Kim Jae-hwan Shares Candid Thoughts on 'Produce 101 Season 2' and Encourages Aspiring Trainees

Former Wanna One member Kim Jae-hwan has opened up about his experiences during 'Produce 101 Season 2' (hereafter 'Produce 101') and shared a heartfelt message of encouragement for aspiring trainees.

On the afternoon of the 20th, the fourth episode of SBS M and SBS FiL's 'Zenblue's Sweat Song Debut' will air, featuring Kim Jae-hwan visiting the cooking room to meet Zenblue members Ayako and Wien. Ayako introduces herself as the entertainment lead, while Wien is the vocal lead. When Wien playfully comments, "I think you are the visual lead, senior," Kim Jae-hwan responds, "I don't need compliments about my singing. Being called cool is the best," creating a warm atmosphere.

When Ayako asks if he ever felt worried seeing other talented contestants during the survival show, Kim Jae-hwan candidly shares, "When 100 people went to the dorm to sleep, I was alone in the practice room. Feeling that I was falling behind in skills, I vowed, 'I will be number one here through effort,' and couldn't sleep." He continues, "What I could do at that moment was practice more than others, so I danced more and focused intensely on singing practice," reflecting on his past.

In August 2017, the 11 members of Wanna One debuted and were expected to receive around 1 billion KRW each after 18 months of activities. It was reported that Kim Jae-hwan, the only independent member, received the highest settlement.

Wien asks, "Was there ever a time you wanted to give up?" Kim Jae-hwan replies honestly, "There were many times I wanted to give up. The trainee period was very tough. There were so many talented friends, and my skills weren't improving. But I had to endure, thinking of the friends and family who believed in and supported me. You just have to endure."

Ayako and Wien express their determination, saying, "We gained strength knowing that a great senior like you also went through a trainee period like us. When we feel like giving up or are having a hard time, we will remember your words and work harder."

'Zenblue's Sweat Song Debut' will air at 7:20 PM on the 20th on SBS M and SBS FiL, and will be streamed on Taiwan's OTT platform, Friday.

Sojung Lee, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr