The possibility of a comeback for X1, the boy group overshadowed by the “Produce vote-rigging scandal,” has emerged. On January 22, reports confirmed that former Mnet producer Ahn Joon Young proposed the X1 reunion. Ahn previously served a prison sentence for manipulating votes on the Produce Series.
The producer had a meeting with some of the X1 members to propose a reality variety program. The program is still in discussion and has not been confirmed to air; however, fans are excited about the group’s first official activity since their disbandment in 2020.
X1 was formed through Mnet’s survival show Produce X 101 and debuted on August 27, 2019, with the mini-album Emergency: Quantum Leap. Their debut broke the record for the highest first-week sales for a debut album in South Korea at the time.
However, just five months later, the group disbanded after the vote manipulation scandal came to light. Producer Ahn Joon Young admitted to rigging votes across all Produce Series seasons.
The members’ agencies met in an unsuccessful attempt to save the group, and on January 6, 2020, X1 officially disbanded. The members then returned to their respective agencies and continued their solo paths.
The potential reunion follows the successful example set by Wanna One, the boy group formed through Produce 101 Season 2. Mnet recently confirmed that Wanna One will film a new reality program in the first half of 2026, their first full-group project since disbanding in 2019.
The members agreed to reunite as a way to reconnect with their fans, known as Wannables. This could give X1 a chance to do the same, meet fans, and restore their reputation.
The members of X1 are Kim Yohan, Kim Wooseok, Han Seungwoo, Song Hyeongjun, Cho Seungyoun (now soloist WOODZ), Son Dongpyo, Lee Hangyul, Nam Dohyon, Cha Junho, Kang Minhee, and Lee Eunsang. It is still unclear if all members will take part or if PD Ahn will personally direct the reality show.
Meanwhile, PD Ahn was sentenced to two years in prison in May 2020 and was released in November 2021 after completing his sentence.