Contestant Butchers “Boys Planet 2” Performance—Gains Surprising Support For Debut Anyway

In its much-anticipated premiere, Mnet‘s Boys Planet 2 aired the contestants’ rank-earning “Class Test” performances. Among the high-profile debut idols and long-time trainees, individual contestant Baek Jae Hyeon (also known as Baek Je Hyun) put together a passionate Stray Kids stage.

The performance itself was deemed less than average. But the judges, who couldn’t hide their shock throughout, ended up telling Baek Jae Hyeon that his energy was simply unmatched!

To be honest… You were out of pitch and the dancing was quite awkward too, but the energy that you showed all of us? It was better than any other performance.

— Judge Lee Seok Hoon

While he could have asked for a re-evaluation, he accepted the “No Star” rank and headed home, commenting, “If this is where I stand right now, I’ll put in more work and come back when I’m ready.”

The judges weren’t the only ones inspired by his performance and undeniable charm. As the clip of Baek Jae Hyeon’s “Chk Chk Boom” performance circulated online, viewers and netizens saw potential in the confident contestant!

• “It’s not terrible, though? LOL. He just needs to polish his dancing a bit, haha. You can totally tell he’s never learned dance before.”
• “I mean… He’s not good, but there’s something about him that makes you keep watching…??? I think that’s a talent too — being able to catch people’s attention!”
• “His vocal tone’s nice. LOL. Get some good training and debut!”
• “Why do I actually like him?! He’s honestly OK, haha. He’s got great energy and I see potential. I seriously think he just needs proper training.”
• “Oh, solid. His voice doesn’t shake. I like it.”

• “I think he’d actually do well with training, LOL. Too bad he went home.”
• “The fact that he went on national TV with that skill level & his guts to finish the stage no matter what & a voice tone with potential…? Honestly, he’s worth developing. LOL.”
• “He’s exactly the type who’d do well with some lessons. Wish he came more prepared!”
• “He’s probably gonna get cast now — in acting, yeah. Haha.”
• “Gotta give it to him for the confidence, haha. Even the fact that he chose to just go home is cool. LOL.”

Baek Jae Hyeon was eliminated in the premiering episode after the performance, but one thing’s for sure: The crowd will be looking forward to his debut in one way or another.

Read more about Boys Planet 2 here:

“Boys II Planet” Trainee Turns Out To Be Heroic High Schooler Who Stopped A Hidden Camera Crime