Aside from skills alone, a strong fandom is an essential factor for an idol aspirant joining a survival show for them to have a higher chance to debut in the final lineup. However, these five contestants failed to win despite popularity and skills.
Here Are 5 Survival Show Contestants Who Failed to Debut in Final Lineup Despite Fame, Skills – Where Are They Now?
1. Kim Jonghyun - 'Produce 101' Season 2
Kim Jonghyun, also known as JR of NU'EST, is one of the most popular contestants back in Mnet broadcast "Produce 101" Season 2. During the show, his skills, visuals and leadership were highly praised, even earning the No. 1 spot an episode before the finale.
While fans were certain he would debut in Wanna One, he ended up in 14th place in the final broadcast, infuriating viewers as it seemed unjust.
In 2019, it was revealed that the final results were rigged, and people then speculated that Jonghyun should've probably be one of the trainees who were unfairly eliminated.
Following the show, JR went back to NU'EST and experienced global fame, even earning the title, "Nation's Leader."
Unfortunately, in 2022, Pledis confirmed the group's disbandment after he, along with Aron and Ren, chose not to renew their contracts.
2. Lee Gaeun - 'Produce 48'
ALSO READ: Mnet Compensates 11 of the 12 Contestants Victimized by 'Produce 101' Voting Manipulation
In 2018, former After School Lee Gaeun surprised K-pop fans after joining Mnet's "Produce 48." In particular, before the show, she was known for her top idol skills and was recognized even more during the contest.
Just like JR, viewers were sure Gaeun would make it in the debuting lineup of IZ*ONE, but due to voting manipulation, the idol ended up No. 14 instead of fifth.
Due to this, Gaeun decided to pursue a different career and debuted as an actress through High Entertainment.
3. Lee Jinhyuk - 'Produce x 101'
In 2019, Lee Jinhyuk, a member of UP10TION, joined Mnet's "Produce X 101." Due to his impeccable dance and vocal skills, leadership, various charms and visuals, the male idol consistently ranked high, drawing certainty he would debut as X1.
However, just like the two aforementioned idols, Lee Jinhyuk became a victim of the voting manipulation, ranking 11th instead of 7th.
After being unfairly eliminated, Lee Jinhyuk focused on his career as a soloist and actor.
4. Kawaguchi Yurina - 'Girls Planet 999'
In 2021 former Japanese pop idol Yurina joined Mnet's "Girls Planet 999," the show which produced the rookie group Kep1er.
Even at the start of the show, Yurina attracted massive attention for her stable singing skills and visual that resembles TWICE Momo. Her fancam alone even earned more than 700,000 views, establishing a strong fandom.
The Japanese star was continuously loved by both domestic and international fans, ranking 1st in overall ranking during the first global voting.
However, to fans' surprise, Yurina failed to debut and ended up No. 14. After the show, Yurina went back to Japan and pursue her career as a solo artist.
On March 21, the idol will release her solo debut single, "Look at Me."
5. Kim Hyun Hee - 'My Teenage Girl'
Kim Hyun Hee, a former YG Entertainment trainee, joined MBC's "My Teenage Girl," where she received massive praises for her breathtaking visual, vocals, and dance abilities.
Her fandom in Korea is also huge, even giving her dedicated subway ads in Seoul to cheer for her strong chance to debut in CLASSy.
However, Hyun Hee, unfortunately, ended up No. 11, failing to join the final lineup.
According to OSEN's report, there is a possibility that the final lineup will add members from the eliminated trainees. In response, numerous fans protested to add Hyun Hee.
However, the final decision still lies on the producer.
READ MORE: These K-Pop Idols Participated in Chinese Survival Shows and Made It Into the Final Lineup
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Written by Eunice Dawson
