HYBE's next-generation J-Pop boy group name has been confirmed as 'Aoen'.
'Aoen' symbolizes the 'blue flame', the color of the hottest burning fire, and embodies the group's ambition to perform with intense passion and energy. There will be a total of 7 debut members. Among them, 5 will be announced in the final episode of the program, while the remaining 2 will be selected through viewer voting after the show's conclusion.
HYBE's music group under YX Labels announced this during the Nihon TV audition program 'Support-HIGH ~Dream's START LINE~' (応援-HIGH ~夢のスタートライン~) broadcast on the 5th.
The broadcast depicted the journey of 9 participants who began the final race of the competition. The contestants showcased three performances: a restructured program signal song ('FINISH LINE ~ 終わりと始まりの ~'), a final song ('Cough Syrup'), and an ending song ('君と刻む足跡'), racing towards their dreams.
The competitiveness required of them is the ability to complete stages with contrasting atmospheres. Participants are evaluated on their core competencies needed for debut, including expressiveness, concept interpretation, performance skills, and teamwork, through songs that highlight intense and powerful performances as well as songs that convey courage with refreshing sounds. Despite the judges' cold critiques and advice during the mid-evaluation, the participants encouraged each other and prepared to pour all their passion and energy into the final stage once again.
The audition program 'Support-HIGH ~Dream's START LINE~' will conclude on the 12th. An extended version, including scenes not shown in the broadcast, will be available on the online video service Hulu.
[Geum Bitna, MK Sports Reporter]
