6 K-Pop Groups Formed Through Survival Shows

In the past years, the K-Pop industry has seen a rise in survival shows as a way to form and launch new groups. Some of the most well-known groups that were created through survival shows are Wanna One, IZ*ONE, and ENHYPEN. Aside from the more recent shows, there are several others that actually paved the way for older and iconic groups.

With that, here are six K-Pop groups that were formed through survival shows!

1. SEVENTEEN

Pledis Entertainment's multi-million-sellers and self-producing group, SEVENTEEN, was actually formed through the reality show "Seventeen Project: Debut Big Plan" back in 2015. Unlike most shows that revolve around trainees competing against each other to make it in the debut lineup, this show features the thirteen SEVENTEEN members "versus Pledis Entertainment" as they fight through obstacles to reach their debut showcase.

2. MOMOLAND

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Before MOMOLAND became viral for their addicting songs "BBoom BBoom" and "BAAM," its members had to compete in MLD Entertainment (formerly Duble Kick Entertainment) and Mnet's survival program, "Finding MOMOLAND." The show had ten trainees competing to make it in the debut lineup, with Nancy, Hyebin, JooE, Jane, Ahin, Yeonwoo, and Nayun becoming part of MOMOLAND.

3. TWICE

Back in 2015, JYP Entertainment organized the survival show "SIXTEEN," in partnership with Mnet. The show had sixteen trainees competing against each other, which resulted in Sana, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Mina, Jihyo, Chaeyoung, and Dahyun winning to become members of TWICE. Initially planned to be a seven-member group, Momo and Tzuyu, who also competed on the show, were later added in the final lineup.

4. BIGBANG

Prior to making their debut, the members of BIGBANG worked to maintain their positions within the group as seen on "BIGBANG Documentary." In the show, the pre-debut lineup of BIGBANG consisted of six members, five of which debuted as members of the group: G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri. While the sixth member, Hyunseung, was eliminated from the final lineup and later debuted as a member of BEAST.

5. MONSTA X

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In 2014, Starship Entertainment and Mnet aired the survival show "NO.MERCY," which consisted of 10 episodes. In this series, there were initially twelves trainees competing for a spot in the seven-member group lineup. But the number of trainees increased to thirteen in Episode 8, with I.M joining in the middle of the show. Eventually, Wonho, Kihyun, Shownu, Jooheon, I.M, Hyungwon, and Minhyuk debuted as members of MONSTA X.

6. Stray Kids

Among the fourth-generation groups, Stray Kids was formed through the survival program "Stray Kids" launched by JYP Entertainment and Mnet back in 2017. Unlike "SIXTEEN," the show featured a similar concept to SEVENTEEN's, which is "trainees versus JYP." In the show, the trainees were already pre-selected and had to work together by performing their self-produced songs in various missions in order to debut together.

Which show did you watch?

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Written by Robyn Joan