Jo Kwon "I'm the founder of the audition, my friends these days don't know the advanced system"

Jo Kwon, a member of the group 2AM, expressed his feelings about participating in 'RU Next'.

On the morning of the 30th, a production presentation for JTBC's new variety show 'R U Next?' was held at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Producers Yeji Lee, Producer Seonhyung Kim, Sooyoung Choi, Gyuri Park, Hyun Lee, Kwon Jo, and Aiki attended the event.

'R U Next' is a survival program that selects members of Hive Labels' next girl group. It contains the process of performing a total of 7 round missions, which are essential gateways for 22 trainees from Belief Lab to participate and become idols.

Choi Soo-young will host the program as a single MC. Gyuri Park, Hyun Lee, Kwon Jo, Jaehwan Kim, and Aiki will serve as coaches.

On this day, Jo Kwon said, "I participated in the audition 21 years ago at the age of 13 for a program called 'Gifted Talent Nurturing Project' by producer Park Jin-young. Groups 2PM and 2AM had strong texts," he said.

He said, "I remember when I recorded the audition, the system was much worse than now. I don't know if that's why, but I think it was the driving force that allowed me to train for a long time. Park Jin-young's focus went much further. Those who recognize me will say, ' Park Jin-young,” he said.

He continued, "Because I developed a lot systematically, my current friends don't know. Even after I went to the military, they said that you would be comfortable where you were, but I realized that the place where I am is the most difficult. I have the heavy duty of a coach to find gems while looking at things.”

'R U Next' will be broadcast for the first time at 8:50 pm on the 30th.

Reporter Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia kkk39@tenasia.co.kr