Reality shows show us a different side of our favourite k-idols and celebs beyond the stage. This is probably why reality shows are quite popular in South Korea. From tourism, relationship, food, lifestyle and even creating an idol group.

However, since before the hallyu wave, reality shows have served as a platform for launching K-pop groups, showcasing their impressive talents to a live audience - you, who will eventually determine their fate in the industry.

These programs not only provide exposure for the contestants but also create a dedicated fan base even before the group officially debuts.

Here’s a look at some of the most successful K-pop groups that emerged from reality shows.

WANNA ONE

Although now inactive, Wanna One is a boy group that was formed from the second season of the Mnet reality show "Produce 101". The competition aired from April to June 2017 and was won by 11 trainees out of 101 from various agencies.

The audience had direct control over the contestants and who would finally make the group as there was audience voting and results were announced via live television broadcast. Wanna One officially debuted on August 7th, 2017. Their debut album "1×1=1 (To Be One)" was a massive success earning them second and third place on Forbes in 2018 and after.

I.O.I

Like Wanna One, I.O.I (Ideal of Idol) is the first group to emerge from the idol competition reality show, "Produce 101".

A total number of 101 trainees from 46 entertainment companies competed to form an 11-member girl group, which was voted in by the viewers. It ran from January to April 2016.

The group consisted of a number of now-famous celebrities such as Kim Se-jeong, Jeon So-mi, Choi Yoo-jung, and Jung Chae-yeon.

I.O.I finally debuted in May 2016 with a trap-pop track, Chrysalis. They later disbanded in less than a year by January 2017. An official comeback was planned in 2019 but it was later dismissed due to several postponements and conflicting schedules of the ex-members.

STRAY KIDS

Known for explosive and loud music, interesting album name puns, and catchy tunes you just can't unhear, Stray Kids is currently the IT group in the Hallyu music wave.

The group was formed in 2017 in a reality competition created by JYP Entertainment and M-net, named "Stray Kids". Fun fact though, all members were selected by the group Leader, Bang Chan. Unlike normal groups where a huge amount of idols compete for a spot, this competition consisted of the original 9 members of the group with a special mission of all surviving till the end.

It was a "JYP versus trainee" concept and throughout the competition, they performed original songs, did lots of performances, and even had a number of behind-the-scenes interactions within themselves and other groups.

By the end of the competition, two members, Felix and Lee Know were eliminated but they later returned to the group before their debut in March 2018 and have been breaking records ever since. The group is however now an 8-member group following the departure of Woo-jin in 2019.

ATEEZ

Ateez is easily recognized as one of the leading 4th-gen K-pop groups. However, before their debut, the 8-member team appeared on a reality show called "Code Name is Ateez".

Unlike other shows where you had to compete and secure your debut spot on the team, the show focused on building their teamwork and the production of their debut album "Treasure EP.1: All to Zero". They also performed other activities such as shooting a music video, attending photoshoots, completing game missions, and doing a fan meeting. All these activities helped create a fan base for them before their debut in October, 2018 

ENHYPEN

Enhypen is a 7-member boy group created in 2020 through a survival show called "I-LAND". It was organized by CJ EM and Hybe Corporation.

The competition originally consisted of 23 trainees and ran for 113 days adopting a Big Brother-style with live cameras displaying footage of the contestants. Throughout this period, the contestants underwent intense training, performance, and challenges and had access to guest mentors such as Rain, Zico, BTS, Seventeen, and TXT amongst others.

The trainees were eliminated and saved based on their votes as well as the audience and producer's votes. If "I-LAND" were a movie, it would be a psychological thriller cause it was intense.

It was all worth it at the end though, as Enhypen later debuted on November 30, 2020, with the album "Border: Day One".

TWICE

Also on this list is JYP's very own "Twice" or "The Nation's Girl Group in South Korea"

In 2015, 16 girls competed on a reality show called "Sixteen" to stand a chance to be part of the nine-member group.

An interesting part of the competition was that the contestants were divided into 2 groups: the "Majors" who received better lodging conditions, mentoring, and lots of advantages, and the "Minors" who got the short stick and got the opposite treatment. So, the trainees had to compete to avoid elimination and be in the "Major" team.

The competition ended with 7 winners but JYP brought back eliminated contestants Tzuyu and Momo because according to him, the team needed them and he was not wrong at all. They finally made their debut in October 2015 and have been breaking world records since then.

Korean entertainment has shown that perfect strangers can meet on a reality show and become the best music groups the world has yet to see. As this trend continues, we can only expect even more exciting talent and fresh concepts from the next generation of K-pop groups formed through these intense and life-changing reality competitions.

I would like to propose a reality show where a random K-pop fan becomes part of their favorite group for a whole week. That is sure to blow up ratings right?

Call me, JYP ahjussi.