Pre-debut: Produce 101 Season 2
Main article: Produce 101 Season 2
Wanna One was formed through the 'survival' competition series Produce 101 Season 2, which aired on Mnet from April 7 until June 16, 2017. Out of an initial 101 trainees representing various agencies, the final 11 were chosen by audience voting and announced via live television broadcast.[2]
Before appearing on the program, several of the members were active in the entertainment industry. Park Ji-hoon was a child actor and had appeared on drama series such as Kimchi Cheese Smile and The King & I.[3] He had also made appearances on several variety shows alongside the boy bands BIGBANG and SS501.[4] In 2012, Hwang Min-hyun made his musical debut as a member of the group NU'EST. Kim Jae-hwan made his first appearance on season 2 of Korea's Got Talent but was eliminated during the semi-final. In 2014, Ha Sung-woon had previously debuted as a member of the group Hotshot.
2017–present: Debut with 1X1=1 (To Be One) and 1-1=0 (Nothing Without You)
Wanna One signed with YMC Entertainment (who previously managed season one's winning group I.O.I).[5] Unlike I.O.I, however, Wanna One members will not be permitted to participate in other activities with their original agencies.[6]
The group participated in a final concert that took place on July 1 and 2, 2017 at Olympic Hall in Seoul to mark the end of Produce 101 Season 2.[7][6]
The group officially debuted at an event titled Wanna One Premier Show-Con that took place at the Gocheok Sky Dome on August 7, 2017.[5][8] The group released their debut extended play 1×1=1 (To Be One) on August 8, 2017, with the title song "Energetic", originally composed by Hui of Pentagon and FlowBlow, with lyrics written by Hui and Wooseok of Pentagon.[9][10] Two music videos were released for their debut.[11]
On November 13, Wanna One will release their repackaged album, 1-1=0 (Nothing Without You).[12]
In the media
The group was recognized for their immense brand recognition and marketing power.[13][14] They ranked second in the 30 "Power People" survey by Ilgan Sports, for their influence among broadcasting companies and advertisers.[15]
