In 2018, ABS-CBN launched the Star Hunt Academy program, a project led by entertainment head Laurenti Dyogi for the purpose of introducing Filipino talent in the international market.[25][26][27] 250 auditionees with age range of 16–19 from different places in the Philippines were evaluated, from which the first set of male trainees were selected. It was initially planned to debut a 7-member idol boy group but was minimized to five. The final lineup ended with Akira, Gelo, JL, Mikki, and Nate.[25][28] They were trained for two years under Filipino and South Korean mentors from MU Doctor Academy.[29] Vocal coach Kitchy Molina and Austrian-native dance coach Mickey Perz were some of the notable Filipino mentors.[30][25][7]