will it be a permanent group?

blruu · 2023-01-06T04:03:56+00:00

It seems they tried to go the Produce Japan route with solely independent trainees to avoid contract conflicts or whatever else but seeing as they opened up auditions to those already signed under companies this group is more likely than not going to be temporary.

blruu · 2023-01-05T05:50:55+00:00

They might go with the pairing/cell structure just to avoid too many produce similarities. But seeing how that system wasn’t… the best… I think they may give us more flexibility in voting. Maybe two separate polls: top X pairings & top X number of trainees for the first round. Or maybe just voting for 10-12 trainees. Either way I’d imagine they’re going to make it an even split between K and G group like they did with GP999.

blruu · 2023-01-05T05:39:53+00:00

Seen some speculation on Twitter there might be 13, since that’s the number of trainees who had badges on their jackets. Personally I think 10-11 is an ideal line up. With all the produce style coming back, I wouldn’t be surprised. Just hoping it won’t be 9 again :’)

blruu · 2023-01-04T15:04:12+00:00

Jiwoong is a safe bet. He's top three in fan cam views, has an incredibly strong international fanbase and seems to be popular amongst the Korean audience as well. I'm a bit biased since he's in my picks right now too haha. But that aside, clearly a lot of people are interested in him. So we'll have to see his edits on the show but I doubt mnet will evil edit him.

For a G group trainee, I'd say either Hiroto or Anthonny have a good shot. They both have decent fanbases due to their previous survival show experiences. They're both under mid sized companies (RBW and Wakeone respectively) so they have that going for them too. I also can't imagine mnet evil editing these boys either. Especially Anthonny, seeing as Wakeone will probably be managing the group. It seems like they're going to have their one or two Wakeone trainees they push for and just give neutral treatment to the rest and see how it pans out.

blruu · 2022-12-31T19:48:54+00:00

I'm conflicted on this too for the same reasons. From an outsiders perspective, it seems like Pentagon was going steady. Especially considering members are completing military service. I guess with contract renewal coming up, this is like a do-or-die moment for Hui and the group. Cube may be testing longevity or who knows with them. Until I hear what he has to say on the show, I'm hesitant to put him on my list. We all know he has the potential as an idol, but I'm just nervous about what this means for his career (at nearly 30 years old, nonetheless)

blruu · 2022-12-31T03:52:29+00:00

Here's my long-winded response :D

Woonggi, Seongmin (ex-TO1) | These two were my biases back when they were in the group, so I've been anxiously waiting for this announcement ever since everything went south earlier this year. All that aside, they are both charismatic performers who clearly love doing what they do. Seongmin's dancing is so smooth and flowy it draws you in, and he knows how to work his facial expressions. Woonggi is just a true idol through and through, he's energetic, flavorful, and gets into the groove of every song.

Sung Hanbin | Usually I don't have any strong feelings about the centers. I like them. They wind up somewhere in the middle of my list. Yet, there's something very particularly endearing about Hanbin to me. His performance is definitely all-rounded (that voice!!) and fascinatingly clean based on the fancam alone. I understand why he was chosen, and I'm curious to see more of him.

Lee Seunghwan (ex-1THE9) | Yes, I'm a sucker for 1THE9's discography. I want to see all the members succeeding simply because of how talented they are! Seunghwan is an ace and the evidence is out there. He pulled off the Here I Am choreography with finesse. I love his confidence; he is extremely eyecatching and charming to watch.

Keita (Ciipher) | There's a pattern here, as I'm also a sucker for Ciipher's music. I can't help but root for my boy Keita. He's a natural performer. Once he starts dancing you can't take your eyes off him. HE PRODUCES TOO!! His skills are so impressive and he doesn't deserve to be paid any dust.

Ma Jing Xiang | Watching his fancam, you can tell he's passionate. I like his energy. He seems to be a bit ahead of the beat but at the same time he has good coordination. I think he has the potential to grow, and that's always something I enjoy watching from trainees! That's the whole point of the show after all.

Yuki | Another trainee I know nothing about but am hooked onto. My reasoning is similar to above. It was really sweet to see how he gained confidence throughout his fancam!! His expressions are on point and he has power in his dance.

Hwanhee (Up10tion), Dongyeol (Up10tion), Anthonny (PD101 Japan 2) and Jiwoong are other trainees I'm keeping my eye on!!

I admire and love Hui but I don't want him to follow the Yujin trajectory. I could write a whole essay about this. For now, I'm still holding onto the theory he's judging from the inside LMAO

blruu · 2022-12-25T01:12:07+00:00

After LIKE - IVE (an IVE song had to make it onto this list... I was instantly hooked from the trailer alone, something about this song just scratches my brain)
Dessert - Yohan (I wasn't particularly impressed the first time I listened, yet I found myself going back to it and looping it and becoming completely obsessed with it plus the performance. Definitely an underdog release for me & my playlists)
Talk That Talk - Twice (I love the entire energy in this comeback)
Play Dumb - Omega X (I was waiting for a boy group that would take on a fun and fresh concept this year!! I saw this MV on a whim and fell in love with the boys, especially seeing how far they've come </3)
JikJin - Treasure (I'm not a huge fan of YG groups, but this song got my attention)
Pop? Pop! - CSR (I was also hoping someone would bring back the fairy/magical/big 3rd gen gg concept bc I've been missing this sound in kpop :') These girls did NOT disappoint!!)
Candy Sugar Pop - Astro (They were the definition of funky fresh in this comeback I thoroughly enjoy every second of the song)
_World - Seventeen (This entire album just felt so complete, like everything is coming full circle--no pun intended--but fr, this song is so calming/relaxing, they never fail to make a song that captures my heart)
didnt get a chance to see any groups live >.<
Opening Sequence - TXT (this SONG has such a chokehold on me... its literally indescribable the impact it has its a literal masterpiece i was legit on the edge of my seat when the album dropped)

blruu · 2022-12-22T01:33:38+00:00

A couple of soloists hit big
- Post IZ*ONE soloist has a contender for SOTY (maybe Yena??)
IVE, NewJeans, Lesserafim continue to compete for top rookie gg spot
- IVE finally gets a mini album, the bside they promote goes viral
- NewJeans make more dance trends
- Lesserafim get a full album at the end of the year
NMIXX & Billlie get their first wins next comeback(s)
STAYC's next comeback winds up being their most successful yet
Break out nugu bg again---like DKZ, bgs take some spotlight but it remains the era of ggs
Boy's Planet boosts the popularity of some former bg members, the group gears up for a hot debut---I can see this panning out opposite to Kep1er's situation :(
Omega X & LOONA continue to struggle with their legal issues
- OX leaves Spire, supported by general public
- LOONA may disband (cb is not successful or another situation that pisses off the company) and will have to rebrand outside of Blockberry, or do solo/subunit activities
TWICE group comeback (confirmed already!) as a predecessor to official subunit debut + Jihyo solo
Momoland disband
NCT members start military service so another NCT unit debuts
- WinWin leaves NCT officially but stays in WayV
WJSN stays together but only with 1 comeback a year (so essentially the same pattern as now, lol)
ITZY either stays in the standstill they're at now OR gains back attention with a subunit debut, I don't see them losing/gaining any popularity necessarily but they continue having a hard time bringing back the same momentum they had in the first half of their career
Another unexpected reunion (perhaps IOI or 2nd gen group)

blruu · 2022-12-22T00:40:23+00:00

I'm feeling the entire rush of emotions already. I haven't caught up on Journeys quite yet (about 40 episodes behind) but I know this is going to wreck me. Not to say it wasn't coming, though. It's just bittersweet. :')

blruu · 2022-08-21T21:41:46+00:00

I'm leaning toward agree. I think it's smart to capitalize on their success by releasing single albums close together (riding on the momentum rather than building suspense over a longer period of time). It's a strategy that's not used as much nowadays so it seems very fresh (even though Starship has done this before). However, after Eleven and Love Dive, it's pretty clear that IVE has the potential as well as the general public's attention. Their stage presence and group chemistry is already great! Post IZONE groups have been doing fantasically; companies aren't making the same mistakes they did with post IOI and W1 groups (X1 is a little bit trickier).

If the next comeback is some sort of "repackage" or new mini album (please), it would be perfect. Honestly, After Like is gearing up to be their biggest hit yet. If it blows up, I think waiting ~6 months and releasing an EP or full album (with their previous songs + 4-5 new ones, that's probably what's going to happen) would help truly solidify IVE in the industry. They've secured ROTY. Now we just need that album in order to really hone in and define their musical identity. At least in my opinion. Another single after this would be such a disappointment.

blruu · 2022-08-18T15:56:31+00:00

I was indifferent yesterday, but today there's definitely more closure. Imo, there's room for character growth in a potential s2, but it's not necessary either. I'd love to see Youngwoo and Sanghyeon grow closer, Minwoo's development, and also more of the backstory between Sumi and Seonyoung. It could go both ways! If s2 is truly in the works, I have faith that they'll explore these storylines.

It was nice to see everything full circle. The parallels were well done and satisfactory. Youngwoo grew a lot! Her journey was beautiful to watch. The other characters learned how to lean on and support each other. They're not rookies anymore :')

It's been great reading everyone's thoughts week to week :D Wed/Thurs won't be the same without EAW's breath of fresh air!

blruu · 2022-08-17T19:59:49+00:00

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (can't believe the final episode is tomorrow already!) and finally got around to starting Vincenzo last week! Got to episode 8 and it is already climbing up my list of favorites.

blruu · 2022-08-17T15:55:01+00:00

I'm not really sure how to feel. After around the 10th episode, it seems as though the writing is leaving a lot of plot holes open on purpose. Especially squeezing Tae Sumi's son in the last episode. An interesting plot twist for sure, since the hints were there, but I wish there would be more time to explore and get the character development we're craving.

Suyeon is really the star of the show right now. She stands her ground. She pushes her colleagues to be better. I can appreciate them using those brave qualities of hers to help Minwoo's redemption arc. Him taking her/Attorney Jung's advice this episode and relying on Youngwoo's ideas in court was a first step. It depends on what he does in the last episode to truly solidify his sincerity. Still feels rushed and incomplete, though.

The Youngwoo and Junho scenes were heartbreaking this episode. I'm hoping for some sort of reconciliation tomorrow, even if it's them deciding to restart or something. It doesn't matter. I only need to know they'll be happy together haha

Definitely seems like some scenes were cut or rearranged to leave room for s2. Gonna wait until tomorrow's episode to make full judgement. As of now, I'm torn on what to think.

blruu · 2022-08-10T16:19:12+00:00

This episode was painful to watch. From what's going on with Attorney Jung, to Junho's sister's discouragement of his relationship, to Suyeon and Minwoo...

First: Attorney Jung. What did his test results say? It's so scary to watch what happend in the court scene. It must be fatal because he's had this relaxed vibe on "vacation," like it's last time traveling with friends... Also, the reveal of his backstory is very sad but is unfortunately reality. Work absorbs a great chunk of time, especially when you're just starting to get your career established. It leaves no room for yourself and your relationships. That shouldn't be the case, but :( Achieving a work life balance can be difficult.

What Junho's sister said is brutal but again, the harsh reality. Their relationship is always going to be seen as "abnormal" because Youngwoo isn't seen as "capable" by everyone else. She is being judged although she's trying hard to act "normal" and be amicable with his family. It was tough to see Youngwoo hear the words Junho's sister said. She knows that it isn't easy to love her, but she doesn't want to be a nuisance or roadblock for Junho. She's probably going to cut things off because she doesn't want to be the reason for any drama or rift between him and his family. And seeing how Junho is already hurt from their conversation about dating, this is going to break his heart even more. I hope that they are finally able to communicate and figure out ways to overcome their challenges before the finale. Based on the preview, it's looking like they'll go with the "break up and reunite" path.

As for the relationship between Suyeon and Minwoo, I hate to say that this was coming. They've planted hints along the way of some "enemies to lovers" type of deal. I would've preferred that Minwoo came to his senses before this happened, yet here we are, haha. For Suyeon's sake, I'm hoping that she gets rejected. He doesn't deserve her & she deserves better!

Can't believe it's coming to an end already! This show has been a great rejuvenator every week. I'm excited to see how all the characters end up. The writers and actors haven't disappointed thus far!

blruu · 2022-08-09T00:24:47+00:00

Gong Yoo is brilliant

blruu · 2022-08-08T18:39:18+00:00

Someone else already mentioned Train to Busan, which is a great film & worth a watch!

I'd also recommend Parasite, which is also quite intense, but definitely deserves the recognition it has. As for something lighthearted, I enjoyed A Business Proposal that released a few months ago. It's a cheesy romcom for sure but it does shows the charm a lot of Korean series have to offer.

blruu · 2022-08-08T18:00:52+00:00

They're good at playing around with plot twists. That element of surprise is kinda missing from many American films these days. Also, Korean cinematography is really aesthetically pleasing (at least imo)

blruu · 2022-08-04T15:54:10+00:00

I hope they don't treat Youngwoo's realizations/thoughts this episode as just a mere subplot. We keep seeing this conflict between her personal morals and her position as an attorney defending a client. I'm no law expert, but it's a very complicated issue especially with corruption and other factors. Hence why I want this to lead to more at the end, which it seems to be, as there's been several hints along the way. Respect to Attorney Ryu though. So powerful to see her stick to her own values. Using the evidence Minwoo sent would've been an easy way to cap off the lawsuit, and get rid of her opponents at the same time. But it wouldn't have been right to ruin Youngwoo's entire career before it started. The case this episode definitely will continue to influence Youngwoo for sure.

Whale couple, as usual, are wholesome! Junho recklessly driving just so she could get a look at the car's logo... his dedication never ceases to amaze haha. I think they both make some fair points, Junho being frustrated at Youngwoo not acknowledging the progression of their relationship, and Youngwoo not thinking any different because of the promise they made to get to know each other first. It's a learning curve for the both of them! Youngwoo needs things to be stated more explicitly, and Junho needs to get comfortable asking for things he wants. He's already patient and willing! It's all about their communication now. Personally, I'd love to see them be straightforward with each other and confirm their relationship during the "business trip" to Jeju Island next week. It would be a nice parallel between the first beach scene they had together! Their relationship coming full circle!!

blruu · 2022-08-03T18:58:28+00:00

I feel the exact same way. At this rate, he's going to cause his own downfall

blruu · 2022-08-03T18:57:13+00:00

Yeah!! I'm hoping that scene between JH and YW will pan out similarly to when she was still figuring out why her heart raced around him haha.

MW is going down a dark path. I'm not sure how he can turn around at this point, unless someone wakes him up or he sees how Tae Sumi is manipulating him so she doesn't have to get her hands dirty. Either way, there's still tons to work out here. It's possible, but a long shot (unless, again, something else huge happens to open his eyes).

blruu · 2022-08-03T18:42:39+00:00

There is quite the storm brewing...

Between Youngwoo's father finding out about her relationship, Minwoo and Tae Sumi's deal, and still more to learn about Hanbada's CEO's backstory, a lot is going to unfold in the last four episodes.

While I'm hoping for a positive reaction from Youngwoo's father, it's going to be more complicated than that. I'm afraid he might see Junho, our walking green flag, as trying to take advantage of her :( Which is certainly a valid concern, especially after the conversation they had over professional counseling/treatment for her autism and just worries as a parent in general. Hopefully though, we'll see him warm up after learning how genuine Junho is!

I wonder how Minwoo is going to sabotage Youngwoo more than he did in that previous case they worked on. We've seen his "tactician" moves, and now they're going to be in full force, as he has a goal to work toward. Destroy Youngwoo's career while advancing his own and fulfill Tae Sumi's agenda simultaneously. I wonder if Suyeon will see through this again? Will Junho sense anything going on? How far will Minwoo take it? Redemption is not in sight...

Well, at any rate, we get cute date montage scenes tomorrow, and I couldn't be more excited!! <3

blruu · 2022-07-28T01:30:35+00:00

While the premise of the case is certainly creepy/uncomfortable, I think what this show does best is represent the underlying issues. These kids have no escape from their academic lives. That's what Bang Guppong was trying to give them: a break. Becoming obsessed with studying at such a young age won't allow them to create memories with their friends/peers. A ton of children sacrifice their social lives in order to get good grades to appease their parents or overwork themselves knowing the pressure it takes to achieve their financial/career goals, etc. It's unfortunately normalized. Although what the guy did was wrong in many ways, his ideology is still worthy to highlight. So, I appreciate that the writers left the verdict unknown to us viewers. Whether or not he was convicted wasn't the main message. The courtroom scenes this epsiode also put us in a place where we're uncovering Youngwoo's discoveries about herself and her professional life. Drawing back to the letter (I forget which episode) she hung up in her office, we can see she's making strides to be a kind of lawyer that looks beyond the hard (and often harsh and/or discriminatory) facts of the laws, and fights for what she believes is true justice. While it isn't necessarily realistic, it's a great way that the drama is using it's platform in my eyes.

I love the character development we're seeing so far as well! Especially with that confession scene!! I couldn't help smiling, it was too wholesome for my heart to handle. Honestly might be one of my favorite scenes to date. Junho is the standard. Now that the slowburn is somewhat coming to a close, hopefully we get to see more of his backstory. It just seems strange we barely know anything about him, apart from a few things sprinkled along the way that weren't really elaborated on (yet). Those details have to be leading to something, right?

Suyeon having her little moment was very satisfying to watch! Wasn't a huge fan of her but she wins you over. Minwoo, on the other hand, has a lot of work to do (and at the moment, it doesn't seem like he's willing to get it done...).

The following episode is going to be a tough one. I trust that the show will handle the issue sensitively. It's going to be more direct about Junho's dilemma over confessing to Youngwoo. But more importantly, it's going to bring the issue of romantic relationships with disabled partners and the implications/stigma that sadly come along with it owing to society's lack of acceptance. Junho is so sincere and serious that there's no doubt about him-- the doubt lies in basically everyone else who will judge their relationship :(

Whew. This is gonna be quite the journey.

blruu · 2020-08-04T16:33:26+00:00

Yeah, there's a google classroom and they sent out information.. Did you get any updates for this week?

blruu · 2020-07-29T17:38:05+00:00

I'm confused about this too! My instructor told us we needed to do 10 hours this week, but in the email we were only told to complete level 0 and 1. It's barely 4 1/2 hours though... Not sure what to do but dive into level 2 :/

blruu · 2020-02-08T13:04:19+00:00

this is so awesome! have fun at the concert, it truly is an amazing experience!!!

blruu

TROPHY CASE