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The Korea Times

By Pyo Kyung-min
If you’re a K-pop enthusiast, chances are you’ve probably heard of Mnet’s competition series Road to Kingdom.
For followers of the franchise, it’s hard to miss the name, Oneus, a five-piece boy band that has appeared twice: first in 2020 and the latest, Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace, which aired its finale in November 2024.
The group finished fourth in its first appearance, edged out by seasoned industry seniors, then reached second place four years later. The five members of Oneus saw it as testament to their growth.


“In the first season, our goal was simply to do our best and present great performances. But this time, our aim was to win.
“Although we didn’t achieve that, just being able to set a higher goal made us feel that we had grown significantly,” Keonhee said in an interview this week.
It made us realise how well we’ve done over the past six years and how many people truly cherish us
Keonhee of Oneus on fans’ reaction to their 2nd place in Road to Kingdom
“Creating memorable stages was a given, but realising we could even aim for victory was a testament to our development as a group … That’s why finishing as runners-up feels less like a loss and more like a milestone.”
While narrowly missing the top spot was bittersweet, the group said the experience rekindled meaningful connections.
“When we received the runner-up result, those around us seemed even more disappointed than we were,” Keonhee said. “Staff from our agency, of course, but especially our long-time fans who have always supported us.
“It made us realise how well we’ve done over the past six years and how many people truly cherish us.”

As a gesture of gratitude, Oneus decided to dedicate their next project entirely to their fans.
On January 14, the group released an album Dear.M, which features re-recorded versions of its previous title tracks and some new songs.
“It’s already been six years since our debut and this album is a gift to the fans who have supported us throughout this journey,” Hwanwoong said. “I think it truly reflects our heartfelt gratitude and the love we have for them.”
The new album’s lead single, “IKUK”, was first performed on Road to Kingdom: Ace of Ace.
“Over the years, we’ve explored various concepts and genres, but this time we’re revisiting the vampire theme, a fan favourite … The difference now is that this vampire concept feels like aged wine – refined and matured,” Keonhee said.

“Beyond just showcasing pale skin and fangs, we also explored the emotional struggles of a monster in love with a human being. We really do hope fans look forward to it.”
Six years into their career, Oneus are facing a critical hurdle: the seven-year mark, often seen as a turning point for idol groups due to contract expirations.
Additionally, Seoho, the group’s oldest member, is preparing to begin his military service in South Korea this year.
However, the Oneus members remain resolute.
“While we can’t reveal any specific plans just yet, one thing we can confidently say is that we are moving forward with the intention of protecting Oneus until the end,” Keonhee said.

“Ultimately, we want to preserve this team we love so much and keep performing. If anyone is worried, please don’t be.”
Seoho echoed the sentiment, expressing his readiness for military service.
“It’s my duty as a citizen and I’m fully prepared to fulfil it,” he said. “I’ll do my best and return stronger. I look forward to showing you how much I’ve grown when I return.”
Read the original story at The Korea Times.


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South Korean K-pop band Oneus have a new album, Dear.M, dedicated to their loyal fans. Photo: Instagram/official_oneus

OneUs member Seoho. Photo: Instagram/seoho_cl

Oneus at the release of Blood Moon in Seoul, South Korea, in 2021. Photo Getty Images

Oneus backstage at the Road to Kingdom: Ace to Ace reality TV contest. Photo: Instagram/official_oneus

K-pop girl group 2NE1 on stage in Seoul during a reunion concert in October 2024. The girl group is one of many older K-pop acts getting back together after years of inactivity. Photo: Instagram/2ne1official

(Clockwise from top left) Leean, Dahyun, Haram, Yuna, Carmen, Jooeun, Jiwoo and Nayeon are the eight members of new K-pop girl group Hearts2Hearts, who will make their debut in February. Photo: Instagram/sm_hearts2hearts

Squid Game 2’s Thanos, Choi Seung-hyun aka T.O.P, on self-loathing, his return to acting

Korean actor and singer Choi Seung-hyun (left) and as Thanos in a scene from season two of Netflix Korean drama series Squid Game. Instagram/con_pochoclos

Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P and a member of K-pop group BigBang, as Thanos in Squid Game season 2 on Netflix. Photo: No Ju-han/Netflix

Members of South Korean band BigBang including Seungri (left) and T.O.P (right) arrive for a pre-concert news conference in Singapore in 2012. Photo: Reuters

Choi Seung-hyun as Thanos in a scene from season 2 of Netflix Korean drama series Squid Game. Photo: Instagram/tttopsupport

Choi Seung-hyun says his “ primary goal is to establish a stable and less dramatic life ... without being bombarded by negative news”. Photo: Instagram/heyytop

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Oneus members talk about competing in two seasons of the Road to Kingdom reality show and how the Dear.M album is a thank you to their fans


Oneus members talk about competing in two seasons of the Road to Kingdom reality show and how the Dear.M album is a thank you to their fans.
