Starship Entertainment has officially announced the final debut members of their new boy group 'IDID' through the 'Debut's Plan' project. The group includes Kim Min-jae, Jang Yong-hoon, Baek Jun-hyuk, Park Won-bin, Chu Yoo-chan, Jung Se-min, Park Jun-hwan, and Park Sung-hyun. This marks Starship's first new boy group in five years since Cravity's debut in 2020, and they have been gaining attention as the 'younger brother group' to IVE, who debuted in 2021.
On the evening of November 4th, the 'EP.9 Final Debut LIVE' was broadcast live on the 'New Kids on the Starship' YouTube channel, where over 2,400 fans tuned in to witness the final debut stage of the New Kids. The 12 contestants who survived the 'Pre-Debut Evaluation'—Kim Min-jae, Kim Ji-yong, Park Sung-hyun, Park Jun-hwan, Park Won-bin, Baek Jun-hyuk, Woo Hao, Lee Tae-gun, Jang Kyu-hyun, Jang Yong-hoon, Jung Se-min, and Chu Yoo-chan—gave their all in the final performance. The results of debut or elimination were determined by the 'Debut's Plan' board and fan votes.
The final debut live opened with the 'Debut's Plan' signal song 'ImPerfect,' performed by the 12 New Kids. They were divided into two teams based on fan matching votes: 'The Moment of Dreaming' (Kim Min-jae, Park Won-bin, Park Jun-hwan, Jang Kyu-hyun, Jang Yong-hoon, Chu Yoo-chan) and 'Blooming CROWN' (Kim Ji-yong, Park Sung-hyun, Baek Jun-hyuk, Woo Hao, Lee Tae-gun, Jung Se-min). In a vote by the New Kids, Park Won-bin was chosen as the ID (Identity) member for 'The Moment of Dreaming,' and Jung Se-min for 'Blooming CROWN.' Both performances received high praise from the board and trainer team.
After a week of final voting and board evaluations, each accounting for 50% of the final score, Kim Min-jae emerged as the top performer, securing his debut with IDID. He expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying, "I never imagined being first, but I'll strive to show my best as the top member." Jang Yong-hoon, who was a friendly rival to Kim Min-jae, secured the second spot and shared his excitement about continuing to connect with fans.
Baek Jun-hyuk, Park Won-bin, and Chu Yoo-chan were also chosen by the board and fans to join IDID. Jung Se-min, who topped the fan votes in the first to third rounds, secured his debut through the 'Fan SAVE.' Park Jun-hwan was saved by the board, expressing his gratitude and surprise. Park Sung-hyun, who advanced to the 'Final Debut' stage through the 'Debut's Super Pass,' was also selected by the board, completing the eight-member lineup of IDID.
The eight members of IDID—Kim Min-jae, Jang Yong-hoon, Baek Jun-hyuk, Park Won-bin, Chu Yoo-chan, Jung Se-min, Park Jun-hwan, and Park Sung-hyun—expressed their gratitude to fans, saying, "Thank you for supporting New Kids." After the live broadcast, they embraced each other, shedding tears and cheering for each other's future.
The debut journey of IDID was watched live by numerous global K-pop fans, creating a touching narrative akin to a drama. The event was further highlighted by the presence of the 'Starship Family,' including Monsta X's Jooheon, Shownu, and Kihyun, Cravity's Serim, Allen, and Seongmin, WJSN's Yeoreum, Dayoung, and Yeonjung, IVE's Gaeul, Liz, and Rei, and Kiki Sui, Jiyu, and Kiya, who all came together to celebrate the debut of Starship's newest group.
The eight New Kids who did not make it to the 'Final Debut' stage—Kim Yoon-seo, Miyata Haru, Suzuki Kaira, Lee Woo-joo, Lee Jun-seo, Jeon Jun-seo, Cho Min-jae, and Jin Bo-min—also participated in the live broadcast, supporting their peers and performing the emotional final stage 'As It Is in the Universe.' Monsta X's Kihyun praised the performance, saying, "This was the best stage I've seen today," and encouraged the New Kids to continue pursuing their dreams.
Over the past eight months, the New Kids have transformed from incomplete trainees to polished idols, receiving guidance and encouragement from their trainers. In a heartfelt gesture, the New Kids prepared a surprise party for their trainers and shared secret messages introducing each other, leaving a lasting impression. As they bid farewell, the New Kids promised to remember each other and their journey together.