Mnet has finally dropped the first teaser for “Produce 48”!
Released earlier today (Wednesday, 11th April), the first half of the clip focused on the success of “Produce 101” season 2‘s centre Kang Daniel and his group Wanna One, with the 2nd half introducing the contestants of the show.
However, the clip was blurred and it was difficult to make out faces. Despite that, we know that one of the girls debuted in 2012 and another trained with BLACKPINK for 2 years.
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The show, a collaboration between the “Produce 101” series and Japan’s AKB48 girl group, have been generating waves since rumours about it surfaced earlier this year.
With so many information about the show floating around, we’ve compiled them for you:
1. 1000 applicants auditioned for the show
Three rounds of auditions were held with more than 1000 applicants trying out, but only 96 made it to the show. Out of the 96, 48 are from different entertainment companies in Korea and the rest from AKB48’s current roster.
It was previously reported that 12 members will make it to the final lineup, but Mnet denied the news. Looks like we’ll have to wait for the first broadcast to know for sure!
2. Trainees from the Big 3 won’t be joining the program
Industry representatives have confirmed that the Big 3 agencies have decided to opt out of the show.
SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment have abstained from sending their trainees to previous “Produce” installments, and this current season won’t see their participation either. JYP Entertainment, who sent Jeon Somi to “Produce 101” season 1, won’t be joining the program too.
3. FT Island’s Lee Hongki, former SISTAR member Soyou, and rapper Cheetah have been confirmed as trainers
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Hongki and Soyou will be joining as vocal trainers while Cheetah will most probably take the role as the rap trainer. Cheetah was also the rap trainer for both previous seasons of “Produce 101”.
Choreographer Bae Yoon Jeong, 1MILLION Dance Studio’s May J Lee, and choreographer Choi Young Joon will be participating as dance trainers for “Produce 48”.
4. AOA’s Chanmi and CLC’s Yoojin rumoured to join program
A list surfaced on a Korean portal in March, naming several idols and trainees as contestants of the show. Netizens were surprised as a few notable names were included.
Apart from Chanmi and Yoojin, other familiar names mentioned were S.M. Rookies’ Hina; “Idol School”‘s Bae Eunyoung, Lee Si-an, Cho Yoori, Natty; “Produce 101” season 1’s Lee Yoonseo, Han Hyeri; and “Sixteen”‘s Minyoung.
T-ara N4 members Dani was also rumoured to join the program, but she denied the news.
5. I.O.I might have a reunion on the show!
Is this the reunion we’ve been waiting for?
Sources have claimed that I.O.I will be making an appearance on the show, with the members’ respective labels having received a proposal. If successful, the girls will meet in the scheduled recording on the 22nd.
Several members of I.O.I (along with members of their current groups) and AKB48 also had a joint performance at MAMA 2017.
The first “Produce 48” recording took place today and is expected to premiere in June. It is directed by Ahn Joon Young, who helmed the previous installments.
Sources: soompi (1) (2) (3) (4), allkpop, Mogo Hallyu.
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