Make Mate 1

Make Mate 1
Also known asMA1
Hangul
메이크메이트원
RRMeikeu meiteu won
MRMeik'ŭ meit'ŭ wŏn
GenreReality competition
Developed byHan Kyung-cheon
Directed by
  • Ra Hyun-woong
  • Hwang Min-gyu
  • Park Ho-shin
  • Jang In-hye
Presented byXiumin
Judges
Music byPark Je-joon
Opening theme
"Time of Our Life"
by MA1
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producerSong Joon-young
ProducerLee Dong-hoon
EditorKim Woo-hyun
Production companies
  • KBS
  • Makestar
  • WDM
  • Golden Eight Media
Original release
NetworkKBS2
ReleaseMay 15 (2024-05-15) –
July 17, 2024 (2024-07-17)
Related
The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project

Make Mate 1 (Korean: 메이크메이트원) is a 2024 South Korean reality competition program. It aims to create and debut a global project boy group. It premiered on KBS2 on May 15, 2024, and airs every Wednesday at 22:10 (KST).

It was revealed that the name of the group will be called Nouera, it is derived from the French word "nouer", which means "to tie together", and the English word "era", implying that Nouera's music will connect eras.

Concept

Make Mate 1 captures the process of 36 multinational participants competing toward their dream of becoming idols. The production team said that the 36 people participating this time were boys who lived ordinary lives and did not belong to a specific agency.

Background and promotion

On March 21, 2024, KBS launched Make Mate One, a survival-style audition program to create a global boy group which is scheduled to airs for the first time in May. It has been about 6 years since The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project, which ended in February 2018, that KBS is presenting an idol audition. KBS were also released a poster for the global boy group's debut project through their official SNS account.

For the first time in the history of audition programs, before its release, 36 idols of Mate Make One performed a special halftime performance at the professional basketball DB vs Cheong Kwan Jang match.

On March 27, 2024, Make Mate One social media revealed profiles for 9 people out of 36 everyday.

On March 31, 2024, the first teaser video was uploaded on social media. The project's main theme song was "Time of Our Life" by Day6, a remake from album The Book of Us: Gravity.

Cast

Host

  • Xiumin served as the host of the show.

Special host

  • Lee Gi-kwang served as a special host to announce the start of the program.

Judges

  • Solar, who is trusted and listened to, supports the participants in developing their potential from the perspective of a current idol.

Special judges

Vocal coaches

  • Lim Han-byul, a guide teacher for vocal skills.
  • Kim Seong-eun, a vocal teacher for idols, who provided cool-headed yet warm advice.

Dance and rap coaches

  • The dance coaches include We Dem Boyz' Vata and Ingyoo, who lead K-pop dance with a trendy feel, and the rap coaches include the versatile and talented rapper Hanhae, who is responsible for the trainees' growth and skill improvement.

Contestants

Color key:

       Final members of Nouera
       Eliminated in the Final Round
       Eliminated in Third Round (Third Elimination)
       Eliminated in Second Round (Second Elimination)
       Eliminated in First Round (First Elimination)
       Left the show
36 contestants
Chen Bingfan (빙판) Lin (린) Miraku (미라쿠) Jang Hyun-jun (장현준) Noh Gi-hyeon (노기현) Jeon Jun-pyo (전준표)
Han Yu-seop (한유섭) Kim Si-on (김시온) Jung Hyun-jun (정현준) Jia Hao (지아하오) Takuma (타쿠마) Jeong Hyeon-uk (정현욱)
Kim Hak-seong (김학성) An Xin (안신) Jo Min-jae (조민재) Seo Yun-deok (서윤덕) Midori (미도리) Jung Jae-yong (정재영)
Choi Min-jun (최민준) 07 Kim Seung-ho (김승호) Shin Won-cheon (신원천) Seo Ji-ho (서지호) Yoon Jae-yong (윤재용) 06 Kim Seung-ho (김승호)
Lee Jang-hee (이장희) Lee Do-ha (이도하) Ki Hyeong-jun (기형준) Chen Shiau Fu (첸샤오푸) Aki (아키) Kim Sun-yub (김선엽)
Choi Han-gyeol (최한결) Kai (카이) Jo Jae-hyeon (조재현) Yoon Ho-hyeon (윤호현) Jo Seung-hyeon (조승현) Kim Se-gon (김세곤)

Ranking

The Top 9 were determined by online and onsite voting, and the C-Mate grades, weighing 40% and 60% respectively. Benefit points were added on every round ranking. Top 10 of pure online votes ranking were only presented on Episodes 0 (Pre-Bias Ranking), 2, 4 and 7 that plays 40% of their Round Rankings. Mission Rankings were presented on Episode 2 and 5 for the Round 1, with Top 10 and 9 Mates respectively. Top 9 Round Ranking were announced on Episode 6, 8. The Final 7 members of the debuting Group were announce on Episode 10

Online, Stage and Round Rankings

Online Stage Round Ranking
       New to Top Mate
Rank Episode 0 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Episode 6 Episode 7 Episode 8 Episode 9 Episode 10
Pre Bias Ranking

(Online)

 Online First Stage Online Change Mission Round 1 Online Round 2 Round 3 Final Round
1 Lin Lin Jo Min-jae Chen Bingfan Chen Bingfan Chen Bingfan Chen Bingfan Jang Hyun-jun Jia Hao Chen Bingfan
2 Chen Bingfan Chen Bingfan Jung Hyun-jun Lin Jang Hyun-jun Jang Hyun-jun Jia Hao Chen Bingfan Chen Bingfan Lin
3 Noh Gi-hyeon Kim Si-on Chen Bingfan Kim Si-on Takuma Kim Si-on Lin Noh Gi-hyeon Han Yu-seop Miraku
4 Kim Si-on Jung Hyun-jun Choi Han-gyeol Jo Min-jae Kim Seung-ho 07 Lin Jeon Jun-pyo Jeon Jun-pyo Lin Jang Hyun-jun
5 Chen Shiau Fu Jia Hao Kim Seung-ho 07 Jia Hao Shin Won-cheon Kim Seung-ho 07 Seo Yun-deok Lin Takuma Noh Gi-hyeon
6 An Xin An Xin Yoon Jae-yong Chen Shiau Fu Jo Min-jae Jo Min-jae Han Yu-seop Jo Min-jae Jung Hyun-jun Jeon Jun-pyo
7 Miraku Jo Min-jae Jang Hyun-jun Han Yu-seop Jung Hyun-jun Shin Won-cheon Jo Min-jae Han Yu-seop Jo Min-jae Han Yu-seop
8 Jang Hyun-jun Midori Lin Seo Yun-deok Han Yu-seop Jung Hyun-jun Kim Hak-seong Yoon Jae-yong Jeon Jun-pyo
9 Jeon Jun-pyo Miraku Seo Yun-deok An Xin Kim Si-on Takuma An Xin An Xin Kim Si-on
10 Han Yu-seop Noh Gi-hyeon Noh Gi-hyeon Lee Do-ha - - Lee Do-ha - -

Ratings

Average TV viewership ratings (Nationwide)
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)
1 May 15, 2024 0.6% (68th)
2 May 22, 2024 0.3% (76th)
3 May 29, 2024 0.4% (70th)
4 June 5, 2024 0.4% (71st)
5 June 12, 2024 0.3% (87th)
6 June 19, 2024 0.3% (75th)
7 June 26, 2024 0.4% (69th)
8 July 3, 2024 0.3% (77th)
9 July 10, 2024 0.4% (71st)
10 July 17, 2024 0.3% (84th)
Average 0.4%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This program aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).

Post-Competition

The final group NouerA, is managed by Nouer Entertainment. The group debuted on February 26, 2025, with extended play (EP) Chapter: New Is Now.

Other contestants
  • Some contestants will debut or debuted in new boy groups or released music as solo artists:
    • Takuma (11th), Kim Hak-seong (13th), Shin Won-cheon (21st) debuted in OAK Company's new 6-member boy group, BE BOYS on June 18, 2025 with their 1st mini album BE:1.
    • Jung Jae-young (22nd) set to debut in FCENM's new 6-member boy group, ADAP on 2026.
  • Some contestants joined new companies:
    • Jung Hyun-jun (9th), Jia Hao (10th), An Xin (14th) joined Nouer Entertainment.
  • Some contestants participated in other survival shows:
    • Jung Hyun-jun (9th), Jia Hao (10th), An Xin (14th) participated in Korean survival show Boys II Planet. Jung Hyun-jun was eliminated in the eighth episode after ranking 47th. Jia Hao and An Xin went on to debut in the winning group ALPHA DRIVE ONE under WakeOne, after ranking in 5th and 2nd place, respectively.
    • Jo Min-jae (15th) participated in Korean survival show Debut's Plan. He was eliminated in the eighth episode after ranking 17th.
    • Yoon Jae-yong (17th) and Midori (18th) participated in Japanese survival show Produce 101 Japan Shinsekai. Jaeyong was eliminated in the 10th episode after ranking 28th. Midori, who competed under his real name Kato Daiki, is set to debut in the winning group KO1KEYZ under LAPONE, as the center of the group after ranking 1st.

References

  1. ↑ Hwang, Gyu-jun (2024-03-21). 아이돌을 꿈꾸는 일상 소년들의 도전 '메이크 메이트 원(MA1)' 5월 첫 방송 ['Make Mate One (MA1)', the challenge of everyday boys dreaming of becoming idols, first broadcast in May]. stardailynews.co.kr (in Korean).
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "[1회] MAKEMATE1". Make Mate 1. Episode 1 (in Korean). May 15, 2024. KBS2. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  3. ↑ Yi-seul, Noh (2024-04-04). "KBS 보이그룹 오디션 '메이크메이트원', 5월 15일 첫방 확정" [KBS boy group audition 'Make Mate One' confirmed to premiere on May 15th]. News1 (in Korean).
  4. ↑ Yi-seul, Noh (2024-04-04). "KBS2 글로벌 아이돌 데뷔 프로젝트 '메이크메이트원', 5월 15일 첫방" [KBS2's global idol debut project 'Make Mate One' premieres on May 15th]. m.sportsw.kr (in Korean).
  5. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (August 5, 2024). 'MA1' 데뷔조, 데뷔명 '누에라' 확정 [공식] ["MA1" debut group confirmed their debut name, "Nouera" [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved August 6, 2024 – via Naver.
  6. ↑ Lim, Jae-seong (2024-03-21). "KBS, 글로벌 오디션 '메이크메이트원' 5월 첫선" [KBS, global audition 'Makemate One' debuts in May] (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-03-21 – via Naver.
  7. ↑ Jeon, Hyo-jin (21 March 2024). 무소속 소년들 데뷔 프로젝트...KBS, 5월 'MA1' 방영 [공식] ['Independent boys' debut project... KBS to air 'MA1' in May [Official]]. sports.donga.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  8. ↑ Yang, Seungnam (2024-03-21). "KBS, 글로벌 아이돌 데뷔 프로젝트 '메이크메이트원' 5월 방송" [KBS, global idol debut project 'Make Mate One' to be broadcast in May]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean).
  9. ↑ Oh, Myung-eon (21 March 2024). "KBS 글로벌 아이돌 데뷔 프로젝트 '메이크 메이트 원' 5월 첫선" [KBS Global Idol Debut Project 'Make Mate One' to premiere in May]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  10. ↑ Yoo, Ji-hee (2024-02-21). [단독] KBS, 수애 소속사 손잡고 6년 만 아이돌 오디션 론칭 [[Exclusive] KBS joins hands with Soo-ae's agency to launch idol audition after 6 years]. Naver (in Korean).
  11. ↑ Yoon, Seongyeol (2024-03-21). "KBS '더 유닛' 이후 6년만 아이돌 오디션..5월 'MA1' 론칭 [공식]" [Idol audition for the first time in 6 years since KBS' 'The Unit'... 'MA1' launched in May [Official]]. Star News (in Korean).
  12. ↑ Lyul (2024-03-23). 메이크 메이트 원 글로벌 글로벌 보이 그룹 데뷔 아이돌 오디션 서바이벌 [Make Mate One Global Global Boy Group Debut Idol Audition Survival]. Naver (in Korean).
  13. ↑ Lee, Seol (2024-03-22). '메이크 메이트 원', 오디션 프로그램 최초 프로 농구 하프타임 공연 ['Make Mate One', audition program's first professional basketball halftime performance]. star.fnnews.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  14. ↑ Kim, Na-yul (2024-03-22). '메이크 메이트 원' 프로 농구 정규 리그 하프타임 공연...오디션 최초 ['Make Mate One' professional basketball regular league halftime performance, first audition]. Nate News (in Korean).
  15. ↑ Park, Sang-hyuk (2024-03-24). 36명의 아이돌 엠에이원, DB와 정관장 경기 하프타임에 나와 특별 공연 선보이다 [36 idols MA1 perform a special performance at halftime of the DB and Cheong Kwan Jang match]. m.sports.naver.com (in Korean) – via Naver.
  16. ↑ Lee, Seongmi (2024-03-22). '메이크메이트원(엠에이원)', 프로그램 공개 전 프로 농구 DB vs 정관장 경기서 '하프타임 공연 [Make Mate One (MA1)', 'Halftime performance' at professional basketball DB vs. Cheong Kwan Jang game before program release]. m.enter.etoday.co.kr (in Korean) – via Naver.
  17. ↑ Son, Dong-hwan (2024-03-22). 원주 DB, 23일 홈 경기에 '메이크 메이트 원(MA1)' 참가자 초청 [Wonju DB invites 'Make Mate One (MA1)' participants to home game on the 23rd]. m.basketkorea.com (in Korean) – via Naver.
  18. ↑ Moon, Wan-sik (2024-03-27). '메이크 메이트 원(MA1)', 베일 벗었다,매일 9명씩 공개 ['Make Mate One (MA1)' takes off the veil, 9 people revealed every day]. Nate News (in Korean).
  19. ↑ Kim, Yangsu (2024-03-27). '메이크 메이트 원(MA1)', 베일 벗었다,매일 9명씩 공개 ['Make Mate One' reveals profiles of 9 people from Korea, China, and Japan... Refreshing + chic beauty]. m.joynews24.com (in Korean) – via Naver.
  20. ↑ Gyu-chun, Ghoi (2024-04-01). 글로벌 아이돌 데뷔 프로젝트 '메이크메이트원(MA1)'베일 벗었다. metroseoul.co.kr (in Korean).
  21. ↑ Kim, Hyun-sik (2024-03-29). 엑소 시우민, KBS 보이그룹 서바이벌 '메이크 메이트 원' 단독 MC 발탁 [EXO Xiumin selected as sole MC for KBS boy group survival show 'Make Mate One']. Edaily (in Korean).
  22. ↑ Lee, Jeong-hyuk (2024-03-29). [단독]엑소 시우민, KBS2 '메이크 메이트 원' 단독 MC 발탁...36명 일상 소년들의 "든든한 멘토 역할 기대" [[Exclusive] EXO's Xiumin selected as sole MC for KBS2's 'Make Mate One'... "Expected to serve as a strong mentor" for 36 everyday boys]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean).
  23. ↑ Kim, Hyun-sik (2024-03-29). 엑소 시우민, KBS 보이그룹 서바이벌 '메이크 메이트 원' 단독 MC 발탁 [EXO Xiumin selected as sole MC for KBS boy group survival show 'Make Mate One']. N Entertainments (in Korean).
  24. ↑ Kim, Tae-sik (May 16, 2024). "'MA1' 이기광, 객석에서 스페셜 MC로 깜짝 등장" ['MA1' Lee Gikwang makes a surprise appearance as a special MC in the audience]. PSNews Korea.
  25. 1 2 3 4 Lim, Jae-seong (March 21, 2024). "KBS, 글로벌 오디션 '메이크메이트원' 5월 첫선" [KBS, global audition 'Makemate One' debuts in May]. KBS News. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  26. 1 2 Ahn, Byeong-gil (June 5, 2024). "'MA1' 권은비·엔하이픈 정원·니키·희승 출격" ['MA1' Kwon Eunbi, Enhypen Jeongwon, Nikki, Heeseung appear]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved June 5, 2024 – via Naver.
  27. ↑ 메이크메이트원 시청률 [Make Mate 1 ratings] (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Retrieved July 18, 2024 – via Daum.
  28. ↑ Kim, Soo-jin (February 3, 2025). 누에라, 26일 데뷔 미니 'New is Now' 발매 [Nouera, Debut Mini 'New is Now' Released on the 26th]. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved November 20, 2025.
  29. ↑ "BE BOYS - TAKUMA". Twitter. April 19, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  30. ↑ "BE BOYS - HAK SEONG". Twitter. April 20, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  31. ↑ "BE BOYS - WON CHEON". Twitter. April 21, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  32. ↑ "ADAP - JAEYOUNG". Twitter. December 5, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Trainee". Nouer Entertainment. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  34. ↑ "BOYS II PLANET K: JUNG HYUN JUN". Twitter. June 12, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  35. ↑ "BOYS II PLANET C: ZHANG JIA HAO". Twitter. June 12, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  36. ↑ "BOYS II PLANET C: ZHOU AN XIN". Twitter. June 12, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  37. ↑ "PR : NewKids 조민재 JO MIN JAE". YouTube. March 9, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  38. ↑ "𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗞𝗔𝗜𝟭𝟬𝟭𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘 🌎 ⡱ YOON JAEYONG". Produce101. January 31, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  39. ↑ "𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗞𝗔𝗜𝟭𝟬𝟭𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘 🌎 ⡱ KATO DAIKI". Produce101. January 31, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.