The new season of the Japanese audition program 'Produce 101 Japan' aiming to create a global boy group has been drawing unusual reactions since its release.
Produced by CJ ENM, the fourth series of Produce 101 Japan, Produce 101 Japan Shinsegae, has been generating buzz rapidly among not only Japanese but also overseas fans since its first release on Mar. 26. As previous seasons produced popular groups such as JO1, INI and ME:I, this season also drew high expectations from the start.
In particular, this "Shinsegae" is notable for being the first in the series to expand into a global project. Beyond the existing concept of the "national producer," the format changed to allow viewers worldwide to participate, and both voting and viewership from abroad have noticeably increased. Participation has continued from Korea and other Asian regions as well as North America and Europe, showing a flow befitting the title "global audition."
The composition of participants has also changed from before. Unlike previous seasons centered on Japan, trainees from various countries have joined, creating a more expanded lineup. Accordingly, the debut group is also expected to be active across Korea and Japan, naturally absorbing K-pop fans.
The program's buzz has continued. The theme song "Shinsekai (SHINSEKAI)" proved its appeal by climbing major Japanese music charts after its release, and performance videos have continued to gain views amid praise from global fans. In recently released episodes, contestants' full-scale stage competitions unfolded, drawing reactions such as "very immersive" and "the structure itself is new."
Reactions are spreading quickly on local social media as well. Related keywords trended online immediately after the broadcast, and fancam videos and stage clips have been rapidly shared, showing the early atmosphere of fandom formation.
Meanwhile, upcoming broadcasts are adding interest by previewing stages that use K-pop songs such as Wanna One's "Energetic" and Stray Kids' "CASE 143."<
[Photo] Mnet
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