Tears and Tension in 'Universe League': Contestants Face Elimination in Episode 2

Contestants of 'Universe League' are brought to tears as they face the threat of elimination.

In the second episode of SBS's global boy group audition program 'Universe League', airing on the 29th, 21 contestants on the brink of elimination undergo a bench test to secure their place.

Previously, Team Rhythm, Team Groove, and Team Beat each selected 7 contestants as main players, leaving the remaining 21 as unaffiliated players. These unaffiliated contestants are gripped with anxiety as they face potential elimination.

The unaffiliated players, facing the risk of leaving 'Universe League', are given one last chance. They perform individual stages in a one-on-one bench test with the coaches, and if they pass, they become bench players. However, failure to be selected in the bench test results in final elimination. The unaffiliated contestants express their determination, saying, "We don't want it to end here."

Some contestants show their desperation through tears. Kwon Hee-jun, a contestant who has completed military service, is chosen by Team Rhythm's coach Ten to perform a solo stage. After Ten's decision, Kwon Hee-jun collapses in tears at the corner of the stage and is unable to hold back his sobs during an interview with the production team.

Japanese contestant Hiroto also breaks down in tears due to overwhelming anxiety. Neither Team Rhythm nor Team Beat selects Hiroto, while Team Groove's Lee Chang-sub assesses Hiroto's skills with a keen eye. It's hinted that Hiroto bursts into tears at a single comment from Lee Chang-sub.

The bench test features contestants singing the national anthem at the request of Team Groove's coach Lee Chang-sub, and others who, after several delays, present additional performances, creating a nail-biting tension. Curiosity peaks as to how many of the 21 contestants facing elimination will survive.

'Universe League' is a global boy group audition program co-produced by SBS and F&F Entertainment. The second episode airs on the 29th at 11:20 PM.

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