Fall of a Promising K-Pop Group

  X1 was a South Korean boy group formed through the survival reality show Produce X 101, which aired in 2019. The group, managed by Swing Entertainment and CJ ENM, consisted of eleven members selected through fan voting. Despite their immense popularity and strong debut, X1’s career was cut short due to controversies surrounding the voting process on the show.

Formation and Members

X1 was formed as the fourth-generation group from the Produce 101 series. The lineup included:

  1. Kim Yo Han (center)
  2. Kim Woo Seok
  3. Han Seung Woo
  4. Song Hyeong Jun
  5. Cho Seung Youn
  6. Son Dong Pyo
  7. Lee Han Gyul
  8. Cha Jun Ho
  9. Kang Min Hee
  10. Lee Eun Sang
  11. Nam Do Hyon

These members were chosen for their talent, charisma, and fan appeal, representing diverse skills in vocals, dance, and rap.

Debut and Achievements

X1 debuted on August 27, 2019, with the extended play Emergency: Quantum Leap. The title track, Flash, showcased their powerful performance and polished sound. The album achieved massive commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies, and X1 broke records as one of the fastest-selling K-pop debuts in history.

The group quickly gained international recognition, topping charts in South Korea and making waves globally. They won multiple awards, including Best New Artist honors at prominent ceremonies like the Asia Artist Awards and Melon Music Awards.

Popularity and Fanbase

X1's fanbase, known as “ONE IT,” was fiercely loyal and enthusiastic. Their debut concert, held at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, sold out, demonstrating their incredible popularity despite being a rookie group.

Controversy and Disbandment

Shortly after their debut, allegations surfaced that the voting results for Produce X 101 had been manipulated. An investigation revealed that rankings were altered, and some trainees were unfairly excluded from the final lineup. The controversy tainted the group’s image, and public trust in the Produce 101 franchise was severely damaged.

Despite efforts by fans and some members to keep the group together, X1’s management companies ultimately decided to disband the group on January 6, 2020, just five months after their debut.

Post-Disbandment Activities

After the disbandment, X1's members pursued individual careers:

  • Kim Yo Han: Debuted as a solo artist and later joined the boy group WEi.
  • Kim Woo Seok: Returned to his original group UP10TION and released solo music.
  • Han Seung Woo: Rejoined VICTON and pursued solo activities.
  • Cho Seung Youn (WOODZ): Continued his successful solo career as WOODZ.
  • Lee Han Gyul and Nam Do Hyon: Formed the duo H&D and later joined BAE173.
  • Other members: Focused on music, acting, or variety show appearances, showcasing their versatility and resilience in the entertainment industry.

Legacy

Despite their brief career, X1 left a lasting impression on the K-pop industry. Their talent, dedication, and the potential they demonstrated in their short time together earned them a place in fans’ hearts.

Their story also highlighted issues in the industry, sparking discussions about fairness, transparency, and the ethics of survival programs.

Conclusion

X1’s rise and fall was one of the most dramatic chapters in K-pop history. While their time together was short-lived, the members’ individual journeys continue to carry forward the promise and passion that X1 embodied. Their legacy as a talented group with unrealized potential remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and complexities of the entertainment industry.

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