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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider New Korean–Japanese boy band AEN set for launch

New Korean–Japanese boy band AEN set for launch

Published Jun 2, 2026 09:10 am
Upcoming Korean-Japanese boy band AEN (Starship Entertainment)
Upcoming Korean-Japanese boy band AEN (Starship Entertainment)

A new multinational boy band composed of Korean and Japanese members is set to meet fans ahead of its official debut, highlighting the growing trend of cross-border collaboration in the K-pop industry.

The group, AEN (short for “A New Era of Now”), is being launched through a partnership between South Korean agency Starship Entertainment and Japanese entertainment company Amuse.

AEN consists of seven members—four from South Korea and three from Japan—forming a hybrid lineup that reflects both markets. The group underscores the increasing integration of Korean and Japanese talent in the global pop industry.

Among the members, Jiyong, Bomin, Kyuhyun, Haru, Junseo, and Kaira previously competed in Starship’s trainee survival audition project “Debut’s Plan,” which gained international attention when it aired in 2025. The final lineup is completed by Japanese member Haruto, who joins as a newly introduced addition.

Before their official debut, AEN will hold a pre-debut showcase titled “First Encounter,” marking their first public stage appearance. The event is scheduled for June 27 at 3 p.m. JST at Tokyo SGC Hall Ariake.

Upcoming Korean-Japanese boy band AEN (Starship Entertainment)
Upcoming Korean-Japanese boy band AEN (Starship Entertainment)

The showcase will introduce the group to approximately 3,000 fans selected through a free lottery-based invitation system. Applications opened on June 1 and will run until June 8.

The event will be directed by Seishiro, an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, and creative director known for his performance-driven productions and distinctive artistic style.

AEN’s name also carries symbolic meaning in Japanese, where it signifies “eternity,” reflecting the group’s ambition to continuously evolve and expand across markets in Asia and beyond.

Following their debut, AEN is expected to promote actively in both South Korea and Japan as part of a broader strategy to reach audiences across multiple regions.

Starship Entertainment, a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment, is home to several prominent K-pop acts, including Monsta X, WJSN, Cravity, IVE, KiiiKiii, and IDID.

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