Viewers rejoice at VIBY AKITO's too-handsome childhood photos: "I held my head in my hands at the overwhelming cuteness"
The documentary program 'VIBY 1329 The night before debut,' which follows the journey of the all-teen Japanese boy group VIBY, has begun broadcasting on ABEMA. Produced by K-Pop producer KIM MI JEONG, the program depicts the origins and struggles of each VIBY member, with AKITO's childhood photos particularly garnering attention.
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AKITOAKITO
"ABEMA," the new future TV, broadcasted the first episode of the documentary program "VIBY 1329 The night before debut" on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:10 PM. This program follows the trajectory of the boy group "VIBY," which was born from "Rii.MJ," a new label established by KIM MI JEONG, who has been involved in discovering global stars like BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER and developing new talent.
This documentary closely chronicles the three-year growth of "VIBY," the first artist from the new label "Rii.MJ" launched by Ms. Kim Mi Jeong in Japan, along with the behind-the-scenes story of the label. It portrays their unknown origins, struggles, and the 1329-day journey leading up to their debut. The first episode opened with a press conference on their pre-debut day, March 25, 2026, which saw an unprecedented number of reporters, revealing the "origin" of their story.
During the program, Ms. Kim Mi Jeong looked back on her encounter with VIBY, stating, "Among all the artists I've discovered in my career, this was the most miraculous encounter." She further revealed her conviction in their potential, saying, "I searched all over Japan and finally found them. Some children show a 'growth curve' where you can see how they will develop with a certain amount of training, and I saw that in them from the beginning."
KIM MI JEONGVIBY
The program also delves into the "origins" of each of the five members. RENKI, from Hyogo Prefecture, met Ms. Mijong when he visited a venue with his family in his second year of junior high school, becoming a presence that made her say, "The moment I saw him, I knew it had to be RENKI." The story was told of how he, who was shy and not a standout type as a child, quit kickboxing and decided to go to Korea with the encouragement of his family and older brother.
RENKI
KOTARO, from Hokkaido, was a talented individual discovered in his fifth year of elementary school through a group photo at a dance competition. The episode revealed his daily efforts of practicing at home, despite feeling frustrated when results didn't come easily, and his tears when he won his first award, highlighting his resolve to take on the challenge at age 12.
KOTARO
IO, from Kyoto Prefecture, was selected after seizing a final opportunity despite failing numerous auditions. Ms. Mijong described him as someone so significant that "I didn't test him at all; he offered to explain himself." The program explores the background of how a boy who was once a "crybaby and spoiled" embarked on his dream. Additionally, a video of IO performing magic for his parents was shown, bringing many smiles from the members at the heartwarming footage.
IOIO
RYOHA, from Ishikawa Prefecture, was one of the members accidentally discovered at an unplanned event. While his innocent smile and expressive power were praised, he initially struggled and cried about leaving his family and friends. However, the program depicted the change in his heart as he resolved to pursue his dream after being entrusted with it by his mentor.
RYOHA
AKITO, also from Hokkaido, had a dream of becoming a "star" since childhood, and a chance encounter on the streets of Sapporo became a turning point in his life. He was evaluated as someone who "would definitely achieve results with training" and made his decision just one month after entering high school. Encouraged by his best friend's words, "It's definitely your calling," he embarked on a new path. When AKITO's childhood photos were released, the comment section was flooded with remarks such as "Too handsome," "I held my head in my hands at the overwhelming cuteness," and "He looks like a doll."
AKITO
Towards the end of the program, it closely followed the five members as they departed for Korea on June 10, 2023, each with their own aspirations. However, what awaited them were harsh training days, with severe words like "You haven't changed at all from a few days ago." Furthermore, it was revealed that a "too harsh ordeal" awaited them 160 days after their pre-debut, concluding the first episode with a hint of turbulent developments.
Origins, decisions, and the start of harsh days—the 1329-day story of VIBY, which truly begins here, is available for on-demand viewing on "ABEMA." Please watch the beginning of their journey.
■ABEMA "VIBY 1329 The night before debut" Program Overview
(C)AbemaTV,Inc.
Broadcast Channel: ABEMA SPECIAL
#1 Broadcast Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:10 PM~
#1 Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/channels/abema-special/slots/DgUGwN88fb
"ABEMA," the new future TV, broadcasted the first episode of the documentary program "VIBY 1329 The night before debut" on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:10 PM. This program follows the trajectory of the boy group "VIBY," which was born from "Rii.MJ," a new label established by KIM MI JEONG, who has been involved in discovering global stars like BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER and developing new talent.
This documentary closely chronicles the three-year growth of "VIBY," the first artist from the new label "Rii.MJ" launched by Ms. Kim Mi Jeong in Japan, along with the behind-the-scenes story of the label. It portrays their unknown origins, struggles, and the 1329-day journey leading up to their debut. The first episode opened with a press conference on their pre-debut day, March 25, 2026, which saw an unprecedented number of reporters, revealing the "origin" of their story.
During the program, Ms. Kim Mi Jeong looked back on her encounter with VIBY, stating, "Among all the artists I've discovered in my career, this was the most miraculous encounter." She further revealed her conviction in their potential, saying, "I searched all over Japan and finally found them. Some children show a 'growth curve' where you can see how they will develop with a certain amount of training, and I saw that in them from the beginning."
KIM MI JEONGVIBY
The program also delves into the "origins" of each of the five members. RENKI, from Hyogo Prefecture, met Ms. Mijong when he visited a venue with his family in his second year of junior high school, becoming a presence that made her say, "The moment I saw him, I knew it had to be RENKI." The story was told of how he, who was shy and not a standout type as a child, quit kickboxing and decided to go to Korea with the encouragement of his family and older brother.
RENKI
KOTARO, from Hokkaido, was a talented individual discovered in his fifth year of elementary school through a group photo at a dance competition. The episode revealed his daily efforts of practicing at home, despite feeling frustrated when results didn't come easily, and his tears when he won his first award, highlighting his resolve to take on the challenge at age 12.
KOTARO
IO, from Kyoto Prefecture, was selected after seizing a final opportunity despite failing numerous auditions. Ms. Mijong described him as someone so significant that "I didn't test him at all; he offered to explain himself." The program explores the background of how a boy who was once a "crybaby and spoiled" embarked on his dream. Additionally, a video of IO performing magic for his parents was shown, bringing many smiles from the members at the heartwarming footage.
IOIO
RYOHA, from Ishikawa Prefecture, was one of the members accidentally discovered at an unplanned event. While his innocent smile and expressive power were praised, he initially struggled and cried about leaving his family and friends. However, the program depicted the change in his heart as he resolved to pursue his dream after being entrusted with it by his mentor.
RYOHA
AKITO, also from Hokkaido, had a dream of becoming a "star" since childhood, and a chance encounter on the streets of Sapporo became a turning point in his life. He was evaluated as someone who "would definitely achieve results with training" and made his decision just one month after entering high school. Encouraged by his best friend's words, "It's definitely your calling," he embarked on a new path. When AKITO's childhood photos were released, the comment section was flooded with remarks such as "Too handsome," "I held my head in my hands at the overwhelming cuteness," and "He looks like a doll."
AKITO
Towards the end of the program, it closely followed the five members as they departed for Korea on June 10, 2023, each with their own aspirations. However, what awaited them were harsh training days, with severe words like "You haven't changed at all from a few days ago." Furthermore, it was revealed that a "too harsh ordeal" awaited them 160 days after their pre-debut, concluding the first episode with a hint of turbulent developments.
Origins, decisions, and the start of harsh days—the 1329-day story of VIBY, which truly begins here, is available for on-demand viewing on "ABEMA." Please watch the beginning of their journey.
■ABEMA "VIBY 1329 The night before debut" Program Overview
(C)AbemaTV,Inc.
Broadcast Channel: ABEMA SPECIAL
#1 Broadcast Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:10 PM~
#1 Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/channels/abema-special/slots/DgUGwN88fb