The much-anticipated girl group survival show "Queendom 2," launched by Mnet, raised not only K-pop fans' eyebrows but also music critics.
But for what reason?
Music Critics Choi Jisun Discusses Pros & Cons of Mnet's 'Queendom 2'
On April 13, Korean media outlet Kookmin Ilbo released a review on the ongoing Mnet's "Queendom 2."
In context, this is the second season of the said reality survival program, in which six K-pop representative female idol groups release singles at the same time and enter the comeback competition. As a prize, the winning team will enjoy the opportunity to release a solo comeback show.
In season 1, broadcasted in 2019, the show gained an explosive response from fans to prominent girl groups and idols like Park Bom (2NE1), AOA, MAMAMOO, Lovelyz Oh My Girl, and (G)I-DLE.
ALSO READ: 'Queendom 2' Episode 2: Round 1 Rankings Revealed After Performances by WJSN, Kep1er, Brave Girls
Thus, when season 2 was announced, it met huge anticipation from K-pop fans, including fans of Hyolyn (SISTAR), Brave Girls, LOONA, WJSN, VIVIZ and Kep1er.
As of April 7, "Queendom 2" Episode 2 was the No. 1 topic in the non-drama TV category for the 5th week of March, compiled by Good Data Corporation. The group VIVIZ, who starred in "Queendom 2," also topped the list of non-drama cast members.
Since its premiere on March 31, it became a talk of the town. However, compared to the previous season, some viewers pointed out it didn't make that much impact in the music scene.
In line with this, Choi Jisun, a music critic, talked about the popularity of "Queendom 2":
"There will be things to see because groups such as Brave Girls have come out, and there will be fans who want to see VIVIZ because GFRIEND unfortunately disbanded."
However, Choi revealed that it also have cons, saying:
"Unfortunately, the format did not deviate much from season 1. In the first season, it was refreshing that an active idol group participated in the survival, but this time, the new feeling was somewhat less.
It was also feared that 'Queendom 2' would end up as a one-off event for the participating teams seeking a chance to take a leap forward.
The music critic then concluded:
"We receive attention while appearing with the public again, but it is not easy for the impact to continue in the long term. It is a problem related to the idol industry, so we need to think deeply."
Do you agree with the music critic? Do you think 'Queendom 2' will be a failure?
Mnet's Queendom 2: Highlights, What to Anticipate, etc.
On March 31, "Queendom 2" Episode 1 decorated the stage with earnest performances.
Among participants, Brave Girls captured attention as after making their name widely known four years ago with their song, "Rollin," their next song failed to become a box office hit.
WJSN, which debuted in 2016, also broke viewers' hearts after talking about how they don't have a single hit song.
There's also VIVIZ comprised, of SinB, Umji and Eunha, which debuted after GFRIEND disbanded. In the show, they expressed their regrets after starting back as rookies, as well as LOONA who have been named as "Rising Stars" for four years without progress.
Lastly, Kep1er then discussed being dubbed as "Mnet's daughter" without looking at their skills, while Hyolyn also drew interest after coming back as a soloist after heyday as a SISTAR member.
The high-quality stage of active idols with dancing and singing skills attracted viewers' attention at once. From the opening stage where each team was introduced in the first episode, it gave a spectacular performance.
Although there's a divided opinion between music critics and viewers, it is too early to decide whether Mnet's "Queendom 2" is a success or failure.
READ MORE: 'Queendom 2' Episode 1: Hyolyn, VIVIZ Perform Popular SISTAR, GFRIEND Songs
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Written by Eunice Dawson
