Earlier this year, it was announced that STARSHIP Entertainment would debut a new boy group. The upcoming group’s name, AEN, was revealed on June 1, and they are a Japanese-Korean group that will promote in both countries.
AEN | STARSHIP Entertainment
Their debut is set to take place on August 8, but the group have already begun participating in pre-debut events, including a recent showcase event.
[📸]
AEN Greeting Showcase
“First Encounter”
AENの初めてのステージ、いかがでしたか？
本日お越しくださったファンの皆さん、
本当にありがとうございました🖤#AEN #에이엔 #エイエン pic.twitter.com/fXRL8ADWZh
— AEN (@AEN_offcl) June 27, 2026
One of the members reactions to meeting fans has gained attention online, for a reason heartbreaking to many.
Of the group, several participated in the survival show Debut Plan, including Kim Jiyong.
AEN’s Jiyoung | STARSHIP Entertainment
Before his participation in Debut Plan, the idol had trained under Starship since 2019, making his total training time 7 years as of 2026 and was previously not selected for a different group as well. The idol is also 22 years old, which is, based on industry debuts, is older than many debuting for the first time.
Jiyoung for AEN | Starship Entertainment
These reasons have been given for the idol’s emotional response during the group’s hi touch event. Videos posted by the group shows an overall of the hi touch event, with a focus on Jiyong as he cries near the end.
These clips have been reposted and gone viral, with one reaching over 10 million views.
アイドル側がオタクに会えて泣くというありえないシチュエーションすぎてオタクたちの虚妄なんじゃないかと疑われるレベルのため、この答え合わせがちゃんと公式から出ていて神！
オタクに会えて涙流してくれるアイドル大切だよ#AEN #ジヨン #지용 #エイエン #에이엔 https://t.co/dFiVZc3vi4 pic.twitter.com/jyjwe7038R
— 🌒 (@_lunlunluna__) June 30, 2026
Many have shared their heartbreak for the idol’s long path to debut, but are happy is will be achieving his goal soon!
JIYONG is currently going insanely viral on Japanese Twitter, racking up 3 Million views and 100K likes on a post about him bursting into tears and crying during a Hi-Touch fan meeting, while meeting all his supporters for the first time face to face! 🥺✨
Many fans are finding… pic.twitter.com/eLPkIwk7wy
— x to zee (@puppokz) June 30, 2026
He is so deserving of debut 🥹🥹 i am so happy he is gonna debut soon https://t.co/Zvjr5m5JOl
— Merry ⋆⭒˚.⋆ (@minhee_is_mybbg) June 30, 2026
From tears of disappointment to tears of joy after seven years of chasing the same dream you finally made it #jiyong 🤍 pic.twitter.com/vORj6l4MKP
— X to woly (@iwolun) June 30, 2026