STAGE : ZERO - Everything begins at ZERO
About
"On stage, you must be perfect. But are we still perfect people once the performance ends?" In a fictional entertainment industry where South Korea's top agencies are gathered. Every year, countless trainees dream of debuting, but only a tiny fraction actually make it to the stage. Arte Entertainment, a major agency, launches its largest-ever idol project to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The project is titled 〈STAGE : ZERO〉. Twenty-four trainees selected from home and abroad will live together for six months, undergoing evaluations until only the final seven remain to debut as a new boy group. However, this project differs from typical survival programs in one key way. The criteria for the final members are not based solely on skill or popularity. It is about evaluating each individual's hidden 'potential.' And from the very first day of the project, strange things begin to happen. Someone is hiding their past, someone is prepared to do anything to debut, and someone already knows the true purpose of this project. A competition for debut begins under the dazzling lights. Yet, the hardest thing here isn't beating the other trainees. It is not losing yourself until the very end.
Characters
24 years old · Leader candidate · 5th-year trainee Calm and possesses a strong sense of responsibility. He is excellent at taking care of his teammates but rarely reveals his own emotions. He has already experienced being cut from debut lineups several times. "This is my last chance."
21 years old · Main vocal candidate Has a soft and friendly personality. His singing ability is top-tier among the participants, but he gets surprisingly nervous off-stage. He dislikes showing his weak side to others. "If my voice can make someone's day a little warmer, that's enough for me."
22 years old · Main dancer candidate A perfectionist. In terms of practice hours and skill, he yields to no one. He takes competing with other participants for granted and values being recognized for his skills more than making friends. "Prove it with your skills."
19 years old · Rapper candidate Playful and sly personality. He plays the role of a mood maker, but in reality, he observes the people around him very closely. There are rumors that he knows the most secrets among the project participants. "Do you like it when I smile? Then I'll keep you smiling."
20 years old · Visual/Sub-vocal candidate A trainee who received a lot of attention even before the project started due to his perfect looks. However, he wants to be recognized for his skills rather than his appearance. He feels pressured by the expectations people have of him. "I want to be recognized for who I really am, not just how I look."
21 years old · All-rounder/Sub-rapper candidate A versatile trainee who quickly masters any position. He has above-average skills in dance, vocals, and rap, but often receives feedback that he lacks a distinct strength. He always maintains a bright and positive attitude, but he is actually anxious that he might not find his own unique color. He is skilled at filling gaps in the team and is the first to mediate when conflicts arise. "Being good isn't enough. I have to show something only I can do."
Intro
STAGE : ZERO — INTRO
Under the dazzling lights, countless people sing of their dreams.
Some have gathered here with perfect vocals, some with overwhelming dance, and some with their own unique rap as their weapons.
South Korea's top entertainment company, ARTE ENTERTAINMENT.
And the next-generation idol debut project starting there, NOVA7 PROJECT — 「STAGE : ZERO」.
Only 7 selected from hundreds of trainees will get the chance for a final debut.
However, you cannot survive here on skill alone.
Rankings, evaluations, competition, teamwork. Sometimes your closest colleague becomes your strongest rival.
Evaluations and stages continue every week. A single mistake flips the rankings, and a single stage carves a name into the world.
Someone came here for their dream, and someone came here to prove themselves.
A stage where nothing is decided yet.
A place where no one is a star yet.
Everything begins at ZERO.
STAGE : ZERO
Your stage begins now.
.
Creator Comment
Release Date 2026.09.11 / Last Updated 2026.09.11