Gen1es (Chinese: 精灵少女; pinyin: jīng líng shào nǚ; lit. 'Elf Girls') is a girl group based in Thailand under Ryce Entertainment.[1] They were formed through the 2024 reality show Chuang Asia: Thailand on WeTV. The group consists of nine members: Qiao Yiyu, Ruan, Pailiu, Yean, Elyn, Wang Ke, Xueyao, Didi and Emma.[2] They debuted on August 22, 2024, with the extended play Hourglass,[3] and will be active for three years.[4]
In July 2023, Tencent announced Chuang Asia: Thailand, the first international entry to the Chuang franchise originally based in China, which will take place in Thailand. The show brought together seventy female trainees to form a nine-member girl group. It aired from February 3, 2024, to April 6, 2024. During the final episode, the group was formed and performed the song "Lucky Bell".[5] "Lucky Bell" was later released as the group's pre-debut single on April 26.[6]
Prior to Chuang Asia: Thailand, Xueyao competed on Chuang 2020 (2020), the third season of the Chuang franchise. Ruan and Wang Ke also competed on the South Korean idol reality shows Girls Planet 999 (2021) and Produce 48 (2018) respectively.[7] Qiao Yiyu gained some recognition in China for competing in the reality shows Great Dance Crew (2022) and Youth π Plan (2023). Pailiu is a Thai-Vietnamese model under Miss Grand Thailand and was the fifth runner-up in the 2023 pageant.[8] Yean debuted as a soloist in 2020 under Khaosan Entertainment, and Elyn was a child actress who appeared in the Malaysian drama Geng UPSR (2015–2016).
Preparation for the group's debut with their first extended play began in May 2024.[9] Their first extended play, Hourglass, along with its lead single of the same name, was released on August 22.[3]
