Mnet has officially unveiled the initial roster for their new show "Queendom Puzzle," sparking lively discussions amongst internet users. Spanning from industry veterans to novice idols, the talent on display is formidable.
The South Korean television network is no stranger to reality programming, having previously produced shows like "Kingdom," "Queendom," "Boys Planet," and "Girls Planet 999."
Yet, "Queendom Puzzle" offers a fresh spin on the reality competition format.
As opposed to primarily focusing on groups, the new show will spotlight individual girl group members striving to form an exceptional unit group.
Breaking the Ice with Dual Powerhouse Performances
Mnet introduced the first 13 contestants in a grand style via two captivating performances on M Countdown. The budding contestants were divided into two groups in preparation for their initial showdown.
Praise for PICK-CAT
The first faction, dubbed "PICK-CAT," performed a fiery and dynamic song, "SNAP."
The group's lineup boasted established idols such as Yeoreum from WJSN and Yeeun from CLC, along with upcoming talents like Bora and Chaerin from Cherry Bullet, Riina from h1-KEY, a member from Purple Kiss, and Sangah from LIGHTSUM.
The performance was not just daring and tantalizing, but it also exhibited the varied talents of each idol, regardless of their debut date or age.
Online spectators were left in awe as the idols delivered a fiery, cheeky, and commanding performance.
The first comment echoed a surprise shared by many fans: "It's beyond my wildest dreams to witness Yeeun and Sangah sharing a stage. Their collaboration is the stuff of dreams."
While others showed unwavering support with encouraging comments such as, "Go for it, Queen Yeoreum," and "Absolutely slain by Riina's performance! The chemistry was palpable; they truly deserve recognition."
The Contrasting Second Act
Meanwhile, the second act, "PICK on the Top," showcased a brighter, fresher concept with their performance of the track "Charismatic."
This group brought together Jihan and Soeun from Weeekly, Wooyeon and Nana from Woo!ah!, Jiwon from Cherry Bullet, and Jiwoo from TripleS, all making a case for their inclusion in the final lineup.
Following the performance, online users lauded the idols, especially those representing TripleS, Woo!ah!, Weeekly, and Cherry Bullet.
One fan exclaimed, "Incredible lineup! TripleS, Woo!ah!, Weekly and Cherry Bullet! Jiwoo, Nana, Wooyeon, Jihan, Soeun & Jiwon," while another noted, "Center Jiwon left me speechless. And Jiwoo rapping? Purely phenomenal."
Mixed Feelings and High Expectations
Despite Mnet's controversial reputation, fans are evidently buzzing with excitement over the performances and eagerly awaiting the reveal of the remaining contestants.
Although some fans have voiced apprehension about the show's premise, the general consensus is that "Queendom Puzzle" has the potential to be another Mnet hit.