The boy group Alphadriveone, formed through the Mnet audition program "Boys2Planet," has entered the final countdown to their debut. They will release their first mini-album "Euphoria" on the 12th and begin full-scale activities. Alphadriveone consists of eight members selected as the debut team from "Boys2Planet": Junseo, Arno, Rio, Gunwoo, Sangwon, Xinlong, Anshin, and Sanghyun.

"Boys2Planet" was a program that aimed to be a K-pop world-scale debut project, airing from July to September last year. Out of a total of 160 participants, eight were chosen as the final members. Even before their debut, Alphadriveone has revealed album spoilers and a highlight medley, showcasing the team's worldview and musical colors.

The first mini-album "Euphoria" includes six tracks: the title song "Freak Alarm," the pre-release track "Formula," "Low Flame," "Chains," "Never Been to Heaven," and "Cinnamon Shake." The album narratively depicts the process of members, who had been running on their own paths, coming together as one team. Their agency WakeOne stated, "'Euphoria' is an album that captures the moment when the eight members, each pursuing their dreams in their own way, come together as one team."

The title track "Freak Alarm" delivers the group's declaration with an intense beat reminiscent of an alarm and a repetitive hook structure. This song is regarded as musically reflecting their determination to make a strong impression upon debut. The pre-release track "Formula," released in December last year, secured top positions on major domestic music platforms such as Melon and Genie Music. It also achieved success on overseas charts including Japan's Line Music and iTunes, as well as China's QQ Music. The song entered the top 10 on iTunes "Top Songs" charts in 11 regions including Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, and also appeared on the Billboard Japan chart.

An Mnet official explained Alphadriveone's distinction, saying, "Alphadriveone is a team that emphasizes speed and ambition," adding, "They are starting with the aspiration to race to the top of global K-pop." They plan to showcase powerful energy through their "one team" performances.

However, Alphadriveone faces the precedent of successful groups like Wanna One and ZEROBASEONE. Wanna One achieved an exceptional feat among rookie boy groups debuting in the 21st century by recording a million-seller with their debut album in 2017. ZEROBASEONE set an unprecedented record in K-pop history by consecutively achieving million-seller status with six albums since their debut in 2023. Their cumulative album sales have surpassed 9 million copies, and they continue to achieve consistent success on global charts.

Alphadriveone's achievements are still in the early stages. While the global response potential has been confirmed through their pre-release track, their ability to build popularity and fandom like Wanna One and ZEROBASEONE has yet to be proven. Starting from the common ground of being "Mnet audition alumni," Alphadriveone faces the challenge of proving their achievements and identity in a different way from the two preceding groups.

The halo effect of coming from an Mnet audition program and the full support of their parent company CJ ENM can serve as advantageous starting points. However, this alone does not guarantee success. Popular culture critic Ha Jae-geun pointed out, "The formula of being 'Mnet audition alumni' no longer guarantees commercial success," adding, "The key factors that will determine success or failure are how quickly musical distinctiveness, individual member narratives, and team identity are imprinted."

Alphadriveone is now just at the starting line. They must establish their musical colors and team identity through their debut album. Attention is focused on what achievements they will accomplish in their future activities.