ALPHA DRIVE ONE is officially kicking off its journey. The newly formed eight-member project boy band from Mnet’s audition program Boys II Planet is about to release its first-ever song today. There is still a full month before their official debut set for January 12, 2026.
Their pre-debut single, “Formula,” which drops today, is described as a powerful electronic dance-pop track. Co-written by hitmaker Kenzie, the song features explosive synths, a roaring bassline, and a high-energy performance style meant to introduce the group’s identity. Fans actually got a sneak preview before release. ALPHA DRIVE ONE performed “Formula” live for the first time at the 2025 MAMA Awards on November 28.
“Formula” will also be included in the group’s debut mini-album “Euphoria,” which arrives on January 12. According to their agency WakeOne Entertainment, this two-step release strategy is designed to build anticipation as they officially enter the K-pop scene.
Alpha Drive One was formed on September 25, 2025, during the finale of Boys II Planet. The season featured a massive 160 contestants, which made it one of the biggest survival shows in Mnet’s history. The final lineup was chosen through global fan voting, which reached 26.6 million votes from 223 countries and regions. It was the highest voting turnout Mnet has ever recorded.
The final eight members—listed according to their final ranking—are:
- Lee Sangwon (Center)
- Zhou Anxin
- Heo Xinlong
- Kim Geonwoo
- Zhang Jiahao (Arno)
- Lee Leo (Leader)
- Chung Sanghyeon
- Kim Junseo
Mnet later confirmed that Alpha Drive One will promote together as a project group for five years, much longer than usual for survival show groups. For comparison, Boys Planet’s group ZEROBASEONE originally signed a contract to promote for only two and a half years.
ZEROBASEONE recently extended their activities by two months until the end of March and will hold an encore concert plus release one more new song before wrapping up. They may extend activities if the members and their agencies agree on the terms of contract extension.
Alpha Drive One’s name reflects their mission: ALPHA represents excellence, DRIVE symbolizes passion, and ONE stands for unity. Their fandom, ALLYZ, is already showing unwavering support. Even before debut, the group’s social media accounts and livestreams have gathered millions of views.
With “Formula” now out, fans can expect the full rollout to continue through December as ALPHA DRIVE ONE prepares for the release of “Euphoria” in January.
