Get ready, K-pop fans, because the highly anticipated new season of Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace is just around the corner! Slated to premiere on Mnet in September 2024, this season promises to be a game-changer in the world of K-pop reality competitions.
Hosting the show is none other than the legendary Taemin, who recently released his fifth solo album, ETERNAL. The album has been a massive hit worldwide, dominating charts and solidifying Taemin's status as a global icon. With his wealth of experience and deep connection to the industry, Taemin is the perfect choice to guide the next generation of idols. His presence as the MC is not only exciting for fans but also incredibly inspiring for the contestants, who will undoubtedly benefit from his insights and encouragement.
In a recent interview with Elle Korea, Taemin shared his thoughts on hosting the show: "Thankfully, many juniors chose me as their role model. I thought that if I were to MC this program featuring male idol groups, when I look back when I get older, it would be a symbolic memory, a memory I can proudly talk about." This sentiment highlights his dedication to supporting younger artists and his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the industry.
For the first time, Road to Kingdom will function as an independent show, focusing on shining a spotlight on rising boy bands. The aim is to provide these groups with the exposure and opportunities they need to thrive in the competitive K-pop landscape. The winning team can expect not only recognition but also new and exciting benefits that could catapult their careers to the next level.
So, who’s in the running for the title of ‘Ace of Ace’? Let’s check out the seven groups competing this season:
8Turn
8Turn is an eight-member group under MNH Entertainment. The group, consisting of Jaeyun, Myungho, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, Kyungmin, Yungyu, and Seungheon, made their debut on January 30, 2023, with the mini-album 8TURNRISE.
Cravity
Formed by Starship Entertainment, Cravity is composed of nine members: Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin. They debuted on April 14, 2020, with the EP Season 1. Hideout: Remember Who We Are.
Oneus
A five-member group formed by RBW, consisting of Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion. Originally a six-member group, they debuted on January 9, 2019, with the EP Light Us. Ravn, a former member, left in October 2022.
Tempest
Formed by Yuehua Entertainment, Tempest is a six-member group consisting of Hanbin, Hyeongseop, Hyuk, Eunchan, Lew, and Taerae. The group originally had seven members, but Hwarang left in August 2024. They debuted on March 2, 2022, with the EP It's Me, It's We.
The New Six
Also known as TNX, this group was formed through the survival audition program Loud by P Nation. The group consists of Kyungjun, Taehun, Hyunsoo, Junhyeok, Hwi, and Sungjun. They made their debut on May 17, 2022, with the EP Way Up.
Younite
Formed by Brand New Music, Younite consists of eight members: Eunho, Steve, Eunsang, Hyungseok, Woono, Dey, Kyungmun, and Sion. The group originally had nine members, but Hyunseung left in July 2024. They debuted on April 20, 2022, with the EP Youni-Birth.
The CrewOne (ATBO and Just B)
The CrewOne is a 12-member South Korean project boy group formed by IST Entertainment and Bluedot Entertainment, and they will be managed by IST Entertainment. The group consists of members from the groups ATBO and Just B. The CrewOne was officially revealed on June 26, 2024, they made their debut on July 30, 2024, the day they performed together for the first time.
