LEO & SANGWON Members Profile: Bio, Age, Height, Debut & Facts 2026
In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, few stories capture the resilience and passion of aspiring idols quite like that of LEO & SANGWON. This South Korean duo, formed under GRID Entertainment on May 24, 2025, represents a unique chapter in K-pop history—one defined by perseverance through disbandment, solo pursuits, and ultimately, a triumphant return to the spotlight.
Both Leo and Sangwon share a remarkable backstory: they were originally members of BigHit Music’s highly anticipated pre-debut group Trainee A, a project that garnered massive global attention before its unfortunate cancellation in 2022. Rather than letting this setback define their careers, the duo charted individual paths—Leo as a solo artist under 131 LABEL and Sangwon as an influencer—before reuniting under GRID Entertainment.
Their journey took another dramatic turn when both competed on Mnet’s survival show Boys II Planet in 2025. Sangwon emerged as the first-place winner with over 7.29 million votes, while Leo secured sixth place. This achievement led to their debut in the eight-member project group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) under WAKEONE Entertainment on January 12, 2026.
Today, LEO & SANGWON represents not just a duo but a testament to the power of friendship, shared dreams, and unwavering determination in the competitive world of K-pop.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Group Name | LEO & SANGWON (리오&상원) |
| Korean Name | 리오&상원 |
| Debut Date | May 24, 2025 (formed as a duo) |
| Agency | GRID Entertainment |
| Origin | South Korea |
| Genre | K-pop, R&B |
| Number of Members | 2 |
| Active Years | 2025–present |
| Official Fandom Name | This information is not publicly available |
| Official Colors | This information is not publicly available |
| Current Status | Active; also promoting as members of ALPHA DRIVE ONE |
Table of Contents
Who Is LEO & SANGWON?
LEO & SANGWON is a South Korean duo formed by GRID Entertainment, consisting of two former Trainee A members: Leo (Lee Leo / Lee Jong-yoon) and Sangwon (Lee Sang-won). The duo was officially established on May 24, 2025.
What makes LEO & SANGWON particularly compelling is the duality of their careers. While they promote as a duo under GRID Entertainment, both members are also integral parts of the eight-member boy group ALPHA DRIVE ONE, which debuted in January 2026 through Mnet’s survival show Boys II Planet.
The duo’s formation came after both members signed with GRID Entertainment following their time at BigHit Music and 131 LABEL. Their shared history as Trainee A members created an instant connection with fans who had followed their journey since the pre-debut group’s initial unveiling in 2021.
Leo and Sangwon are known for their complementary skills—Leo’s smooth vocals and R&B sensibilities paired with Sangwon’s versatile performance abilities and visual appeal. Together, they represent a new generation of K-pop artists who have navigated the industry’s challenges and emerged stronger.
Group History
Formation and Pre-Debut
The story of LEO & SANGWON begins with Trainee A, a pre-debut boy group under BigHit Music (a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation) that was unveiled to the public in 2021. The group consisted of seven members: JJ, Jihoon, Yorch, Sangwon, Jo Woo-chan, Leo, and James. Through social media accounts and a YouTube channel, BigHit shared daily training footage and vlogs, building significant anticipation among K-pop fans worldwide.
However, in December 2022, the Trainee A project was abruptly canceled. Leo departed from the group first, which ultimately led to the collapse of the debut plans. The cancellation devastated fans who had invested emotionally in the members’ journeys.
Following Trainee A’s disbandment, Leo pursued a solo career. He signed with 131 LABEL and made his solo debut on August 17, 2023, with the single “One Look”. He later released his first EP, Come Closer, on May 9, 2024. Sangwon, meanwhile, transitioned to life as an influencer, sharing glimpses of his daily life online.
Official Debut
On May 24, 2025, GRID Entertainment announced that they had signed with former Trainee A members Leo and Sangwon. The duo would debut under the name LEO & SANGWON. This announcement marked a significant reunion for the two artists, who had remained close friends despite their individual career paths.
Breakthrough Success
The duo’s breakthrough came through their participation in Mnet’s Boys II Planet, a survival show that aired from July 17 to September 25, 2025. The competition featured contestants from Korea and China competing for a spot in the final debut lineup.
Both Leo and Sangwon delivered standout performances throughout the show. Sangwon’s fan-cam of his “Whiplash” performance surpassed one million views on YouTube within a day of its release. The duo’s vocal skills and stage presence went viral, earning them significant attention.
In the live finale, host Kim Jae-joong announced the final lineup of eight members, determined through global voting across 223 countries and regions, tallying approximately 26.5 million votes. Sangwon secured first place with 7,293,777 votes, becoming the center of the new group. Leo finished in sixth place.
The final eight members—Sangwon, Zhou Anxin, He Xinlong, Kim Geon-woo, Zhang Jiahao (Leo’s stage name in some contexts), Leo, Jeong Sang-hyeon, and Kim Jun-seo—formed the project group ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1).
Major Career Milestones
- 2021: Trainee A introduced to the public under BigHit Music
- 2022: Trainee A project canceled
- August 17, 2023: Leo’s solo debut with “One Look” under 131 LABEL
- May 9, 2024: Leo releases EP Come Closer
- May 24, 2025: LEO & SANGWON formed under GRID Entertainment
- July–September 2025: Both members compete on Boys II Planet
- September 25, 2025: Sangwon wins first place; Leo places sixth
- January 12, 2026: ALPHA DRIVE ONE debuts with EP Euphoria and lead single “Freak Alarm”
Recent Activities
ALPHA DRIVE ONE made their official debut on January 12, 2026, with their first mini-album Euphoria. The EP reportedly sold over 1 million physical copies on release day alone, according to Hanteo Chart, marking the second-highest debut sales in history. The lead single “Freak Alarm” achieved significant success, with the group winning four music show trophies within two weeks of release.
The group held a media showcase at Blue Square in Yongsan, Seoul, on January 12, 2026, to unveil their debut album. As of mid-2026, ALPHA DRIVE ONE continues to promote under a five-year contract with WAKEONE Entertainment.
Agency and Management
LEO & SANGWON is managed by GRID Entertainment, a South Korean entertainment agency. The duo signed with GRID in May 2025 following their departure from previous agencies.
Both members also promote as part of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, which is managed by WAKEONE Entertainment—a subsidiary of CJ ENM. The group operates under a five-year contract following their formation through Boys II Planet.
Leo’s previous agency affiliations include BigHit Music (2020–2022), 131 LABEL (July 2023–December 2024), and 22 Label (2023–2024). Sangwon was previously under HYBE (2016–2021) and BigHit Music (2021–2023).
Complete Member Profiles
Leo Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Leo (리오) |
| Birth Name | Leo Lee |
| Korean Name | Lee Jong-yoon (이종윤) |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 2002 |
| Age | 23 (as of 2026) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Chinese Zodiac | Horse |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Korean-Australian |
| Height | 179–181 cm (5’10″–5’11”) |
| Weight | This information is not publicly available |
| Blood Type | A |
| MBTI Type | INTP |
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) in ALPHA DRIVE ONE | Leader |
| Position(s) in LEO & SANGWON | This information is not publicly available |
| Representative Emoji | This information is not publicly available |
| Training Period | Approximately 3 years and 7 months |
Early Life and Education
Leo was born in Sydney, Australia, on August 22, 2002, making him a Korean-Australian idol. He grew up in a musical family—his parents and older sister all enjoyed music, which sparked his early interest in the art form. His family’s encouragement played a crucial role in his decision to pursue a career in entertainment.
From a young age, Leo developed a passion for R&B music, which remains his favorite genre. His multicultural background—growing up in Australia with Korean heritage—has contributed to his bilingual abilities and global appeal.
Career Journey
Pre-debut and Trainee A (2020–2022): Leo joined BigHit Music as a trainee in 2020. He became a member of the highly anticipated pre-debut group Trainee A, which was unveiled to the public in 2021 through social media content. The group garnered significant attention from K-pop fans worldwide. However, in December 2022, Leo departed from Trainee A, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the group’s debut plans.
Solo Career (2023–2024): Following his departure from BigHit, Leo signed with 131 LABEL in July 2023. He made his solo debut on August 17, 2023, with the single “One Look”. On May 9, 2024, he released his first EP, Come Closer. During this period, he also appeared in BTS’s music video for “Permission to Dance”.
RAP:PUBLIC (2024): Leo competed on the survival show RAP:PUBLIC in 2024, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
GRID Entertainment and LEO & SANGWON (2025): Leo signed with GRID Entertainment in early 2025. On May 24, 2025, GRID announced the formation of the duo LEO & SANGWON with fellow former Trainee A member Sangwon.
Boys II Planet and ALPHA DRIVE ONE (2025–2026): Leo competed on Mnet’s Boys II Planet in 2025. He finished in sixth place with 4,147,134 votes, securing his spot in the final lineup. On November 1, 2025, ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s members announced Leo as their leader. The group officially debuted on January 12, 2026, with the EP Euphoria.
Family Background
Leo’s family consists of his parents and an older sister. His family has been supportive of his music career from an early age.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available. Leo has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships.
Net Worth
This information is not publicly available. As a newly debuted artist with ALPHA DRIVE ONE and member of LEO & SANGWON, his earnings are not publicly disclosed.
Social Media Profiles
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @leowsgd | |
| X (Twitter) | @_leo0o0o |
| TikTok | @leo131official |
| YouTube | LEO |
| SoundCloud | jadedstill |
Interesting Facts About Leo
- Leo was born in Sydney, Australia, making him a Korean-Australian idol.
- He is not a fan of mint chocolate.
- His favorite music genre is R&B.
- His favorite movie is Joker.
- Leo’s hobbies include watching movies and shows and exploring dessert cafes.
- He prefers winter over summer.
- His fandom name is LEOZ (리오즈).
- He appeared in BTS’s music video for “Permission to Dance”.
- He competed on the survival show RAP:PUBLIC in 2024.
- His family consists of his parents and an older sister.
Sangwon Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Sangwon (상원) |
| Birth Name | Lee Sang-won (이상원) |
| Korean Name | Lee Sang-won (이상원) |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 2003 |
| Age | 23 (as of 2026) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Chinese Zodiac | Sheep |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | Korean |
| Height | This information is not publicly available |
| Weight | This information is not publicly available |
| Blood Type | This information is not publicly available |
| MBTI Type | INFP |
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) in ALPHA DRIVE ONE | Center, Member |
| Position(s) in LEO & SANGWON | Maknae |
| Representative Emoji | This information is not publicly available |
| Training Period | Approximately 6 years |
Early Life and Education
Sangwon was born in Seoul, South Korea, on May 8, 2003. He attended Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating from the Practical Dance department in February 2022. Hanlim Arts School is one of South Korea’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, known for producing numerous K-pop idols.
Sangwon comes from a family of five, including his parents and two older sisters. He is bilingual, able to speak both Korean and English fluently.
Career Journey
Pre-debut and Trainee A (2016–2022): Sangwon’s training journey began early. He joined HYBE (formerly BigHit Entertainment) in 2016 as a trainee. He trained for approximately six years—one of the longest training periods among his peers. Sangwon became a member of Trainee A, the highly anticipated pre-debut group under BigHit Music. Through the group’s YouTube channel and social media presence, Sangwon gained a dedicated following.
When the Trainee A project was canceled in December 2022, Sangwon, like his fellow members, saw his debut plans fall through. For a period, he transitioned to life as an influencer, sharing glimpses of his daily life online.
GRID Entertainment and LEO & SANGWON (2025): Sangwon signed with GRID Entertainment in early 2025. On May 24, 2025, GRID announced the formation of the duo LEO & SANGWON with fellow former Trainee A member Leo.
Boys II Planet and ALPHA DRIVE ONE (2025–2026): Sangwon competed on Mnet’s Boys II Planet in 2025. Throughout the competition, he emerged as a consistent favorite. His fan-cam of his “Whiplash” performance surpassed one million views on YouTube within a day.
In the live finale, Sangwon secured first place with an impressive 7,293,777 votes. He became the center of the new group ALPHA DRIVE ONE. The group officially debuted on January 12, 2026, with the EP Euphoria.
Family Background
Sangwon’s family consists of his parents and two older sisters.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available. Sangwon has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships.
Net Worth
This information is not publicly available. As a newly debuted artist with ALPHA DRIVE ONE and member of LEO & SANGWON, his earnings are not publicly disclosed.
Social Media Profiles
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @leeeeesangwon | |
| Instagram (Secondary) | @writemyeyeswritemybook |
Interesting Facts About Sangwon
- Sangwon was born in Seoul, South Korea.
- His favorite season is winter.
- He can speak both Korean and English fluently.
- He graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School (Practical Dance department) in February 2022.
- His favorite food is french fries.
- He trained for approximately six years before debuting—one of the longest training periods among his peers.
- He ranked first in Boys II Planet with 7,293,777 votes.
- His family consists of his parents and two older sisters.
- Sangwon’s fan-cam of his “Whiplash” performance surpassed one million views on YouTube within a day.
- He was a member of Trainee A alongside Leo before the group’s debut plans were canceled.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE Discography
Studio Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Euphoria | January 12, 2026 | Debut EP (Mini Album) |
Singles
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| “Formula” | December 3, 2025 | Pre-debut single |
| “Freak Alarm” | January 12, 2026 | Lead single from Euphoria |
Leo’s Solo Discography
Music Style and Influence
LEO & SANGWON’s musical identity is rooted in their shared history and individual artistic sensibilities. Leo, whose favorite genre is R&B, brings a smooth, soulful vocal quality to the duo. His solo work under 131 LABEL established him as an artist capable of delivering emotionally resonant performances.
Sangwon, trained in practical dance at Hanlim Arts School, contributes powerful performance skills and stage presence. Together, they create a dynamic that blends vocal sophistication with compelling choreography.
As members of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, both artists contribute to a group known for its “global appeal and energetic” sound. The group’s debut EP Euphoria features explosive bass and dynamic drum lines, reflecting their ambition to become “the icon of acceleration” in K-pop.
Awards and Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Show Wins | 4 wins with “Freak Alarm” within two weeks of debut |
| Album Sales | Over 1 million physical copies of Euphoria sold on release day |
| Global Recognition | Debuted as the first group in the Year of the Red Horse |
Tours and Concerts
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Debut Showcase | January 12, 2026 | Held at Blue Square, Yongsan, Seoul |
Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships
This information is not publicly available. As a newly debuted group, ALPHA DRIVE ONE and LEO & SANGWON have not announced major brand partnerships.
Social Media Presence
LEO & SANGWON
ALPHA DRIVE ONE
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| Official SNS | Opened following the Boys II Planet finale |
Net Worth and Revenue Sources
As newly debuted artists, LEO & SANGWON’s individual net worth is not publicly available. Their income streams include:
- Album sales (Euphoria sold over 1 million copies on release day)
- Streaming revenue from digital platforms
- Concerts and showcases
- Merchandise sales
- Potential future endorsements
20 Interesting Facts About LEO & SANGWON
- Both Leo and Sangwon were originally members of BigHit Music’s pre-debut group Trainee A.
- The duo was officially formed on May 24, 2025, under GRID Entertainment.
- Sangwon ranked first in Boys II Planet with 7,293,777 votes.
- Leo ranked sixth in Boys II Planet with 4,147,134 votes.
- Leo is the leader of ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
- Sangwon is the center of ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
- Leo was born in Sydney, Australia, making him a Korean-Australian idol.
- Sangwon was born in Seoul, South Korea.
- Leo trained for approximately 3 years and 7 months.
- Sangwon trained for approximately 6 years.
- Leo made his solo debut on August 17, 2023, with “One Look”.
- Leo released his first EP Come Closer on May 9, 2024.
- Leo appeared in BTS’s music video for “Permission to Dance”.
- Leo competed on the survival show RAP:PUBLIC in 2024.
- Sangwon graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School in February 2022.
- Leo’s favorite music genre is R&B.
- Sangwon’s favorite season is winter.
- Leo is not a fan of mint chocolate.
- Sangwon’s favorite food is french fries.
- ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s debut EP Euphoria sold over 1 million copies on release day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who are the members of LEO & SANGWON?
A: LEO & SANGWON consists of two members: Leo (Lee Leo / Lee Jong-yoon) and Sangwon (Lee Sang-won).
Q2: When did LEO & SANGWON debut?
A: LEO & SANGWON was formed on May 24, 2025.
Q3: What agency manages LEO & SANGWON?
A: LEO & SANGWON is under GRID Entertainment.
Q4: Are Leo and Sangwon also in another group?
A: Yes, both members are also part of ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), an eight-member group under WAKEONE Entertainment.
Q5: When did ALPHA DRIVE ONE debut?
A: ALPHA DRIVE ONE debuted on January 12, 2026, with the EP Euphoria.
Q6: Who is the leader of ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
A: Leo is the leader of ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
Q7: Who is the center of ALPHA DRIVE ONE?
A: Sangwon is the center of ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
Q8: What is Leo’s birth name?
A: Leo’s birth name is Leo Lee, and his Korean name is Lee Jong-yoon (이종윤).
Q9: What is Sangwon’s birth name?
A: Sangwon’s birth name is Lee Sang-won (이상원).
Q10: When is Leo’s birthday?
A: Leo’s birthday is August 22, 2002.
Q11: When is Sangwon’s birthday?
A: Sangwon’s birthday is May 8, 2003.
Q12: Where was Leo born?
A: Leo was born in Sydney, Australia.
Q13: Where was Sangwon born?
A: Sangwon was born in Seoul, South Korea.
Q14: What is Leo’s nationality?
A: Leo is Korean-Australian.
Q15: What is Sangwon’s nationality?
A: Sangwon is Korean.
Q16: What is Leo’s MBTI type?
A: Leo’s MBTI type is INTP.
Q17: What is Sangwon’s MBTI type?
A: Sangwon’s MBTI type is INFP.
Q18: What was Trainee A?
A: Trainee A was a pre-debut group under BigHit Music that included Leo and Sangwon. The project was canceled in 2022.
Q19: What is ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s fandom name?
A: ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s fandom name is ALLYZ (앨리즈).
Q20: What is LEO & SANGWON’s fandom name?
A: This information is not publicly available.
Conclusion
LEO & SANGWON represents one of K-pop’s most compelling comeback stories. From the disappointment of Trainee A’s cancellation to the triumph of Boys II Planet and the explosive debut of ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Leo and Sangwon have demonstrated remarkable resilience and talent.
Their journey resonates with fans who have followed them since their trainee days, watching as they transformed setbacks into stepping stones. As members of both a dynamic duo and a record-breaking eight-member group, Leo and Sangwon are poised to leave an indelible mark on the K-pop industry.
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