Starship Entertainment, the powerhouse behind the successful girl group IVE, has launched 'Debut's Plan,' a captivating project documenting the debut journey of their upcoming boy group. This initiative signals the imminent debut of IVE's 'younger brother' group, with the first eliminations and revivals set to unfold.
On the evening of the 21st, at 9:30 PM, the 'New Kids on the Starship' YouTube channel premiered 'EP.7 Episode,' featuring the sixth plan, 'Pre DEBUT Evaluation.' This episode captured the New Kids forming an idol team and gearing up for their debut, with palpable tension and excitement as they faced potential elimination.
Following the completion of the fifth plan, 'TEAMWORK Evaluation,' last November, the New Kids have spent three months incubating and showing remarkable growth. Now, only two evaluations remain: 'Pre DEBUT Evaluation' and 'DEBUT Evaluation.' During the live 'Pre DEBUT Evaluation,' attended by over 1,000 fans, the first eliminations in 'Debut's Plan' will take place. However, the 'Debut's Plan' board has decided to grant a 'Debut's Super Pass' to one eliminated member.
The board has also unveiled individual positions: six all-rounders (Kim Min-jae, Kim Ji-yong, Park Won-bin, Baek Jun-hyuk, Woo Hao, Jang Yong-hoon), three dancers (Miyata Haru, Suzuki Kaira, Lee Woo-joo), three rappers (Kim Yoon-seo, Park Sung-hyun, Seok Jun), six vocalists (Park Jun-hwan, Lee Tae-geon, Jang Kyu-hyun, Jeon Jun-seo, Jung Se-min, Jin Bo-min), and three main vocalists (Lee Jun-seo, Cho Min-jae, Chu Yu-chan). Notably, the youngest member, Lee Woo-joo, was surprised and confused to be selected for the dance position over Park Sung-hyun.
The 'Pre DEBUT Evaluation' songs include 'STEP UP,' 'STICKY BOMB,' and 'PASSWORD,' with specific positions assigned for each song. If there are overlaps or excess members, adjustments will be made. Park Won-bin, Jang Kyu-hyun, and Jang Yong-hoon, who have been selected for 'NewKids7' four times, received a 'Position Save Card' benefit, intensifying the competition.
In this crucial evaluation, Park Jun-hwan, Baek Jun-hyuk, Suzuki Kaira, Woo Hao, Jin Bo-min, and Chu Yu-chan were not selected, with Park Jun-hwan being passed over twice, evoking sympathy. Suzuki Kaira had to swallow disappointment after losing the 'STICKY BOMB' dance position to Miyata Haru but quickly recovered and actively taught choreography to other members after succeeding in the 'ID Member' battle against Chu Yu-chan.
The training class, held after three months, featured MONSTA X's Jooheon as a special trainer, drawing attention. Jooheon actively assisted in improving the New Kids' skills, resulting in noticeable growth. Lee Woo-joo, who had lost confidence after being selected for the dance position, gained courage from Jooheon's guidance.
After the final class, Jooheon advised, "If you don't perform well, I'll have words as your senior and company brother," adding, "The most important thing is the fans who love you. Show your gratitude by delivering great performances to all the fans who come to see you." As the 'Pre DEBUT Evaluation,' the last step before the 'Final DEBUT Evaluation,' approaches, curiosity grows about which New Kids will be chosen by the 'Debut's Plan' board and the 1,000 fans. Each New Kid is determined to survive this evaluation.
The 'Pre DEBUT Evaluation' will be broadcast live on the 25th at 8 PM in 'EP.8 Episode,' heightening viewers' anticipation.
The third round of voting for 'Debut's Plan' is open until 10 AM on the 24th on the official site. Fans can vote once per day for one New Kid, with the final results to be announced during the live broadcast.