K-pop just watched a new kind of boy group get born in real time. On September 25, 2025 (KST), Mnet’s survival series “BOYS II PLANET” closed its finale with a staggering ~26.6 million global votes cast by “Star Creators” across 223 countries and regions—and the result is ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), an eight-member, multinational project group poised to chase a truly global audience. 

Meet ALD1

The final lineup chosen on the live broadcast: Lee Sangwon, Zhou Anxin, He Xinlong, Kim Geonwoo, Zhang Jiahao, Leo, Chung Sanghyeon, and Kim Junseo. The group’s name—ALPHA DRIVE ONE, shortened to ALD1—signals eight individuals “driving forward as one” with the passion to reach No. 1. 

Formed through Mnet’s BOYS II PLANET and managed by WAKEONE (the label behind prior “Planet” alumni), ALD1 is set up as a pre-debut project team targeting a full debut in early 2026. Fan guides and profiles describe them as a global, eight-member act with Korean and Chinese members, continuing the franchise’s cross-border casting DNA. 

Why the Vote Total Matters

• Scale & reach: 26.6M votes across 223 regions marks one of Mnet’s most internationally participated finales to date, reflecting how the show’s fandom mobilized beyond Korea. 

• Franchise growth: Coverage notes this season’s voting volume outpaced earlier iterations, underscoring BOYS II PLANET’s rising global footprint. 

The Finale Stages Everyone’s Rewatching

The last episode pitted 16 finalists in fresh stages—including “Brat Attitude” and “Never Been 2 Heaven”—designed to test star power under pressure and give voters a decisive, performance-first basis for their final picks. 

Name, Concept & Positioning

On air, the debut name ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) was presented as the official identity for the winners—emphasizing unity, drive, and breakthrough. The branding clicks with the franchise’s space/planet motif while signaling a forward, high-octane sound and performance profile. 

What Happens Next

• Pre-debut build: Expect content ramps on social channels (practice logs, concept films, unit teasers) as fandoms consolidate and international audiences learn members’ stories. Early traffic spikes around official accounts suggest strong starting momentum. 

• Debut timeline: Guides currently place debut in early 2026; project terms indicate a fixed-term promotion window typical for “Planet” alumni groups. 

• Market strategy: With a member mix primed for multilingual engagement and a vote map spanning 200+ regions, look for parallel rollouts in Korea, Greater China, and global streaming markets, plus early festival/showcase circuits that leverage the franchise’s brand equity. (Inference based on past “Planet” playbooks and current reporting.) 

Why ALD1 Could Stick

1. Built-in global fandom: The voting base isn’t just large; it’s geographically diversified—crucial for touring and streaming stability. 

2. Story equity: Survival-show narratives give each member a hook (growth arcs, mentor feedback, signature stages) that fuels fan content and engagement. 

3. Label know-how: WAKEONE’s experience with prior project groups should streamline music sourcing, choreography pipelines, and overseas activations. 

Watch List for Fans & Bloggers

• Member role reveals: Expect clearer position tags (main vocal/rap/dance) as pre-debut content drops. 

• First concept cues: Visual identity will tell us whether debut leans high-energy performance or sleek pop with global hooks—both hinted by finale materials.

• Debut metrics: Keep an eye on pre-orders, MV 24-hour views, and first-week chart placements as leading indicators for longevity.

Sources you can cite in your post

• Forbes overview of the winners and vote count. 

• JoongAng Daily on the lineup and vote totals. 

• Chosun Ilbo (English) on global voting scale. 

• KProfiles/K-pop Wiki for member names, pre-debut status, and debut window. 

• Performance details from the finale