Chinese streaming service iQIYI has announced a new survival program, “Starlight Boys (스타라이트보이즈/星光闪耀的少年)”, in collaboration with South Korean broadcasting company SBS. The show will see 69 trainees compete with each other for a spot in the Top 9 to make their debut in the final group.
The show has also recently revealed the complete list of trainees participating in the competition – and it appears that two Malaysians are part of the lineup. Kingston Wong (킹스톤왕/黃昱翰) and Ivan Chen (아이반/陈明轩) will join their fellow trainees for a chance to debut the new boy group, and iQIYI has also released their official profile picture, showing their dashing looks in a Korean-style school uniform.
“Starlight Boys” will be Kingston’s second appearance on a survival show. He previously joined ViuTV’s “King Maker V (全民造星V)” but was eliminated in the fourth round. On the other hand, Ivan is making his first appearance on a survival show. However, he already has a sizable following as part of Yuxiao Media’s trainee group, Cheng Xin Project (橙新计划).
This isn’t the first time our local talents have joined a survival programme because earlier this year, we saw Malaysian influencer Elyn Leong (梁愉苓) make her debut in Jackson Wang’s girl group Gen1es after winning fifth place on Chuang Asia (创造营亚洲2024). “Starlight Boys” also has more Southeast Asian trainees in the lineup, including Singaporean actor Yang Yan (杨言) and Thai singer Kad (กาด).
“Starlight Boys” is set to premiere later this month and is hosted by actress Lee Sung Kyung (이성경). The show also boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity trainers, including singers Lee Seung Gi (이승기) and Kwon Eunbi (권은비), BIGBANG (빅뱅) member Daesung (대성), rapper Hanhae ((한해) and PENTAGON (펜타곤) member Hui (후이), who will also guide the trainees to reach their full potential.
We can’t wait to see Kingston and Ivan take the stage when the show officially premieres. Good luck to both trainees – and we hope to see them in the final group!
Check out the trailer for “Starlight Boys” below:
