Boy band AND2BLE may have only just debuted, but its members are already among the most recognizable young idols in K-pop.
Formed by former contestants and winners from Mnet’s hit audition show “Boys Planet” (2023), the five-member group officially launched this week with its debut EP, “Sequence 01: Curiosity.” Unlike many rookie acts starting from scratch, AND2BLE enters the industry with years of stage experience and an established fan base.
The group consists of former ZeroBaseOne members Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, and Han Yu-jin, alongside Yoo Seung-eon, formerly of EVNNE. The members previously trained together under YH Entertainment before pursuing separate careers after “Boys Planet.”
The four former ZeroBaseOne members were part of the final lineup formed through the survival show, with Zhang Hao finishing first overall. Following the end of ZeroBaseOne’s project contract, the members returned to YH Entertainment and reunited under the new group.
Yoo Seung-eon, who also competed on “Boys Planet,” later debuted in EVNNE, another group formed by contestants from the program. Despite promoting separately for a period of time, the members maintained a close relationship built during their trainee years.
The group’s name, pronounced “and-double,” combines the words “and” and “double,” symbolizing the overlapping sides of one’s inner self that expand into a fuller identity.
That idea is reflected in AND2BLE’s debut EP, “Sequence 01: Curiosity,” which centers on the excitement and uncertainty of a new beginning. The album includes five tracks: the lead single “Curious” and B-sides “Aura,” “Sugar Rush,” “Bed” and “Happy &.”
Several members also participated in the songwriting process. Zhang Hao contributed to the lyrics for “Curious” and “Happy &,” Ricky worked on “Curious” and “Aura,” and Kim Gyu-vin took part in writing “Happy &.”
The lead track “Curious” blends synth-pop, future house and EDM sounds while exploring the thrill of stepping into unfamiliar territory.
As they begin a new chapter, the members have expressed hopes of becoming a group fans can proudly support while also aiming for rookie awards and global success.
With established recognition, years of experience and strong chemistry between its members, AND2BLE enters the K-pop scene with advantages rarely seen in a rookie group. The challenge now will be turning that momentum into long-term success and carving out a distinct identity beyond their survival-show roots.
