ENA 'The Scout' sets out to discover raw talents together with the master corps Lee Seung-Chul, Kim Jaejoong, Wendy, DAY6 Young K, and Choo Sung Hoon.
The growth-oriented music project 'THE SCOUT (The Scout): reborn stars' (hereinafter 'The Scout') will premiere at 8 p.m. on May 8, and interest inside and outside the music industry is already high.
The Scout, a growth-oriented music project in which masters nurture muses and which is scheduled to air every Friday, is a program where top experts discover 'raw gems' who have potential but have not yet been recognized, and suggest new directions and possibilities. In this regard, the five members of the 'master corps' who will raise 16 muses (raw gems) into global stars revealed in interviews the points that will make watching 'The Scout' even more enjoyable.
Legend of the judging panel Lee Seung-Chul first touched on the differences from existing audition programs. He said, "If existing programs are like making different dishes from the same ingredients, 'The Scout' has different ingredients itself. Each uses its own ingredients to create a menu newly born in their own style," adding, "We will present music from various genres in each master's own color." He went on to elaborate on the 'raw gems,' which will be the most important element of 'The Scout,' saying, "They simply haven't shown it outwardly, but they are very talented. The masters recognize and begin to build values that the contestants themselves may not know. Raw gems increase in value when polished."
Lee Seung-Chul also said that the other four masters will each nurture their muses in different styles, adding, "(For the muses) we will create a 'weapon that makes you fall in love at first sight' tailored to each person's personality. A weapon that makes you fall in love in just one second without explanation," he appealed.
Young K, the 'new-generation all-round musician' who will compete with Lee Seung-Chul and the muses, said confidently, "I felt a lot during about six years of training at JYP Entertainment. The point is that 'everyone has potential and can develop.' As a master, I think it is my role and ability to find that. Keep your eyes wide open and watch!"
The muses discovered as raw gems are reborn as the 'real thing' through a 'makeover' guided by the masters. Regarding this process, Red Velvet's Wendy said, "A dramatic change is necessary," adding, "It's not just a simple skill improvement; overall growth is needed, including stage expression, delivery, and atmosphere."
Kim Jaejoong, who has risen to a producer from being a 'K-pop original global star,' cited 'identity makeover' as core, emphasizing, "If the muses don't have answers to who I am, what my weaknesses and strengths are, and why I stand on stage, they will ultimately remain 'similar people.'" Young K also agreed on the importance of 'identity' and announced plans to strengthen the muses' 'self-producing' capabilities.
In addition, Lee Seung-Chul said, "I want to instill a self-driven option that allows muses to find and create themselves. Based on that, communicating with masters and creating new music together is musical communication," adding, "I think my duty is simply to diligently support the muses." Choo Sung Hoon, who will collaborate as the overall physical and mental master with four masters, said that a dramatic 'makeover' also includes physical condition and mental strength, saying, "All 16 muses have great potential. Big changes are expected," and added, "I think I'm also in charge of the entertainment aspect. I'll create a fun and pleasant atmosphere amid the fierce survival competition," showing his distinctive sense of variety.
Because 'The Scout' emphasizes the muses' 'makeover' process, it focuses on 'growth' rather than a drop-out-centered survival format. Regarding this, Young K said, "If elimination hangs over every stage, it would skew toward creating impactful performances. But then you may miss aspects needed for growth. I'm glad 'The Scout' has this structure." Wendy also added, "It will be another chance for growth for contestants who have experienced failure or frustration," offering her support.
In addition to the five masters, 'The Scout' brings together a total of 30 directors and trainers to raise completeness. Regarding collaboration with them, Kim Jaejoong said, "The core is unification of direction," adding, "We want to reduce unnecessary feedback and improve completeness through selection and concentration. I think a good team is not one with many opinions but one that moves in the same direction."
Finally, when asked, "What kind of 'real singer' do you want to show the public through this program?" Lee Seung-Chul shouted, "'Real singer' is a contradiction. A singer's music depends on fans' choices, and I think it's also contradictory to rank by singing ability. That is also the reason 'The Scout' was born. There is only choice; there is no elimination!" Choo Sung Hoon also expressed his sincerity and support for the muses, saying, "If the muses succeed and stand on big stages, I would be grateful if they remember us (the master corps)."
[Photo] ENA
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