Flare U

On January 26, 2026, media outlets reported that a project group consisting of Mnet's Boys II Planet contestants Chuei Liyu, Kang Woo-jin, and Jang Han-eum [ko] was in development. The reports stated that CJ ENM would handle production while FNC Entertainment would manage the group. In response, Jang's agency, ES Nation, stated they were reviewing the proposal while focusing on his solo album release scheduled for March.^[1][2]

On March 10, 2026, FNC announced that following discussions, Chuei and Kang would debut as a duo without Jang. Prior to this, after Boys II Planet ended in September 2025, Choi and Kang had appeared together in branded content, attended each other's fan meetings, and served as temporary hosts for the MBC FM4U radio program Close Friend Broadcasting Club.^[3] On March 18, the duo was added to the lineup for KCON Japan 2026 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Their scheduled activities included appearances on the "Dance Stage" on May 8 and 10, and a showcase on the "X Stage" on May 9.^[4]

FNC launched the duo's official social media channels on April 24, 2026, announcing the group name Flare U alongside a logo trailer and concept images. According to the agency, the name represents two lights combining to become complete when joined by their fans. Two days later, the promotional schedule for the duo's debut was released along with their debuted date to be on May 13, 2026, with the release of their first EP, Youth Error, and its lead single "Way 2 U", which features themes centered around youth and the duo's shared experiences since appearing on Boys II Planet.^[5]