The K-POP survival show 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE' kicks off with 7 teams competing, showcasing performances and rankings.
September/20/2024 18:40
The journey to become the best ace group in K-POP has begun. The first episode of the K-POP boy group rising project Mnet 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE', which started broadcasting on the 19th, depicted the evaluation battle of 7 teams. With a fast-paced development and swirling performances, 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE' recorded a 1% rating, the highest among female teenagers, in its first week, and achieved the number one spot in the same time slot across all channels, including terrestrial broadcasting. Related keywords dominated the real-time trending rankings on X (formerly Twitter), proving high interest. On this day, the 7 teams received the 'evaluation battle prediction ranking' card based on self-evaluation from their first meeting. CRAVITY, who appeared first, was satisfied with their 2nd place, while YOUNITE, who came in last at 7th place, expressed frustration and declared war, creating tension in the venue. Next, new rules for this season were announced. Not only the 'team ranking' but also the 'ace ranking' would progress on two tracks. A total of 5 teams could advance to the finals, and among the 4 survival rounds, the 'cumulative 1st place team' and 'the team with the 1st place ace' could go directly to the finals before the final survival. The evaluation battle opened with the ace battle. ONEUS's ace, leader Fan Eun, appeared and showcased his outstanding expressiveness with 'Put on a happy face' as a joker. The youngest group, 8TURN's Myung Ho, utilized a sofa and wine glass for a sexy concept with 'In vino veritas: truth', showcasing a charming contrast. Im Ji Min from The Crew One (ATBO & JUST B) appeared against a backdrop of a giant lotus flower, choosing 'Dark times' and overwhelming the stage with physicality and power. TEMPEST's Han Bin impressed with a kiss performance with a mannequin in 'Who am I'. THE NEW SIX's Jung Jun Hyuk captivated the stage with 'Drowning', using only a standing microphone and his voice, leaving a strong aftertaste, while YOUNITE's DEY, a skilled rapper who also participated in rap survival, gained attention with 'Untitled freestyle', which he wrote himself. CRAVITY's Hyun Jun showcased a conceptual performance with 'Act I: Odyssey into gravity'. At this point, a new rule was announced stating that the team ranked last in the ace battle, which was CRAVITY, could not participate in the team battle. Amidst confusion among all participants, Hyun Jun from CRAVITY, who was ranked 7th in the ace ranking, was selected, delivering a bigger shock. In the ace ranking, ONUES and The Crew One tied for first place, and after a re-vote, ONUES was determined to be the sole first place. Participants felt the intensity of the survival and gave their all in the team battle. THE NEW SIX showcased teamwork with 'FUEGO', The Crew One utilized the strengths of their large 11-member crew with 'One light becomes one time'. 8TURN brought an energetic performance reminiscent of an American football game with 'WE+The Game', while YOUNITE shed their traditional refreshing image for a dark concept with 'Bad Cupid'. TEMPEST harmonized subtle sensibility with intense performance in 'LIGHTHOUSE', and ONUES attracted attention with their impressive production in 'Intro: Who got the Joker?'. The combined results of self-evaluation and streaming evaluation placed 8TURN in 1st place, TEMPEST in 2nd, ONEUS in 3rd, THE NEW SIX in 4th, YOUNITE in 5th, The Crew One in 6th, and CRAVITY automatically in 7th place. 8TURN, as the youngest group, won 1st place, creating a dramatic turnaround, and expressed their excitement, saying, 'This is our first time winning 1st place since debut', moving viewers. CRAVITY, who came in 7th, stated, 'We will grit our teeth and do our best from now on', raising expectations for the team's potential in future battles. Mnet 'ROAD TO KINGDOM: ACE OF ACE' is a rising project for K-POP boy groups that fully showcases their skills and potential, airing simultaneously in Japan and Korea every Thursday at 9:30 PM.
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