SNSD Yuri, a mentor for MBC's new reality survival show "My Teenage Girl," received criticism for her "absurd" judging criteria. In particular, trainee Seung Eun was eliminated despite her skills for not "a face to attract fans."
On December 16, several articles criticizing Yuri's screening criteria were posted on SNS. Regarding the elimination of participant Lee Seung Eun (15) decided by Girls' Generation Yuri, online critics claim it's "absurd."
Earlier in the broadcasr, Yuri praised Lee Seung Eun's skills, then decided to choose her as the trainee to leave the show, saying, "She is not a face to attract fans."
Yuri Eliminates Trainee for Not Being 'Stan Attractor' Enough, Sparks Criticism
In the "My Teenage Girl" mid-term evaluation that broadcast on December 12, Lee Seung Eun competed against Lee Jiwon, but the former was eliminated after being evaluated as a member who "doesn't stand out in a group."
Yuri stated, "We eventually get a vote from the public. I didn't pick Seung Eun in the first round. It doesn't stand out when you're in a group. We need a member to attract fans now," she said, pushing Lee Seung Eun as the dropout.
This did not sit well with Lee Seung Eun's supporters, given how the trainee has been evaluated as better at both singing and dancing than Lee Jiwon.
Some participants even responded they were not convinced.
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"It was definitely Seung Eun who stood out more in today's evaluation," "Seung Eun was perfect today," "It doesn't make sense," some trainees vented out their frustrations.
Ahead of the elimination announcement, other participants anticipated Jiwon to be eliminated, rather than Seung Eun.
SNSD Yuri Accused of Showing Favoritism to Lee Jiwon Over Other Participants
In the show, Jiwon was evaluated as weak in both dance and vocal. Lee Young Ji even emphasized her unstable singing skills. Due to this, criticism continued by claiming Yuri is showing favoritism.
During the broadcast, Yuri would often praise Jiwon and said, "A friend named Jiwon stood out. It's a pretty bud before the flowers bloom." Even in practice, Yuri trusted the trainee's potential and taught her in person as well.
Upon the judgment, people conveyed how wrong Yuri's standards and criteria are.
"I wonder what is more important than vocal skills in the program to select singers," "Is it right to pass a trainee who lacks skills because of her subjective standard, the "fan attraction" award, and eliminate a trainee who is skilled?" internet users wrote.
READ MORE: ‘My Teenage Girl’ 15-Year-Old Contestant Draws Mixed Opinions for Wearing Garter Belt During Performance
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Written by Eunice Dawson
