K-pop boy band ONE PACT poses during a press event marking its debut at Ilchi Art Hall, Gangnam District, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of ARMADA ENT
‘Boys Planet’ contenders form new boy band
By Pyo Kyung-min
The contestants of the popular audition programs, “Boys Planet” (2023) and “High School Rapper” (2021), have formed a new boy group with the support of singer/TV personality Kangnam. ONE PACT, consisting of Jongwoo, Jay Chang, Seongmin, TAG, and Yedam, debuted with the album, “Moment,” on Thursday with the ambition of creating a strong impact on the K-pop scene.
During a press event at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, the quintet’s front man Jongwoo revealed that he played a pivotal role in bringing the members together.
“When I performed in Thailand, Taiwan and Japan with Chang after ‘Boys Planet’ wrapped up, an idea struck me: ‘Why don’t we form a team together?'” he recalled. “Then, I reached out to other talented individuals, who later decided to join us. It’s been quite a journey.”
The group’s name, ONE PACT, is a fusion of the words “one” and “impact.” It is represented by ARMADA ENT, a management company led by Kangnam. Kangnam is a former member of now-disbanded hip-hop group M.I.B and the husband of Lee Sang-hwa, a retired Olympic speed skater. Born to a Japanese father and a Korean mother, he became a naturalized Korean in 2020.
From left are Seongmin, TAG, Jongwoo, Jay Chang, and Yedam, the members K-pop boy band ONE PACT. Courtesy of ARMADA ENT
Jongwoo showed appreciation to Kangnam for his unwavering support.
“I am thankful to Kangnam as he is a supportive CEO, who readily steps forward to promote and assist us,” Jongwoo said. “He generously gives us advice, not to mention material support. He has never pressured us as well.”
Seongmin chimed in, adding, “Our CEO is like a friendly older brother, who often treats us to meals. I am also grateful for the thoughtful gestures from his wife, Lee, who gave us letters and sneakers as gifts.”
Introducing their new album, the singers explained that its title track — “Must Be Nice” — explores the complex emotions of loving a self-centered partner.
TAG, who produced the majority of the songs featured in ONE PACT’s album, recalled how hard he worked on the creative process.
“I have a lot of musical aspirations, so I was determined not to compromise on the quality of our album,” he said. “I’ve been working tirelessly, staying up producing music day and night.”
The singers added that they have received generous encouragement from their colleagues.
“My friends who returned to being idol trainees after ‘Boys Planet’ cheered us on,” Jongwoo revealed. “We hope we can share our experiences with them, congratulate each other, and smile together in the future.”
