It’s been around three years since Produce 48 graced Mnet‘s screens, but the show’s contestants who didn’t make it into IZ*ONE still haven’t given up their dreams. In fact, several of them finally made their debut in rookie girl groups this year!

1. Kim Choyeon

Kim Choyeon was eliminated in episode 8 of Produce 48, ranking 50th with 240,058 votes.

This year, Choyeon debuted in A Team Entertainment’s new girl group bugAboo. BugAboo released their first single, self-titled “bugAboo,” on October 25 with Choyeon as the group’s leader and main dancer.

2. Son Eunchae

Son Eunchae was eliminated in episode 8 of Produce 48, ranking 32nd with 366,555 votes.

This year, Eunchae debuted in bugAboo as the group’s main rapper and main dancer.

3. Han Chowon

Han Chowon was eliminated in episode 12 of Produce 48, ranking 13th with 213,259 votes. However, after Mnet’s vote manipulation scandal came to light, it was revealed that Chowon actually ranked 6th on the show before her score was falsified.

This year, Chowon debuted in CUBE Entertainment’s LIGHTSUM. LIGHTSUM released their first single, “Vanilla,” on June 10, with Chowon as the group’s main vocalist.

Most recently, LIGHTSUM came back with Light a Wish and its title track “VIVACE” in October this year. The album sold around 8,500 copies on Hanteo during its first day, and “VIVACE” currently has 20M views on YouTube.

4. Kim Nayoung

Kim Nayoung was eliminated in episode 11 of Produce 48, ranking 21st with 188,617 votes.

This year, Nayoung debuted in LIGHTSUM as the group’s main vocalist and lead dancer.

5. Lee Yujeong

Lee Yujeong was eliminated in episode 8 of Produce 48, ranking 51st with 204,599 votes.

This year, Yujeong debuted in LIGHTSUM as one of the group’s vocalists.

6. Na Goeun

Na Goeun was eliminated in episode 11 of Produce 48, ranking 29th with 79,892 votes.

This year, Goeun debuted in RBW‘s PURPLE K!SS. After sharing a pre-debut track in 2020, PURPLE K!SS released their first official single, “Ponzona,” on March 15, with Goeun as the group’s main vocalist and lead dancer.

Most recently, PURPLE K!SS came back with Hide & Seek and its title track “Zombie” in September this year. The album sold around 8,500 copies on Hanteo during its first day, and “Zombie” currently has 17 million views on YouTube.

7. Park Jieun

Park Jieun was eliminated in episode 5 of Produce 48, ranking 80th with 37,826 votes.

This year, Jieun debuted in PURPLE K!SS as one of the group’s vocalists.

Honorary mention: Kim Dayeon

While Kim Dayeon hasn’t yet debuted, it won’t be long until she stands on stage for Kep1er‘s debut. She was eliminated in episode 5 of Produce 48, ranking 70th with 48,458 votes.

Dayeon went on to compete on Girls Planet 999 this year, where she ranked 4th to become a member of Kep1er. While nothing is confirmed yet, the group is rumored to debut later this year.