Boy group CRAVITY, under Starship Entertainment, has claimed the top spot in team rankings.
On the third episode of Mnet's 'Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE' aired on the 3rd, the first round 'VS' mission concluded with a 'Triple Match' featuring The Crew One, ONEUS, and CRAVITY.
The Triple Match kicked off with ONEUS's performance. Choosing NCT127's 'Hero,' ONEUS reinterpreted the original oriental concept into a thrilling 'Kingsman' movie theme, captivating the audience with an umbrella dance performance and a secretive setting. The opening action sequence by ace Hwanwoong in a suit received high praise.
The Crew One (ATBO & JUST B) selected THE BOYZ's 'WATCH IT,' portraying a vampire concept. Advised by THE BOYZ's Juyeon, the original artist and last season's winner, to include a 'chilling point,' The Crew One showcased a variety of performances with ace Jung Seung-hwan's solo dance and Lee Geon-woo's high-pitched ad-libs.
CRAVITY, who couldn't showcase their team performance after ranking last in the previous ace battle, aimed for redemption by spotlighting Hyungjun as their ace once again. They performed TOMORROW X TOGETHER's 'Sugar Rush Ride,' depicting a boy falling for the devil's sweet whispers, leaving a strong impression with Taeyoung & Wonjin's pair tutting choreography and ace Hyungjun's sharp dance moves.
After all the matchups concluded, the final rankings for the first round 'VS' mission were revealed, drawing attention. In the 'Team Ranking,' CRAVITY, UNITE, and THE NEW SIX, who won their respective matches, secured the top three spots, followed by ONEUS, TEMPEST, The Crew One, and 8TURN. The 'Ace Ranking' saw ONEUS's Hwanwoong in first place, followed by UNITE's Eunsang, CRAVITY's Hyungjun, THE NEW SIX's Eunhui, TEMPEST's LEW, The Crew One's Jung Seung-hwan, and 8TURN's Yoonkyu.
The benefit of deciding the cue sheet for the second round was determined by a showdown between the team and ace winners. The final victory was in the hands of CRAVITY's Hyungjun and ONEUS's Hwanwoong. Hyungjun showcased his skills with a smooth and clean dance performance without props, while Hwanwoong delivered a spectacular stage, starting with a powder-covered performance and ending with fireworks and a thorn crown. The result was Hwanwoong's victory, granting ONEUS the cue sheet decision power for the second round.
With ONEUS holding the cue sheet decision power for the second round, the mission was revealed as 'IDENTITY.' Each group will perform with their songs, and this time, two aces will take the stage. As the episodes progress, the unpredictable and thrilling developments keep viewers engaged, with the added rule of the first elimination team in 'Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE' heightening the tension.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr