Global K-pop icon ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) has officially made its debut on Jan. 12 with the first mini album ‘EUPHORIA.’ Formed through Mnet’s survival show Boys II Planet, which aired from July to September last year, ALD1 is no ordinary rookie group. Fans across 223 countries cast over 26 million votes to select Leo, Junseo, Arno, Geonwoo, Sangwon, Xinlong, Anxin and Sanghyeon from 160 contestants. The incredible support made them the most fan-voted group in Mnet history. Furthermore, the members will also work together for five years.
Their group name reflects their identity and mission to reach the top as a team. ALPHA stands for their goal to become the best, DRIVE for passion and ONE for unity. Even before their official debut, they already attracted fans’ attention with their predebut release, “FORMULA,” and high-quality performances at the 2025 MAMA Awards and the 2025 Melon Music Awards.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE 'EUPHORIA' Concept Photo (STAR ROAD ver.)
— ALPHA DRIVE ONE (@ALD1_official) December 27, 2025
ALPHA DRIVE ONE (알파드라이브원) THE 1ST MINI ALBUM 【EUPHORIA】
➫ 2026.01.12 6PM (KST)
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The debut EP, ‘EUPHORIA,’ captures the “euphoric” moment when the eight members’ individual paths come together as one after years of training. In just one day, the six-track mini album surpassed one million sales, and the music video for their title track, “FREAK ALARM,” reached over 15 million views.
“FORMULA”
Produced by KENZIE, the pre-release single “FORMULA” starts off the album with an electronic dance-pop sound. It uses synths and a booming bass to create an unstoppable momentum and powerful groove. This song shows how the members’ different paths come together as the perfect “formula” that will get them towards success.
“FREAK ALARM”
The title track “FREAK ALARM” comes as a wake-up call to the world that ALD1 is now here to pave their own way. To clearly show they are one team, the hip-hop dance track mixes heavy boom bap rhythm with boyish chanting and catchy rapping. Whereas the funky groove verse and the smooth R&B bridge create a sophisticated sound. Toward the end, the track added a modern slap house element. The song also encourages those who fight their own battles to keep moving forward.
“Raw Flame”
The members bring some serious heat with this one. “Raw Flame” is a hybrid hip-hop track that blends baile funk and bass house with a major chord progression and fast melody. With the flexible genre-crossing composition and beats, the song’s atmosphere becomes another side of ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s raw and burning desire to push past their limits.
“Chains”
The album also includes reimagined versions of two fan favorites, “Chains” and “Never Been 2 Heaven,” which were used as evaluation songs on Boys II Planet. The group re-recorded the semi-final song “Chains” to feature the debut members’ vocals. While the dreamy piano melody and heavy beat delicately express the building tension of love, the narrative of being tightly bound to each other like chains is portrayed through their vocals and charms.
“Never Been 2 Heaven”
ALD1 also put their own spin on the final competition song, “Never Been 2 Heaven.” Reborn on a bigger scale with the members’ new energy and dreams added to it. The funky dance-pop track is filled with retro synths and textured guitar riffs that sit over a drum pattern that’s melodic but hits with a thick and heavy punch. Plus, their vocals and rap blend well with the solid rhythm and analog-inspired production.
“Cinnamon Shake”
As the album comes to a close, it wraps up with “Cinnamon Shake.” Like the tangy taste of spicy, sweet and warm texture unique to cinnamon shake, the song talks about celebrating the unfamiliar joy of debuting together with their fandom, ALLYZs. The house genre track uses clarinet, jazzy chords, gorgeous synthesizer, refreshing piano sound and a bouncy bassline to create a bright, party-like vibe.
What do you think of ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s debut album, ‘EUPHORIA’? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on Instagram and Twitter/X!
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