Shine, scandal, survival define K-pop boy band PENTAGON's 1st decade

In 2023, seven years after debuting as the leader of K-pop boy band PENTAGON, returned to trainee status. He competed alongside aspiring male idols on Mnet’s audition program “Boys Planet” for a place in a new project group as his own group’s contracts with Cube Entertainment approached their end. Three years later, he is back onstage with six fellow PENTAGON members for the group’s 10th debut anniversary. PENTAGON, which debuted on Oct. 10, 2016, has reunited for an anniversary project organized by NAKED, the label founded by member Kino. It comes after the participating members left the company that formed the group and pursued careers under separate agencies. The group’s first decade illustrates how uncertain success can remain for a K-pop act, even one recognized for producing its own music. Its breakthrough arrived a year and a half after debut, only for a dating controversy to disrupt its momentum months later. Its first music show victory took four years, while military service and expiring contracts eventually scattered the members. That PENTAGON has regrouped under a