Starship Entertainment joins forces with Amuse to debut Korean-Japanese boy group AEN

02 Jun 2026, 16:31 by Sofia-Sayson · allkpop

Starship Entertainment has joined forces with Japan’s leading entertainment company Amuse to launch a new Korean-Japanese boy group AEN.

Starship Entertainment, a music label under Kakao Entertainment and home to K-pop stars including MONSTA X, WJSN, CRAVITY, IVE, KiiiKiii, and IDID, unveiled the septet’s official profile on June 1. It also announced AEN’s greeting showcase “First Encounter” — its first-ever stage appearance — on June 27 at TOKYO SGC HALL ARIAKE.

AEN, short for “A New Era of Now,” consists of four Korean and three Japanese members. Among them, JIYONG, BOMIN, KYUHYUN, HARU, JUNSEO, and KAIRA were high-profile contestants on Starship’s trainee audition project “Debut’s Plan,” which gained global popularity when it aired in 2025. HARUTO is a newly added Japanese member, who is expected to build strong chemistry with the existing lineup.

Bursting onto the K-pop scene with lofty ambitions, AEN seeks to represent a new generation that shapes and redefines the present. In Japanese, the name also signifies “eternity,” reflecting its aspiration to endlessly evolve and grow.

Ahead of its official debut, AEN will hold the “First Encounter” showcase on June 27, presenting its first-ever performance in Japan. The showcase marks a significant milestone for the group, signaling the beginning of its musical journey. AEN plans to unveil its well-crafted performances for the first time in front of approximately 3,000 fans, who will be selected through a free lottery invitation system.

The upcoming event will be directed by Seishiro, an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and creative director known for his musical artistry, outstanding production capabilities, and distinctive creative vision. He is expected to elevate the showcase with dynamic staging and a visually captivating performance experience, thrusting the group into the dazzling spotlight.

Going forward, AEN is set to promote across both Korea and Japan, expanding its global presence in Asia and beyond. Additional details about its debut will be disclosed in due course.

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