As the debut project for HYBE's next-generation J-Pop boy group is officially underway, YX Labels has announced that the final selected members will be 7.
The audition program ‘Support - HIGH ~Dream's START LINE~’ (応援-HIGH ~夢のスタートライン~), presented by YX Labels under HYBE Japan, premiered on Nihon TV on the 15th.
On this broadcast, 9 participants were introduced: YUJU, SHIN, RUKA, GAKU, HAKU, KYOSUKE, KAIJI, REO, and NARUMI. The addition of 2 new challengers was also announced, bringing the total to 11 participants in the marathon towards debut.
A fierce race is expected. It was announced on-site that only 7 out of the 11, who will go through various missions, will survive to form the debut group. As the evaluation of those who will take on the ‘Signal Song Music Video’ mission begins in the next episode, tension is expected to rise.
The challengers showcased their unique charms and personalities while expressing a strong will to complete the full marathon. Notably, GAKU, who also participated in the audition program ‘&AUDITION - The Howling -’ that gave birth to the ‘global group’ &TEAM, caught attention. Reflecting on that time, he said, “Because that time existed, this moment is here. I will work hard to definitely debut,” while other challengers conveyed their earnest feelings, stating, “I think this is my last chance.”
‘Support - HIGH ~Dream's START LINE~’ will capture the grand journey of the challengers who have stepped onto the starting line of their dreams over 8 episodes. An extended version, including scenes not shown in the broadcast, can be viewed on the online video service Hulu. YX Labels stated, “In the future, you can look forward to the genuine appearances of the challengers as they challenge their limits, compete, and encourage each other in ‘Support - HIGH ~Dream's START LINE~’.”
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
