The seven members confirmed to debut as HYBE's next-generation J-Pop boy group aoen have been announced.

The agency YX Labels stated on the 23rd, "YUJU, RUKA, HAKU, SOTA, KYOSUKE, GAKU, and REO have been selected as the final members of aoen, firing the starting signal for a new journey."

They were selected through the audition program '&HIGH ~Dream's START LINE~' (援-HIGH　~夢のスタトライン~), which aired on Nihon TV from February for about two months. Previously, YUJU, RUKA, HAKU, SOTA, and KYOSUKE crossed the finish line first in the final competition stage, while GAKU and REO joined via viewer votes conducted after the program ended.

According to YX Labels, the viewer voting to select the two members exceeded 500,000 votes. GAKU, who topped the votes with over 210,000, expressed, "I want to become an artist loved by many without forgetting my gratitude." REO also noted, "I will strive to show a great performance as a member of aoen in the future."

GAKU is the member who made an impression on the audition program '&TEAM – The Howling -'. Although he was regretfully eliminated at that time, he did not lose his spirit of challenge and has steadily honed his dance and singing skills, building up his experience. With a bright personality and a cheerful demeanor, he is a source of positive energy within the team. REO, nicknamed 'Smiling Angel,' captivates the stage with fresh high notes and expressive acting.

The 'visual担当' YUJU is the eldest in the team and received high praise from the judges for his exceptional expressive power and confident performance. RUKA has been nurturing his dream of becoming an artist since he was 4 years old. He demonstrated a passion that transcended limits throughout the audition, based on the dance skills he developed over 17 years, leading viewers to support him.

HAKU also participated in '&TEAM – The Howling -'. Using his past elimination experience as a stepping stone, he challenged himself once again, capturing the judges' hearts with his outstanding physicality and delicate tone refined through ballet. Although SOTA had the shortest trainee period among the members, he proved his potential by showing remarkable growth through the audition. KYOSUKE, an 'all-rounder' who is adept in vocals, dance, and visuals, started dancing at the age of 5 and was already a proven talent, having won national dance competitions during middle school.

The official fandom name for aoen is 'aoring.' The name combines 'ao' from aoen and 'ring,' symbolizing the connection between the artist and fandom as one 'circle' to create an enjoyable and special journey together. Along with the announcement of the debut members, the team's official site, fandom membership, and the global super fan platform Weverse community have been launched. aoen plans to build connections with the fandom in various ways.

Meanwhile, the group's name 'aoen' symbolizes the 'blue light' of the hottest burning flame, reflecting the ambition to act as a group filled with intense passion and energy. YX Labels conveyed, "We ask for much anticipation and support for aoen as they grow into the next-generation J-Pop boy group."

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