu Vin, Kim Ji Woong, and Han Yu Jin, ZB1 debuted in July with their first mini album Youth in the Shade.

Interestingly, ZEROBASEONE sets records as they become the first K-Pop group to have sold over a million copies for their debut album. According to WAKEONE, their agency, the group sold a total of 1.24 Million copies on the first day of its release.

Another boy group produced by Boys Planet is EVNNE, which is set to debut on September 19. The project group consists of seven members including Park Han Bin, Lee Jung Hyun, Moon Jung Hyun, Park Ji Hoo, Yoo Seung Eon, Ji Yeon Seo, and Keita. As announced earlier, the group will be managed by Jellyfish Entertainment.

Meanwhile, four more former contestants of Boys Planet are set to debut as a boy group in 2023. This time, Anthonny, Haruto, Yuto, and Takuto will debut in Japan as TOZ. In an announcement made by YY Entertainment in August, the quartet are expected to debut this September 27 with the album Flare.

Featured image: Jay Chang during his fan meeting in Taipei. Credit: Twitter/Jay Chang

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Boy Group Evnne to Debut in September

EVNNE, the boy group of Jellyfish Entertainment consisting of Boys Planet contestants, is making their official debut on September 18. 

On Wednesday, August 16, the agency marked the countdown for the group’s debut by unveiling its logo. 

The logo of EVNNE featured the letters E and V fused together. Additionally, the name’s meaning, “Evening’s Newest Etoiles,” is also written in the poster. 

“Coming soon,” the agency wrote, alongside the highly-anticipated debut date. However, additional details about the group’s upcoming debut have yet to be disclosed. 

 

Meet EVNNE

In early August, Jellyfish Entertainment announced that they’re forming a seven-member boy group. 

Former Boys Planet contestants Ji Yoon Seo, Keita, Lee Jung Hyun, Moon Jung Hyun, Park Han Bin, Park Ji Hoo, and Yoo Seung Eon were confirmed to be part of the lineup. 

 

According to the agency, these individuals captured the public’s interests despite not making it to the official debut group.

Initially, the group was supposed to be named BLIT. However, they changed the name to EVNNE to avoid potential negative connotations. 

Pronounced as “even,” the new name symbolizes a rising star in the night sky. 

Although there’s no additional details about EVNNE’s upcoming release yet, Jellyfish Entertainment is already making the group’s presence on social media known. 

 

After Boys Planet

Interestingly, EVNNE is not the only group that was formed after the hit survival series. 

Besides EVNNE, Anthonny Iinuma, Haruto Maeda, Takuto Toyonaga, and Yuto Takano will also be debut under the group TOZ. They will managed by YY Entertainment. 

Meanwhile, Wang Zi Hao will also make his debut as a solo artist under the stage name Le’v. 

Boys Planet, which started with 93 trainees, gave birth to the formation of the debut team ZEROBASEONE or ZB1. 

The group’s members include Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, and Kim Tae-rae. Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin are also part of the lineup.

On July 10, ZB1 made their debut with the mini-album YOUTH IN THE SHADE. Shortly after, YOUTH IN THE SHADE set the record for being the best-selling debut album in K-pop history. Over 1,240,700 copies were sold in just 24 hours of sales. 

Additionally, ZB1 is a project group that will promote under WakeOne Entertainment, a CJ ENM subsidiary. 

Featured image: Jellyfish Entertainment’s newest boy group EVNNE confirms debut date. Credit: Twitter/EVNNE

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