[OVERVIEW] Who Are the Members of ALPHA DRIVE ONE? Lineup, Leader, Debut Date & Contract Duration Explained ALD1

Who Are the Members of ALPHA DRIVE ONE? Lineup, Leader, Debut Date & Contract Duration Explained

The new boy group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), formed through Mnet’s Boys 2 Planet, is gearing up for an official debut in early 2026. Amid both excitement and mixed reactions, here’s a full breakdown of the group’s confirmed members, debut timeline, and expected promotion period.

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8-Member Lineup Led by Lee Sangwon

ALPHA DRIVE ONE consists of 8 members:

• Lee Sangwon (South Korea)
• Zhou Anxin (China)
• He Xinlong (China)
• Kim Gunwoo (South Korea)
• Zhang Jiahao (China)
• Lee Leo (Australia, Korean descent)
• Jung Sanghyun (South Korea)
• Kim Junseo (South Korea)

The group name symbolizes “catharsis through the speed and drive of K-pop.” While the term “ALPHA DRIVE ONE” implies uniqueness and momentum, some fans initially expressed concern over its length and awkward pronunciation.

Lee Sangwon, who ranked 1st throughout the show, has been named the group’s center. A former member of BigHit Music’s Trainee A, he maintained the top spot consistently thanks to his strong fanbase, polished visuals, and stage performance. Notably, both Lee Sangwon and Lee Leo were previously set to debut under Trainee A—their joint debut marks a full-circle moment for fans.

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Debut Set for Early 2026

According to industry sources, ALPHA DRIVE ONE is currently undergoing full-scale preparations and is expected to debut in early 2026. If the timeline follows previous “Planet Series” groups like Kep1er (3-month gap between final lineup and debut) and ZEROBASEONE (also 3 months), ALD1’s 4-month prep period may result in a highly polished debut stage.

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Contract Duration: Longer Than Previous Groups?

Though the contract duration is still being finalized between CJ ENM and the members’ respective agencies, ALPHA DRIVE ONE is currently expected to promote for 5 years—a longer term than Kep1er and ZEROBASEONE, both of which had 2.5-year project terms. If finalized, the group could remain active until 2031, offering fans more stability and long-term investment in the group’s growth.

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Concept, Position Lineup, and Expectations

While the group’s concept has yet to be unveiled, fans are speculating whether the debut will focus on high-energy performance (like Kep1er) or storytelling/worldbuilding (like ZB1).

Unofficially based on their stage performances:

• Main Dancer: Zhang Jiahao
• Main Vocals: Lee Leo and Kim Gunwoo are top contenders
• Leader: Not confirmed yet, though following ZB1’s example, the leader could be announced within a month of final lineup reveal.

Given ZEROBASEONE’s 6× million-seller streak and global tour success, ALD1 is also expected to aim for strong album sales and international fanbase growth. The presence of three Chinese members could help accelerate popularity in Greater China and across Asia.

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ALD1: A ‘Hot Topic’ Before Debut

Despite controversies surrounding airtime fairness and editing during Boys 2 Planet, there’s no doubt that ALPHA DRIVE ONE generated massive buzz throughout the show. Global voting numbers were record-breaking, and live announcement episodes consistently trended worldwide on social media.

As the group’s debut draws nearer, fans are watching closely to see if ALD1 can live up to its hype—and possibly even surpass the achievements of its predecessors.

Previous article about ALD1 members and ZEROBASEONE members > ZB1 Zhang Hao Makes Acting Debut and Sings OST “Refresh!” for To The Moon