HONG KONG—Just three weeks after the conclusion of the reality talent competition, King Maker VI, ViuTV swiftly debuted its new seven-member boy band, ZPOT. The fresh ensemble made its first public appearance today, performing their inaugural track, “ZPOTLIGHT!”, before more than a hundred enthusiastic fans, affectionately dubbed “Lights.” This debut signals a strategic move by the broadcaster to introduce a new force into the competitive Cantopop landscape, following the success of previous groups.
The group’s name, ZPOT, is a portmanteau referencing the English word “spot,” symbolizing a converged beam of light formed by members from diverse backgrounds, ready to illuminate the stage. Crucially, the initial letter Z signifies their identity as a new force representative of Generation Z. ViuTV appointed Alvin Lai as the group’s leader, with Dave Wong serving as vice-leader. The lineup is rounded out by Hannz Chan (formerly Chan Tsun Hei), Bosco Kwan, Gordon Cheung, Marcus Lam, and Cow Chow.
During their debut, the members offered a glimpse into their dynamic, affectionately poking fun at each other. They revealed that Cow and Bosco are the most meticulous about their appearance, frequently using face masks, a stark contrast to Hannz. Gordon was cited for his famously large appetite, capable of consuming two boxed meals solo. Meanwhile, Marcus and Hannz delighted fans by demonstrating their dramatic, pose-ready expressions.
The formation process was rigorous and rapid. According to the members, they received confirmation of their grouping shortly after the competition finale. The subsequent three weeks involved an intense schedule of song writing, recording sessions, choreography rehearsals, and video shoots. Despite the grueling pace, the members expressed excitement over the instant camaraderie forged by the nearly daily joint training sessions.
Alvin Lai articulated the mixed emotions of the debut, admitting to feeling both exhilarated and nervous. He recognized the unique fortune of being selected to debut within less than a month of the competition ending. Their initial recording experience proved challenging, defined by the necessity for music producer Xu Hao to individually tailor guidance for each member’s distinct style. Hannz shared that his personal challenge involved logging the most hours, being both the first and last to leave the recording studio during the lengthy process of finalizing his vocal track.
Looking ahead, ZPOT outlined an ambitious agenda for the remainder of the year. Plans include releasing new music through temporary sub-units, launching a school-based concert tour, and producing a group reality program. Furthermore, the group will release exclusive merchandise for a charity sale, with all proceeds dedicated to non-profit organizations supporting youth aspirations.
Despite persistent media speculation positioning ZPOT as the potential successor to the established veteran group MIRROR, the new band members respectfully refuted the comparison. They emphasized that their predecessors’ status is unchallengeable, viewing MIRROR not as a benchmark to replace but as an inspirational model to emulate. The group selected their leadership democratically; Alvin was chosen as leader for his exceptional affinity and responsibility, while Dave’s seniority and orderly nature made him the ideal vice-leader to support the team’s organizational needs.
Regarding their debut performance grade, Hannz self-assessed the group’s effort at 83.5 points. Dave chimed in, highlighting the team’s passionate energy and positive aura, affirming that the collective effort had generated a sense of “no regrets.” ZPOT enters the market embodying the vibrant, fast-paced spirit of their Gen Z origins, signaling a continued diversification of talent representation emanating from the King Maker franchise.
