From survival shows to stardom: How KATSEYE, ZEROBASEONE, Izna and others conquered the K-Pop scene!

In the dynamic realm of K-pop, survival shows have emerged as essential platforms for aspiring idols to display their talents and carve out a place in this competitive industry. These programs engage audiences and act as springboards for many successful groups. 

ALSO READ | KATSEYE, VCHA, XG and more: Global groups using the Korean formula but are not K-pop

While established acts like TWICE, ENHYPEN, Stray Kids, MONSTA X, and WINNER have already made significant marks after debuting through survival shows, let’s explore some other K-Pop groups that have risen to stardom through these programs and continue to thrive today. 

* This article won't inlcue - Wanna One, IZ*ONE, I.O.I and more who have already disbanded.

Pentagon

Members: Hui, Jinho, Hongseok, Shinwon, Yanan, Yeo One, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok

Fandom Name: Universe

The group was formed through the Mnet survival show "Pentagon Maker." The band made its debut on October 10, 2016, under CUBE Entertainment. However, on October 9, 2023, the agency stated that Yeo One, Yanan, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok did not renew their contracts. Nonetheless, the group has not yet disbanded.

ILLIT

Members: Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha

Fandom Name: GLLIT

The now-5-member girl group was founded as a result of HYBE and JTBC's collaboration on the survival show "R U Next?". They were intended to debut as a six-member group, but Youngseo, a pre-debut member, left before the official debut. The girls made their debut on March 25, 2024, with their first mini album, SUPER REAL ME, and their song Magnetic, which went viral.

TREASURE

Members: Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Haruto, Doyoung, Park Jeongwoo, and So Junghwan

Fandom Name: Treasure Makers (Teume)

Previously known as TREASURE 13, this male group formed as a result of the survival show "YG Treasure Box". On November 8, 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Mashiho and Bang Yedam had departed the group. The group made its debut on August 7, 2020, with the single album "The First Step: Chapter One". On July 3, 2023, TREASURE struck a partnership with Columbia Records.

KATSEYE

Members: Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae

Fandom Name: EYEKONS

The 6-member global girl group is signed to Geffen Records and HYBE. The group was formed in partnership with HYBE x Universal Music Group for the survival program "The Debut: Dream Academy". They debuted with the single 'Debut' on June 28, 2024, followed by the release of their first EP "Soft Is Strong".

ZEROBASEONE

Members: Sung Han Bin, Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun Wook, and Han Yu Jin

Fandom Name: ZE_ROSE

MNET's survival show "BOYS PLANET" brought together this 9-member project group, also known as simply ZB1. They are managed by WAKEONE Entertainment, and their contract is for two and a half years. They debuted on July 10, 2023, with the mini album "YOUTH IN THE SHADE". LAPONE Entertainment will manage ZB1's Japanese promotions, and the group made their Japanese debut in March 2024 with the single "YURA YURA".

Izna

Members: Mai, Bang Jeemin, Yoon Jiyoon, Koko, Ryu Sarang, Choi Jungeun, and Jeong Saebi

Fandom Name: naya

WAKEONE Entertainment's 7-member South Korean pre-debut girl group was established through the survival show "I-LAND2: N/α" and has yet to make their debut. It was done in partnership with producer Teddy and his agency, THEBLACKLABEL. The group is set to make its debut by the end of 2024. They did perform at KCON Germany and saw their fans as they danced to the songs from the show.

iKON

Members: Bobby, Jay, JUNE, Song, DK and Chan

Fandom Name: iKONIC

The South Korean boy band was formed as a result of the survival show "Mix & Match". B.I departed the group on June 12, 2019. The boy band debuted with YG Entertainment on September 15, 2015, and left the agency on December 30, 2022. On January 1, 2023, they signed with a new agency called 143 Entertainment.

VCHA

Members: Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, KG, and Kaylee

Fandom Name: VLIGHTS

JYP Entertainment's six-member global female group was formed as a result of the project survival show A2K (America2Korea). VCHA debuted on January 26, 2024, with their first single album, "Girls of the Year," followed by their second single song, "Only One," on March 15, 2024.

VIXX

Members: N, LEO, KEN, and HYUK

Fandom Name: ST☆RLIGHT (Starlight)

Jellyfish Entertainment established the group through the 2012 reality show "MyDOL". The group was once a sextet and debuted on May 24, 2012, but it is now made up of four members. On August 7, 2020, Hongbin announced his exit from the group. On April 11, 2023, RAVI announced his departure from the group. As of March 4, 2024, no Vixx members are affiliated with Jellyfish Entertainment, yet they are part of the group.

&TEAM

Members: EJ, Fuma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki

Fandom Name: LUNÉ

The final 9 participants of the program "&Audition -The Howling" formed the boy group under HYBE Labels Japan. The group made their official debut on December 7, 2022, with the mini-album "First Howling: ME". The group already had a fan base after four of the members - K, Nicholas, EJ, and Taki - competed on the show "I-Land," which resulted in the boy band ENHYPEN.

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