A New Survival Show’s Rumored Contestant Line-Up Stirs Controversy

Some contestants are award-winning artists.
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One of the most common types of idol programs has become the survival show. While they existed before the introduction of the Produce series, they have increased in production since, with many new groups being debuted this way.

ZEROBASEONE | Mnet Plus Magazine

A recently announced survival show has attracted attention for its lineup, inspiring anger from some netizens.

On December 5, it was reported by StarNews that Mnet would be introducing a new survival show in 2024 titled Build Up.

“Build Up” is a TV survival program aimed at creating a four-member vocal boy group. Currently active K-Pop idols, as well as singer-songwriters, models, and trainees, are said to participate.

— Star News article

In addition to the premise, the article also named some idols and groups that would participate in the show. PENTAGON‘s YeoOne was the first idol confirmed to participate in the show.

PENTAGON’s YeoOne | CUBE Entertainment

Fans reacted with mixed feelings towards the announcement, reflecting that this is the second time in less than two years that a member of PENTAGON will have participated in a survival show. Member Hui competed in Boys Planet and was ultimately eliminated in the final episode.

PENTAGON’s Hui Joined Mnet’s “Boys Planet” Despite His Company’s Disapproval Because Of Heartbreaking Reasons

The article also reported that unspecified members of A.C.E, Newkidd, ONEPACT, CIX, AB6IX, KNK, Just B, UP10TION, VANNER, BDC, and WEi would be competing for a spot in the four-membered group.

The fans’ concern comes from how many of these groups had members already compete in survival shows. For example, A.C.E participated in The Unit and MIX NINE.

A.C.E’s Jun on The Unit. | KBS

CIX’s Bae Jinyoung was a WANNA ONE member, while other members competed in MIX NINE and YG Treasure Box.

CIX’s Bae Jinyoung while on Produce 101 Season 2. 

Three of AB6IX’s current members also participated in Produce 101 Season 2, with Woojin and Daehwi debuting in WANNA ONE.

UP10TION members Jinhyuk and Wooseok also are Produce alumni, having competed in Produce X 101.

AB6IX’s Daehwi while on Produce 101 Season 2.
UP10TION’s Wooseok while on Produce X 101.

Every group mentioned in the line-up has members who have already competed in survival shows, but fans were most surprised by VANNER and ONEPACT’s inclusion.

VANNER were the winners of Peak Time, a program meant to highlight less popular groups, and have seen incredible growth since their win.

All but one of ONEPACT’s members competed on Boys Planet, including the popular Jay Chang, and the group just debuted on November 30, 2023.

ONEPACT | ARMADA Entertainment

Fans of many of the groups were dismayed at the possibility of their participation, worrying for the groups that may be separated as a result.

Others expressed anger towards the groups’ companies, saying they did not work hard enough to promote them and this show was the “lazy way out.”

 

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