PRODUCE 48 is the third season of the survival franchise “PRODUCE 101,” hosted by Lee Seung‑gi and built around an unprecedented collaboration with Japan’s AKB48 system. Airing from June 15, 2018 to August 31, 2018, the season gathered 96 trainees, 57 from South Korea and 39 from Japan, in a high‑stakes marathon where global fans determined who would debut. Twelve winners formed the project group IZ*ONE, which was actively promoted until its disbandment in April 2021. Beyond one lineup, PRODUCE 48 became a cross‑cultural laboratory that redefined how K‑Pop and J‑Pop could intersect on one stage.
Introduction to PRODUCE 48
At its core, PRODUCE 48 blended training philosophies: the Korean idol system’s rigorous performance standards with the AKB48 family’s theater‑based ethos and massive fan participation. Evaluations, concept missions, and live stages pushed participants to switch languages, styles, and team roles in real time. The show’s narrative celebrated grit—trainees with months of experience stood shoulder to shoulder with performers boasting close to a decade on stage. That friction produced dramatic arcs and, ultimately, a debut team with a hybrid sound that resonated across Asia.
The Final Lineup and Debut Group
All twelve finalists debuted in IZ*ONE. Here is the complete lineup as ranked in the finale (with final vote counts):
- Jang Won‑young — 338,366 votes (Starship Entertainment, South Korea)
- Miyawaki Sakura — 316,105 votes (HKT48/EMI, Japan)
- Jo Yu‑ri — 294,734 votes (Stone Music Entertainment, South Korea)
- Choi Ye‑na — 285,385 votes (Yuehua Entertainment, South Korea)
- An Yu‑jin — 280,487 votes (Starship Entertainment, South Korea)
- Yabuki Nako — 261,788 votes (HKT48/EMI, Japan)
- Kwon Eun‑bi — 250,212 votes (Woollim Entertainment, South Korea)
- Kang Hye‑won — 248,432 votes (8D Creative, South Korea)
- Honda Hitomi — 240,418 votes (AKB48/AKS, Japan)
- Kim Chae‑won — 238,192 votes (Woollim Entertainment, South Korea)
- Kim Min‑ju — 227,061 votes (Urban Works, South Korea)
- Lee Chae‑yeon — 221,273 votes (WM Entertainment, South Korea)
As IZ*ONE, the twelve members delivered a polished discography and large‑scale concert footprint before concluding group activities in 2021.
All Contestant 48 Produce Profiles.
Jang Won‑young (Rank 1)
- Agency: Starship Entertainment (South Korea); Training: 1 year 2 months. Strengths in hip‑hop dance and English communication.
- Fact: Became the youngest center in PRODUCE series history.
Miyawaki Sakura (Rank 2)
- Agency: HKT48/EMI (Japan); Training: 6 years 11 months. Background in acting, commercials, and YouTube gaming.
- Fact: Later re‑debuted in LE SSERAFIM as a core member.
Jo Yu‑ri (Rank 3)
- Agency: Stone Music Entertainment (South Korea); Multi‑instrumentalist on guitar, keyboard, drums.
- Fact: Known for husky vocals and emotional delivery.
Choi Ye‑na (Rank 4)
- Agency: Yuehua Entertainment (South Korea); Training: 3 years 5 months. Bright personality and versatile performer.
- Fact: Became a beloved soloist and variety show regular.
An Yu‑jin (Rank 5)
- Agency: Starship Entertainment (South Korea); Training: 1 year 4 months. Piano skills and hip‑hop dance.
- Fact: Re‑debuted in IVE as group leader.
Yabuki Nako (Rank 6)
- Agency: HKT48/EMI (Japan); Training: 4 years 10 months. Signature dimples, strong theater stage background.
- Fact: Returned to Japan and pursued acting after graduation.
Kwon Eun‑bi (Rank 7)
- Agency: Woollim Entertainment (South Korea); Training: 5 years 6 months. Solid dance and vocal leader.
- Fact: Served as IZ*ONE’s leader throughout project.
Kang Hye‑won (Rank 8)
- Agency: 8D Creative (South Korea); Training: 9 months. Pianist and anime fan with quiet charisma.
- Fact: Pivoted to solo music with a 2021 mini album.
Honda Hitomi (Rank 9)
- Agency: AKB48/AKS (Japan); Training: 4 years 2 months. Cheerleader background with acrobatics.
- Fact: Famous for backflips and love of gyoza.
Kim Chae‑won (Rank 10)
- Agency: Woollim Entertainment (South Korea); Training: 11 months. Gentle vocals and choreography interest.
- Fact: Later became leader of LE SSERAFIM.
Kim Min‑ju (Rank 11)
- Agency: Urban Works (South Korea); Training: 2 years 10 months. Acting and guitar experience.
- Fact: Transitioned fully to acting under Management SOOP.
Lee Chae‑yeon (Rank 12)
- Agency: WM Entertainment (South Korea); Training: 4 years 2 months. Specializes in waacking/hip‑hop dance.
- Fact: Later became known for self‑choreographed stages as a soloist.
Han Cho‑won (Rank 13)
- Agency: Cube Entertainment (South Korea); Known for vocal power and songwriting.
- Fact: Later debuted in LIGHTSUM.
Lee Gae‑un (Rank 14)
- Former After School member; Agency: Pledis Entertainment (South Korea). Skills in flute and production.
- Fact: Returned to activities with High Ent Family.
Miyazaki Miho (Rank 15)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Tokyo‑born multilingual performer.
- Fact: Active in radio and drama projects post‑show.
Takahashi Juri (Rank 16)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Skilled drummer and vocalist.
- Fact: Later debuted in Rocket Punch under Woollim.
Takeuchi Miyu (Rank 17)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Perfect pitch, singer‑songwriter, multi‑instrumentalist.
- Fact: Signed with MYSTIC and pursued music career.
Shitao Miu (Rank 18)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Known for traditional Japanese instrument skills.
- Fact: Advocated self‑improvement and steady growth.
Park Hae‑yoon (Rank 19)
- Agency: FNC Entertainment (South Korea); Strong vocalist and trainee background.
- Fact: Later debuted in Cherry Bullet.
Shiroma Miru (Rank 20)
- Agency: NMB48 (Japan); Osaka native, snowboarder, and variety talent.
- Fact: Continued NMB48 and expanded into wider media.
Kim Do‑ah (Rank 23)
- Agency: FENT (South Korea); Trainee known for visuals and charm.
- Fact: Later debuted in FANATICS.
Jang Gyu‑ri (Rank 25)
- Agency: Stone Music (South Korea); Multi‑instrumentalist, appeared in dramas.
- Fact: Member of fromis_9 after Idol School.
Huh Yun‑jin (Rank 26)
- Agency: Pledis/Source (Korean‑American); Opera‑trained vocalist.
- Fact: Later debuted in LE SSERAFIM.
Kim Si‑hyeon (Rank 27)
- Agency: Yuehua Entertainment (South Korea); Trainee with strong visuals and dance skills.
- Fact: Debuted in EVERGLOW.
Wang Yiren (Rank 28)
- Agency: Yuehua (China); Known for elegance and dance skills.
- Fact: Debuted in EVERGLOW.
Na Go‑eun (Rank 29)
- Agency: RBW (South Korea); Strong vocalist, songwriting experience.
- Fact: Debuted in PURPLE K!SS.
Kim Na‑young (Rank 30)
- Agency: Banana Culture (South Korea); Cheerful trainee with strong stage presence.
- Fact: Later debuted in fromis_9 sub‑projects.
Cho Ka‑hyeon (Rank 31)
- Agency: Starship trainee; limited screen time but showed promise.
- Fact: Known among fans for bright personality.
Park Seon (Rank 32)
- Agency: individual trainee; remembered for determination.
- Fact: Gained fan following despite early elimination.
Chiba Erii (Rank 33)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Youngest Japanese contestant at the time.
- Fact: Continued as AKB48 member.
Murase Sae (Rank 34)
- Agency: NMB48 (Japan); Fashion‑forward with design interest.
- Fact: Launched her own clothing line.
Kojima Mako (Rank 35)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Experienced idol with leadership aura.
- Fact: Transitioned into acting and modeling.
Kim Cho‑yeon (Rank 36)
- Agency: A team trainee; demonstrated vocal strength.
- Fact: Pursued individual content after show.
Park Min‑ji (Rank 37)
- Agency: MND17 trainee; highlighted for strong visuals.
- Fact: Gained moderate fanbase online.
Kim Do‑yeon (Rank 38)
- Agency: individual; trained briefly but impressed with sincerity.
- Fact: Known for perseverance.
Asai Nanami (Rank 39)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); Known for youthful energy.
- Fact: Continued in AKB48 promotions.
Cho Yeong‑in (Rank 40)
- Agency: WM trainee; enjoyed music and bright attitude.
- Fact: Later participated in various content projects.
Ko Yu‑jin (Rank 41)
- Agency: BlockBerry trainee; showed creativity and dance ability.
- Fact: Later pursued content creation.
Kim Da‑yeon (Rank 42)
- Agency: CNC (South Korea); strong dancer with energy.
- Fact: Later re‑appeared in Girls Planet 999 and debuted in Kep1er.
Motomura Aoi (Rank 43)
- Agency: HKT48 (Japan); idol since young age.
- Fact: Continued in HKT48 until graduation.
Kim So‑hee (Rank 44)
- Agency: Woollim trainee; recognized for vocals.
- Fact: Remained active as a trainee in Woollim projects.
Kim Hyun‑ah (Rank 45)
- Agency: Collab trainee; gained attention for dance.
- Fact: Became known among PRODUCE 48 fandom.
Sato Minami (Rank 46)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); youngest Japanese members.
- Fact: Continued as AKB48 team member.
Cho Ka‑eun (Rank 47)
- Agency: individual; gained small fanbase.
- Fact: Recognized for hardworking spirit.
Park Chan‑ju (Rank 48)
- Agency: MND17 trainee; cheerful and talented.
- Fact: Remained popular online with fans.
Kim Ha‑yun (Rank 49)
- Agency: Collab trainee; early eliminated but memorable.
- Fact: Gained some fandom through charm.
Kim Sung‑hyun (Rank 50)
- Agency: trainee; known for vocal ability.
- Fact: Participated in later smaller projects.
Lee Ha‑eun (Rank 51)
- Agency: MND17; vocal trainee.
- Fact: Remained in entertainment industry.
Yu Min‑young (Rank 52)
- Agency: HOW trainee; praised for determination.
- Fact: Active in performances post‑show.
Kim Chae‑eun (Rank 53)
- Agency: individual; known for sincerity.
- Fact: Gained fans despite little screen time.
Kim Da‑in (Rank 54)
- Agency: CNC trainee; strong dancer.
- Fact: Pursued later opportunities in entertainment.
Lee Yoo‑jung (Rank 55)
- Agency: CNC; stage presence trainee.
- Fact: Later became content creator.
Kim Min‑seo (Rank 56)
- Agency: HOW trainee; strong vocals.
- Fact: Gained fans for her singing covers.
Yoon Eun‑bin (Rank 57)
- Agency: CNC; charismatic performer.
- Fact: Moved to acting projects later.
Kim Hyun‑bin (Rank 58)
- Agency: MND17; trainee with vocals and rap interest.
- Fact: Earned small fandom for determination.
Kurihara Sae (Rank 59)
- Agency: HKT48 (Japan); known for bright smile.
- Fact: Continued activities in HKT48.
Cho Su‑jin (Rank 60)
- Agency: CNC trainee; dedicated idol aspirant.
- Fact: Maintained popularity among PRODUCE fans.
Kim Yun‑jin (Rank 61)
- Agency: HOW trainee; noted for vocals and effort.
- Fact: Gained recognition among dedicated fans.
Aramaki Misaki (Rank 62)
- Agency: HKT48 (Japan); cheerful idol with energy.
- Fact: Continued HKT48 activities after the show.
Kim Su‑hyun (Rank 63)
- Agency: Woollim trainee; actress background.
- Fact: Later pursued acting in K‑dramas.
Kim Yoo‑bin (Rank 64)
- Agency: HOW trainee; young participant with potential.
- Fact: Known for determination.
Asai Yuka (Rank 65)
- Agency: SKE48 (Japan); idol with soft image.
- Fact: Continued in SKE48 group activities.
Lee Chae‑jung (Rank 66)
- Agency: MND17; aspiring idol with vocals.
- Fact: Gained some loyal supporters.
Kim Jung‑yeon (Rank 67)
- Agency: HOW trainee; cheerful and lively.
- Fact: Remembered by fans for stage enthusiasm.
Kim Ah‑yeong (Rank 68)
- Agency: HOW trainee; showed potential in vocals.
- Fact: Later pursued media content.
Lee Seung‑hyun (Rank 69)
- Agency: WM trainee; participated energetically.
- Fact: Fans appreciated her hard work.
Muto Tomu (Rank 70)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); experienced idol with long career.
- Fact: Continued AKB48 activities with leadership roles.
Park Seo‑yeon (Rank 71)
- Agency: CNC; dance‑focused trainee.
- Fact: Later participated in other trainee projects.
Cho Kyung‑min (Rank 72)
- Agency: HOW trainee; recognized for charm.
- Fact: Earned fans despite early elimination.
Hwang So‑yeon (Rank 73)
- Agency: CNC; strong trainee presence.
- Fact: Known for resilience.
Oda Erina (Rank 74)
- Agency: AKB48 (Japan); charming with fan engagement.
- Fact: Continued performing with AKB48.
Kang Da‑min (Rank 75)
- Agency: HOW trainee; showcased vocal strength.
- Fact: Remained active in smaller stages.
Lee Hye‑won (Rank 76)
- Agency: 8D trainee; youthful presence.
- Fact: Maintained fandom presence post‑show.
Kim Da‑hee (Rank 77)
- Agency: CNC trainee; strong dancer.
- Fact: Known for cheerful personality.
Lee Yu‑ri (Rank 78)
- Agency: Stone trainee; idol hopeful.
- Fact: Gained small but dedicated fan group.
Kim Da‑mi (Rank 79)
- Agency: MND17 trainee; bright and energetic.
- Fact: Remembered for positive spirit.
Park Ji‑eun (Rank 80)
- Agency: RBW (South Korea); talented vocalist.
- Fact: Debuted in PURPLE K!SS.
Kim Na‑kyung (Rank 81)
- Agency: Stone trainee; youthful image and vocal training.
- Fact: Known for cheerful charm.
Alex Christine (AleXa) (Rank 82)
- Agency: ZB Label (USA/Korea); American contestant with K‑Pop passion.
- Fact: Later debuted as AleXa with hit single “BOMB.”
Kim Mi‑soo (Rank 83)
- Agency: HOW trainee; aspiring idol.
- Fact: Remembered for persistence.
Park Jin‑hee (Rank 84)
- Agency: MND17; energetic stage presence.
- Fact: Earned niche fan following.
Kim So‑hee (Rank 85)
- Agency: Woollim trainee; known for dancing.
- Fact: Pursued training post‑show.
Lee Si‑ah (Rank 86)
- Agency: CNC; youthful spirit and visuals.
- Fact: Recognized by fans despite elimination.
Kim Min‑seo (Rank 87)
- Agency: HOW trainee; enjoyed singing.
- Fact: Appreciated for dedication.
Suto Ririka (Rank 88)
- Agency: NMB48 (Japan); lively idol with positivity.
- Fact: Continued in NMB48.
Park Ji‑sun (Rank 89)
- Agency: HOW trainee; talented in vocals.
- Fact: Gained small fandom.
Lee Mi‑ho (Rank 90)
- Agency: MND17 trainee; strong dancer.
- Fact: Remembered for effort and enthusiasm.
Kim Da‑eun (Rank 91)
- Agency: CNC; focused trainee.
- Fact: Pursued later media projects.
Kato Yuuka (Rank 92)
- Agency: NMB48 (Japan); idol with charm.
- Fact: Continued in NMB48.
Kim Hyeon‑ju (Rank 93)
- Agency: MND17; bright image.
- Fact: Pursued entertainment activities post‑show.
Cho Ka‑eun (Rank 94)
- Agency: Woollim trainee; displayed determination.
- Fact: Later involved in small music stages.
Na Mi‑ju (Rank 95)
- Agency: HOW trainee; known for bubbly image.
- Fact: Gained fan appreciation.
Lee Young‑chae (Rank 96)
- Agency: MND17 trainee; last ranked contestant.
- Fact: Remembered by fans for effort.
Impact and Legacy of PRODUCE 48
Culturally, PRODUCE 48 was a watershed in three ways:
- Cross‑Market Experimentation at Scale — By merging AKB48’s system with K‑Pop’s trainee machine, PRODUCE 48 normalized multinational lineups and bilingual stages for a mainstream TV audience. It set precedent for future mixed‑nationality groups.
- Skills Transfer and Narrative Depth — The season showcased different training vocabularies: K‑Pop’s rigorous precision and AKB48’s theater intimacy. Fans witnessed growth arcs that emphasized respect and adaptation across cultures.
- Career Multipliers — Beyond IZ*ONE’s blockbuster impact, the season produced downstream debuts like IVE, LE SSERAFIM, EVERGLOW, PURPLE K!SS, Rocket Punch, Cherry Bullet, and notable soloists.
PRODUCE 48 didn’t just create a single group; it broadened the career paths for dozens of participants. With 96 contestants, it acted as a launchpad for multiple idol generations. The experiment proved that multinational collaboration could flourish in mainstream idol culture, and its legacy continues to shape today’s K‑Pop and J‑Pop landscapes.
