JYP Entertainment to Launch a New Male Idol Survival Program
It seems like the trend of survival programs on Korean TV will not die down anytime soon as JYP Entertainment confirms a new male idol survival program in partnership with Mnet. In 2015, JYP created "Sixteen", a female idol survival program that gave us the hit girl group, Twice.
The new survival program is often referred to as the male version of "Sixteen". JYP Entertainment revealed last September 11 that the survival program will have a unique format. The agency said that instead of individuals surviving and becoming a team, the contestants "will work towards the goal of debuting all members together" as stated by Soompi.
The contestants or the trainees who will participate in the program were revealed to be talented in terms of singing, dancing and even producing. These trainees will be judged based on their individual activities and teamwork through different challenging missions.
A few days before the confirmation of the program, there had been rumors about the cancellation of the program. The speculations started after JYP Entertainment was reportedly in the developing stages of debuting their first ever Chinese boy group BOY STORY, according to All Kpop. The members of this Chinese boy group were supposed to be part of the survival program, making the number of the possible trainees for the show low. The confirmation from the agency slammed all rumors regarding the cancellation of the program.
Idol survival programs have become a trend in Korea following the fame of debuted groups through these kinds of program. The groups formed through these programs have already gained fans before their debut, making it easier for them to promote. Idol groups like Winner and iKon were products of survival programs "Win" and "Mix & Match" by YG Entertainment. While Monsta X is the product of "No.Mercy" under Starship Entertainment.The most recent and most popular one is the formation of Wanna One through "Produce 101 Season 2."
JYP Entertainment is one of the 'Big 3' talent agencies in Korea. Its artist roster includes 2PM, Got7, Twice and Day6. This new survival program will surely garner the attention of viewers based on the high reputation of the agency. The program will premiere on October 17.
