From reality TV rejects to K-pop royalty: The Boyz's long road
In short: Before they were a global powerhouse, the members of The Boyz were individual contestants on reality shows, often facing early elimination. Their journey from diverse beginnings to a multi-platinum career illustrates the rigorous, multi-year pipeline of the K-pop industry.
The Boyz did not emerge as a cohesive unit overnight. In 2016 and early 2017, individual members were introduced to the public through various survival programs and media appearances. Kevin was an early contestant on Kpop Star 6, while Sunwoo appeared on High School Rapper in January 2017. Ju Haknyeon even reached 19th place in the final episode of Produce 101 in March 2017. These experiences served as the foundational building blocks for the group's eventual formation. Before their debut, the group was first announced as Cre.kerz in July 2017. They also participated in a reality show called Flower Snack in late 2017. These early projects helped build their initial public profile.
The group's trajectory was marked by significant structural shifts. Starting with twelve individuals, the ensemble launched on 6 December 2017, featuring the primary track "Boy." Changes to the membership occurred because of private decisions and medical concerns; Hwall left during 2019, while Ju Haknyeon and New exited in June 2025 and August 2026, respectively. Despite these changes, the group maintained a high commercial output, notably selling 523,630 copies of their EP Thrill-ing in its first week on the Hanteo Chart. The group achieved a music show win on SBS M's The Show in May 2019. They also secured a public broadcasting trophy on KBS's Music Bank in August 2021. These milestones solidified their standing in the industry.
Their success is underpinned by strategic label management and international expansion. After merging into the integrated label One Hundred, the group secured major partnerships, including a 2017 contract with Sony Music for Japanese promotions. They have consistently balanced domestic success with global reach, performing in Macau as early as March 2017 and touring major European cities like Berlin, Paris, and London in 2019. The group performed at the 12th Asian Film Awards in Macau during their first overseas appearance. They also toured through Amsterdam as part of their European tour. These international milestones highlight their global reach.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Boyz (South Korean band)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-the-boyz-south-korean-band.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Asia · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
