Rising Rookie Boy Group NINE Taps into Global Fame with Unexpected TV Appearance
Emerging multinational boy group NINE (All-time Hall Of Famer) is stirring up early excitement among global fans with a surprise TV appearance—before their official debut.
According to exclusive coverage by StarNews on the 13th, members Steven, Park Juwon, and JL recently wrapped filming for the YouTube original series “Dream Friend”, a spin-off of KBS 2TV‘s beloved reality show The Return of Superman. The shoot took place at a popular amusement park in Yongin, Gyeonggi province, drawing immediate public attention.
Formed through the SBS survival show Universe League earlier this year, NINE comprises nine members: Steven, Seo Jeongwoo, Cha Woongki, Zhang Shuaibo, Park Han, JL, Park Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke. The group reflects a diverse global lineup and has so far not made a formal debut, though it is expected within the first half of the year.
It’s unusual for pre-debut groups to first gain exposure through third-party broadcasting rather than through self-produced content. This unconventional move by NINE suggests their debut may be imminent and that they are already being recognized for their star potential on a broader scale.
Filming in the midst of a bustling amusement park only amplified public intrigue and solidified their presence among passersby, fans, and media outlets alike. Social media posts caught glimpses of the heartwarming interaction between the idols and toddlers, reflecting the show’s signature blend of gentle humor and innocent emotion.
Dream Friend was designed as a healing content alternative by the original producers of The Return of Superman, featuring celebrity ‘uncles’ and ‘aunts’ bonding with babies in heartwarming scenarios. The show continues to draw attention following recent appearances by hit groups like ATEEZ, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, and TOURUS.
NINE has already launched their official social media channels and is actively building a fanbase in anticipation of their debut. With global attention already knocking, this boy group may be the next major breakout of K-pop’s new wave.
