One of the first K-pop debuts of 2026 is already confirmed. This year, nearly all top K-pop labels are launching new artists; IST is the first one to confirm a boy group debut.
IST Entertainment has finally announced the launch of its new boy group, TUNEXX. The seven-member group is set to make its official debut in early March 2026. This will be IST’s first new boy group since ATBO debuted in 2022. This debut is especially meaningful for the agency after the departure of THE BOYZ.
TUNEXX Members Revealed So Far
The agency has confirmed four members who already gained public attention through Mnet’s survival program BOYS II PLANET (also known as Boys Planet 2).
- Park Dong Gyu is the leader of the group. He is both a vocalist and a rapper and ranked 15th on BOYS II PLANET. He trained for over four years and previously spent time at Pledis Entertainment.
- Kim Si Hwan is a vocalist from Busan. He has already participated in music projects, including the OST “Rhapsody” for the drama Moon River.
- Arctic is a vocalist known for his bright energy and friendly personality, which helped him stand out during the audition program.
- Kim In Hu is the newest confirmed member, a vocalist and strong dancer.
The remaining three members have not yet been revealed, and IST Entertainment plans to introduce them at a later date.
Strong Pre-Debut Fanbase
Even before their official debut, TUNEXX has been visible to fans for some time. The trainees were active on Instagram and YouTube under the account name “0v__x0,” where they shared practice videos, performances, and daily life content. Through these activities, they built a following of nearly 100,000 fans.
First Music Release Before TUNEXX Debut
Fans will hear TUNEXX’s voices as a full seven-member group ahead of their official debut. The group is releasing “One Last Chance,” the first OST for the SBS drama No Tail to Tell, on January 16, 2026. This follows earlier pre-debut music work, including Kim Si Hwan’s OST participation.
As stated above, TUNEXX’s debut comes at an important time for IST Entertainment. After recent management changes, the company is rebuilding its artist lineup. TUNEXX is the first boy group to debut under this renewed direction.
IST Entertainment has shared that TUNEXX has been training intensely stating, “TUNEXX has been dedicating themselves to practice and preparation in order to live up to the expectations of fans who have waited for a long time.”
Meanwhile, IST will reveal the exact debut date of TUNEXX along with the remaining lineup at a later time.
