Seven K-pop boy groups gather for 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE', showcasing their talents and vying for a grand prize.

To maximize their own charm, seven boy groups gathered. On the morning of the 19th, a production presentation for Mnet's survival program 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE' was held at the Eliena Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, attended by CP Choi Hyo-jin, PD Cho Woo-ri, SHINee's Taemin, THE NEW SIX, The Crew One (ATBO, JUST B), 8TURN, ONEUS, YOUNITE, CRAVITY, TEMPEST, and others. 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE' is a rising project for K-POP boy groups that focuses on groups with both talent and potential. The powerful stages and sincere stories of the seven groups, along with Taemin's debut as a solo MC, are highly anticipated. The winning team will receive a prize of 100 million won (about 1,075,000 USD) and the opportunity to perform at 'KCON' in 2025. On this day, producer Cho Woo-ri stated, 'I previously assisted in directing 'Queendom' Season 1. I renewed the program and rebirthed it as a new brand, and I have become the director.' He added, 'I have become really close with the seven groups while directing and have found many wonderful aspects. The recording is progressing smoothly. Despite being his first solo MC role, Taemin has played a central role and I have relied on him a lot.' Regarding the reason for the rebranding, CP Choi Hyo-jin said, 'While planning anew, there were various directions. Many artists debut within a year, and many artists are fighting in their respective places. I saw their struggles.' He continued, 'Through 'Road to Kingdom' Season 1, we produced amazing groups like THE BOYZ, leaving a strong impression on global fans. So, I thought about creating a program that introduces many artists in a slightly different way from the traditional concept. We have rebranded with a diverse structure and unique perspectives on many artists.' PD Cho Woo-ri added, 'There have been many programs like 'KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR' and 'Road to Kingdom', but the opportunities for each group to shine have not increased significantly. I wanted a place where they could showcase their abilities.' He explained, 'We have created many structures that allow each group to utilize their unique charms and characters. 'ACE OF ACE' can refer to deciding the best of the best or an individual who can represent that group. There will also be opportunities to feel individual charms. We have set up many mechanisms to make that clearer.' He revealed the casting criteria, stating, 'It's difficult to summarize the casting criteria in one word, but looking at the seven artists, each group has suitable goals and purposes for this program. The charms of each group are diverse and unique. Their performances and real aspects differ from group to group.' He added, 'Since they are all moving towards a common goal, each narrative had a decisive impact on the casting.' MC Taemin shared, 'I have debuted as an MC. I am learning a lot while hosting and am worried about causing trouble during filming. I am doing my best.' He expressed, 'Seeing the groups and production team working hard and competing well inspires me.' He continued, 'When I first received the offer, I thought it was a great purpose. I wondered if I could fulfill such a big role as an MC, but I was very happy with the proposal.' He also mentioned feeling pressure and concern about causing trouble, recalling past experiences where he was a 'troublemaker' during MC roles. He wanted to see how much passion the idol groups put into their preparations and to encourage them as a senior who has experienced this. He believes it is a program where he can share many good stories.' He added with a smile, 'I discovered that I can handle the MC role better than I thought and found a new side of myself.' LEW from TEMPEST expressed, 'I am really happy to participate. 'ROAD TO KINGDOM' will be an opportunity to showcase TEMPEST's charm and abilities.' He continued, 'TEMPEST is a group with high potential, and we want to show our positive energy and powerful image to more people. We hope to grow even higher and will do our best with a humble attitude.' He also stated, 'Everyone probably has strong dreams and clear visions deep in their hearts. We cherish the stage and are grateful. Therefore, we want to rise to a higher place through 'ROAD TO KINGDOM' and become a group that everyone can be proud of.' CRAVITY's Serim said, 'We plan to show a lot of original charm and believe that 'ROAD TO KINGDOM' has given us the opportunity to be recognized through our performances. We will work hard.' The New Six's Tehun stated, 'Since we are a group formed through a survival program, we aim to present a stage worthy of 'ROAD TO KINGDOM' and want to engrave the name THE NEW SIX in everyone's memory.' The Crew One is a project group formed by the combination of ATBO and JUST B. Lee Gonwoo explained, 'We have been active for a long time but couldn't show good results. The two groups got along well, and our synergy during practice was great, so we decided to combine the groups and appear as 'The Crew One.' He added, 'I believe other groups also have a strong will to do well, but our feelings have doubled since we combined two groups.' He expressed, 'We will showcase our first performance simultaneously with our debut. We are very honored and are approaching each stage with great effort. We hope many will pay attention to the charm that The Crew One team will show on stage.' The youngest group, 8TURN's Jeyun said, 'I am happy to greet everyone in such an important place. 8TURN is a group that excels in all areas, and all eight members showcase excellent abilities. I believe that aspect will be seen as attractive.' He added, 'As the youngest group, we will do our best to show a wonderful image that doesn't seem like we are the youngest.' ONEUS's Fanwoong shared, 'I have always had conflicts regarding the stage while performing. I think this is a good opportunity to prove our abilities, and I am confident in our live performances, visuals, and more. We are having fun with the other groups, so please support us.' Notably, ONEUS is reappearing after about four years since participating in 'Road to Kingdom' Season 1 in Korea in 2020. Fanwoong expressed, 'I expect fair play and hope that by working well together rather than competing, all seven groups can attract attention. I hope everyone showcases the best stage.' YOUNITE's Woosang said, 'What I felt most during filming is that I am discovering things I couldn't find before. I am seeing new sides of the members that I have never seen before. I want everyone to find those new sides as well.' He added, 'We said we are looking for our colors, and through 'ROAD TO KINGDOM', we will search for our complete color, so please watch over us. The members also have a sense of humor, so I hope you will see that aspect of our reality as well.' CRAVITY is highlighted as a strong contender for victory in 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE'. Serim expressed gratitude for being considered a favorite, stating, 'Since we are recognized as a strong contender, we will work hard to meet those expectations.' He identified ONEUS, who is participating for the second time, as a strong rival. In response, Fanwoong expressed gratitude for being chosen as a rival by CRAVITY, saying, 'CRAVITY has many members, so it seems they have discovered charms we haven't seen before. Although we are the smallest group with five members, we want to showcase our charm well through the stage.' Finally, PD Cho Woo-ri stated, 'This program is a rising project for boy groups' rising stars. I hope it becomes an opportunity for people to discover the diverse charms of the seven groups. If you watch today's broadcast, you will find at least one group you like.' Taemin expressed, 'The serious feelings and ultimate situations of the seven groups are interesting highlights. I think it will be like a drama to see how they grow. My role as an MC in this ultimate situation will also be a highlight.' CP Choi Hyo-jin added, 'The ace can change with each competition. The ace suitable for each stage will appear. You will see new characters in each episode.' He expressed high expectations, saying, 'The characters are livelier than in Season 1. While the filming site was friendly, you will feel various emotional ups and downs.' 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE' will be broadcast simultaneously in Japan and Korea on the 19th at 9:30 PM.