J-Pop Group JO1 Expands Global Reach, Aims for U.S. Debut in 2025

The 11-member J-pop group JO1 is making strides in expanding its global presence. Formed in 2020 through the Japanese spin-off of the popular Korean music competition series Produce 101, the group has been busy over the past five years.

In 2025, JO1 is planning a worldwide tour, including a stop in the United States, where the group hopes to officially debut. This global push is a key focus for the group, as they aim to have their name known around the world. The members recently collaborated to choose their new single "Handz in my Pocket," a catchy, nearly three-minute track that the group sees as a signature song.

The process of selecting the new single was not easy, with group leader Sho Yonashiro joking that it was "hard." However, the 29-year-old says it was a good opportunity for all members to contribute. The group also blended the work of two different choreographers to create the dance for the new single, which Yonashiro describes as "really fun and really difficult sometimes."

As JO1 continues to expand its global reach, the members are excited about the possibilities. Keigo Sato, 27, expresses a desire to chart on the Billboard charts and perform at Coachella, showcasing the group's ambitious goals. With their sights set on the world stage, JO1 is poised to make a significant impact in the coming years.