B:MY BOYZ Episode 8: Intense Competition and New 'TOP PICK' Selections

The third 'TOP PICK' selections for 'B:MY BOYZ' include Hyo, Seo Jun-hyuk, Li Zi-wei, Moon Jae-il, Kim Jung-hoon, and Kai.

On the 8th episode of SBS's boy group audition program 'B:MY BOYZ', aired on the 9th, the third round 'TOP PICK' chosen by former Wanna One members Bae Jin-young, Lee Dae-hwi (AB6IX), Ha Sung-woon, and Park Woo-jin (AB6IX) was revealed, continuing the intense journey of the B:GINNERs. Wanna One debuted on August 7, 2017, marking their 8th anniversary this year.

The third round 'B:GINNER's PICK Match' featured four teams competing with songs 'Energetic' and 'Beautiful' by teams Beauty+Zetic (Choi Yo-han, Li Zi-wei, William, Kim Bo-hyun, Ikuto, Hiroto) and Ener+Full (Lim Ji-hwan, Haruto, Ai, Hyo, Kang Jun-sung, Seo Jun-hyuk), and 'BOOMERANG' and 'Burn It Up' by teams Hwal+Merang (Lee Yoon-sung, Kai, Van Daniel, Jang Won, Yang Sung-hee, Park Jun-hyuk) and Bu+Hwal (Kim Jung-hoon, Park Se-chan, Yang Hyun-bin, Lee Yeon-tae, Lee Jun-myung, Moon Jae-il). The team switch method, where each team performs different parts of the songs, heightened the survival tension. The 'Energetic' and 'Beautiful' performances received high praise from Wanna One.

The match between the Avengers Bu+Hwal and the dark horse Hwal+Merang teams was intense. Led by main dancer Moon Jae-il, Bu+Hwal delivered a charismatic performance of the first verse of 'BOOMERANG', while Hwal+Merang, led by center Kai, impressed with their focus in the second verse. Lee Dae-hwi commented, "I wonder if they did better than us. It's amazing they performed live with such a difficult song. The opening and group dance of Bu+Hwal, led by Moon Jae-il's intense gaze, were impressive." Bae Jin-young and Ha Sung-woon noted, "Hwal+Merang showcased individual charms and nailed the killing parts."

Following the close 'BOOMERANG' battle, the confident performances of both teams for 'Burn It Up' were revealed. Hwal+Merang focused on the killing part of the first verse, while Bu+Hwal emphasized the dance break in the second verse. The B:GINNERs enhanced their performance through rigorous practice with dance director Moon Jae-il and detailed lessons from master Ria Kim. Bu+Hwal received feedback to showcase more individual charms and improved gestures and expressions through close-up filming. Park Woo-jin encouraged, "I hope they smash the final stage with the mindset of outperforming Wanna One."

The spectacular live performances received applause from Wanna One members. Lee Dae-hwi remarked, "Jang Won caught my eye. Van Daniel is truly a gem, achieving his own at a young age." Ha Sung-woon praised Bu+Hwal's stage, saying, "I understand why they chose 'Burn It Up'. They seem to perform well compared to our stage." Park Woo-jin noted, "Kim Jung-hoon stood out at the center," while Bae Jin-young added, "Moon Jae-il's wave was incredibly sexy. Both teams were neck and neck." The B:GINNERs from 'BOOMERANG' and 'Burn It Up' expressed satisfaction, saying, "We showed everything without regrets."

Wanna One's 'TOP PICK' selection involved choosing two individuals from the winning team and one from the losing team, totaling six individuals. The winning team received additional points. Wanna One members reviewed the stage videos to make their 'TOP PICK' decisions. Praises such as "Hyo and Ai are better than me. Kim Bo-hyun's solid tone is impressive. Kai has a vibe. Van Daniel's passion is remarkable. The teamwork is perfect" caught attention. Ultimately, the winning teams chosen by Wanna One were Ener+Full (Lim Ji-hwan, Haruto, Ai, Hyo, Kang Jun-sung, Seo Jun-hyuk) for their moving performance and Bu+Hwal (Kim Jung-hoon, Park Se-chan, Yang Hyun-bin, Lee Yeon-tae, Lee Jun-myung, Moon Jae-il) for their balanced performance.

The coveted 'TOP PICK' B:GINNERs were Hyo, Seo Jun-hyuk, Li Zi-wei, Moon Jae-il, Kim Jung-hoon, and Kai. Hyo expressed, "I want to keep running until debut," Seo Jun-hyuk felt "proud to be recognized," and Li Zi-wei was "surprised and happy." Moon Jae-il shared, "I focused on myself and went wild," Kim Jung-hoon gained "confidence that my traits work," and Kai promised, "I will continue to show my challenging side."

MC Dex announced the overall rankings for the third round. Hyo, selected as 'TOP PICK', also ranked first in the B:inUS (Venus) fan votes, expressing gratitude, "I'm so happy to receive my first No. 1, and I thank the Venus fans." The top five included Lee Yeon-tae, Kang Jun-sung, Haruto, and Kai, intensifying the competitive atmosphere. The B:GINNERs ranked 21st to 24th, who were eliminated in the third round, were Yang Sung-hee, Choi Yo-han, Ikuto, and William.

William expressed, "It was an honor to perform together," and Ikuto shared, "The warm treatment and practice help made great memories." Choi Yo-han and Yang Sung-hee also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to everyone. The B:GINNERs embraced each other, promising future meetings, creating a touching moment.

After a brief farewell, the surviving B:GINNERs received their final fourth-round mission. The fourth round 'K-POP Legend Match' with TVXQ's Yunho involves choosing keywords representing K-POP history and performing TVXQ's representative songs in the 'Choice Song Match', and all teams performing TVXQ's debut song 'HUG' in the 'Designated Song Match'.

The top three from the third round, Hyo, Lee Yeon-tae, and Kang Jun-sung, selected 'Rising Sun (Pure)', 'Mirotic', and 'Why (Keep Your Head Down)' respectively, choosing keywords and team members for the fourth round. The teams for the fourth round are 'Rising Sun' (Li Zi-wei, Park Se-chan, Park Jun-hyuk, Ai, Lim Ji-hwan, Hyo), 'Mirotic' (Kim Bo-hyun, Moon Jae-il, Van Daniel, Seo Jun-hyuk, Yang Hyun-bin, Lee Yeon-tae, Lee Jun-myung), and 'Why' (Kang Jun-sung, Kim Jung-hoon, Lee Yoon-sung, Jang Won, Kai, Haruto, Hiroto).

Ahead of the fourth round, the B:GINNERs met with physiognomy, tarot experts, and a fortune teller. The physiognomy and tarot expert noted, "Kai has the physiognomy of a standout idol. Hiroto has a fortune for food. Kang Jun-sung's lip mole signifies popularity. Haruto has a strong inner character. Moon Jae-il stands out more as he shows himself. Kim Jung-hoon and Park Se-chan have good chemistry." The fortune teller predicted, "Lee Jun-myung has the fighting spirit of a leader. Hyo will reach his peak at 27."

Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr