On January 20, TV5 and MLD Entertainment PH revealed the trainees of 'Be the NEXT: 9 Dreamers' during a media launch held on January 20 in Manila, Philippines. 

The survival program brings together 75 aspirants from the global auditions held in 2024, each vying for a coveted spot in a new 9-member boy group. These dreamers will go through an intense journey, guided by an esteemed panel of mentors and judges to achieve their dreams of becoming global idols.

'Be the NEXT: 9 Dreamers' will be hosted by K-Pop icon 2NE1’s Sandara Park. With EXO's Chen (unable to attend the media conference due to his schedule), AB6IX’s Park Woojin, Bang Yedam, HORI7ON’s Vinci, Hyebin (formerly of MOMOLAND), renowned choreographer Bae Wan Hee, and acclaimed producer Bullseye serving as the mentors.

"It feels good to be back home," said Dara. "As a host, I'm really excited to witness another K-Pop superstar." She also confessed to feeling nervous as 'Be the NEXT: 9 Dreamers' marks her first show as the main MC. "I'm really busy, so no friends, no alcohol, no rest, no vacation for now," she said, emphasizing her commitment to her activities as the MC, solo artist, and a member of 2NE1.

Vinci, the leader of HORI7ON, expressed his gratitude for being part of the program as one of the mentors: "First of all, I'm very honored to be part of a very unreal panel of mentors. Because we, HORI7ON, are very new to the industry, it's a big responsibility for me. But as a young artist myself, I think I also have an insight into how to navigate towards their dreams." On how he's planning to use his leadership experience, Vinci said, "I can also look at the trainees as my members."

"Of course, their skills and talents are important, but what I'm particularly looking for is their charm and uniqueness," Bang Yedam shared.

When asked what kind of mentor they would like the dreamers to regard them as, Bae Wan Hee wants them to remember him "as someone scary but also a veteran psycho friend." For Vinci, as a young artist, he hopes to be someone to somehow represent them. "I want to empathize with them as well," he added.

"I want to help them in their dancing and singing. I would also like to be remembered as a warm mentor who helps them in various areas," said Yedam. "I know how important it is to have someone who would recognize you even at the very early stage," Hyebin expressed. "I want to be a mentor who would recognize their talents and what they have within them."

"As I am here to produce music, I would like to be a mentor who will help them in the group's music," said K-Pop music producer Bullseye.

One of the main highlights of the event was the Parade of Trainees, where the 75 contestants were revealed to the media for the first time. Each individual has a unique talent and story to tell as they compete for a spot in the final 9-member group.

'Be the NEXT: 9 Dreamers' will start airing on February 8. 

Check out some photos below! 

[Photos by Sofia Sayson]

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