The first episode of JTBC's very own boy group audition program 'Project 7' ignited interest as the "soft" version of the popular 'Produce' series.
The October 18 broadcast of 'Project 7' started off with a make-or-break audition featuring 200 contestants. MC Lee Soo Hyuk revealed, "A total of 200 contestants from South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the United States, Australia, Ukraine, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia are gathered here. Through a total of 6 projects, only the final 7 who successfully survive with the assistance of 'world assemblers' will debut in a world-class boy group."
He then continued, "Today is the 'Zero Setting' round. The number of contestants who can survive is 100."
Training directors Ryan Jhun, Ha Sung Woon, Lee Hae In, Ryu D, and Bada Lee, who will be working with the contestants throughout their journey on 'Project 7', participated as the judges of the 'Zero Setting' round on this day, joined by special directors like Pentagon's Hui, (G)I-DLE's Miyeon, AB6IX's Lee Dae Hwi, INFINITE's Woohyun, MAMAMOO's Moon Byul, and N.Flying's Yoo Hwe Seung.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Entering 4 different judging booths, the 200 contestants showcased their skills and talents in groups or as solo acts.
A mixture of fresh as well as more familiar faces drew interest throughout the auditions, beginning with contestants such as Nam Ji Woon and Kim Sung Min, who received praise for their idol-like visuals. Foreigner contestants including Fong Atilla from Australia and Santa from Thailand also garnered attention for their quality performances, along with talented contestants from Korea like Shin Jae Won and Kim Do Hoon.
A number of familiar faces for K-Pop fans, especially those interested in idol audition programs, particularly grabbed the attention of viewers. For example, fellow contestants welcomed the bright energy of former 'Produce 101 Japan' contestant Guiterez Takeru, and many displayed their surprise at the appearance of popular former 'Boys Planet' contestant Ma Jing Xiang.
Other notable faces looking to make it after several "failures" in the past included former The Wind member Shin Jae Won, former BDC member Kim Si Hoon, BAE173 members Kim Hyun Woo, Jeon Min Wook, Park Jun Seo, and Yoo Young Seo, as well as former 'Peak Time' contestant Kim Hyun Jae, who dropped out of the competition program after becoming wrapped up in school bullying allegations, only to win his case in court a year later.
In the end, 70 of the 200 contestants received an immediate "pass" from the judges on the spot during the 'Zero Setting' round. Afterward, the judges carefully reviewed the 68 contestants whose decisions were deferred and selected 30 additional contestants to reward a "pass" into the next round.
Next, 'Project 7' introduced its official title song, "Up To You". The contestants, who were ranked into skill level categories including S, A, B, and C, were tasked with dividing themselves into five teams of 20 members in order to prepare for the "center battle".
Finally, at the end of the first episode, 'Project 7' revealed the current rankings of the 100 contestants as of October 18 at 10 PM KST, based on votes cast by 'world assemblers'. Jeon Min Wook was ranked in 1st place, followed by Sakurada Kenshin in 2nd, Kim Si Hoon in 3rd, Kim Sung Min in 4th, Ma Jing Xiang in 5th, Kang Min Seo in 6th, and Kang Hyun Woo in 7th place.
After watching the first episode, netizens commented, "It's a lot like 'Produce' so it's entertaining kekekeke", "It's not bad for the first episode! Kenshin and Seo Kyung Bae caught my eyes", "I still can't match the names to the faces but overall, it was pretty entertaining", "There are rankings already?!?!", "I hope all of the 'Peak Time' boys do well", "I want Ma Jing Xiang to make it this time", and more.
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