SBS Global Girls Audition "UNIVERSE TICKET" first episode aired, featuring 82 participants from around the world.
November/20/2023 17:02
The SBS Global Girls Audition program "UNIVERSE TICKET" was first broadcast on the 18th. In the first episode, the first meeting of 82 participants from around the world who gathered to fulfill their dream of becoming a K-POP singer was depicted. Prior to the full-fledged battle, a ranking announcement ceremony was held. The ranking this time was determined by a pre-vote conducted in July through the pre-release of profiles. "Trot Fairy" Im So-won ranked 9th, and Fan Si-woon, who attracted attention in the preview video, ranked 5th. Among the announced rankings, Liel from Myanmar attracted attention by winning 1st place. The first battle was a 1-on-1 nomination battle where participants in the upper ranks chose opponents they thought they could beat from among the participants in the lower ranks, which increased the excitement of the program from the start. Participant Koto, who ranked 18th as an "insa (abbreviation for insider, popular person)," appeared with a cute charm and livened up the atmosphere. Loved by the participants, Koto appealed with a comfortable and energetic performance by selecting TWICE's Nayeon's "POP!" Hyoyeon of Girls' Generation said, "I feel like I understand why the participants like her. She has a charm that you can feel just by her presence. When I was a trainee, it was the part I was most envious of." Nana, who is in charge of visuals in PRIKIL, born from the girl group debut survival program "Who is Princess?" and ranked 19th, showed confidence by saying, "My goal is to be the center of 'UNIVERSE TICKET'." After watching her perform "Gashina" by former Wonder Girls member Sunmi, Kim Se-jong evaluated her as "a member who could be the center." Yuna, who ranked 31st, perfectly performed the song and rap of ITZY's "SNEAKERS" as a "unicorn (judge and supporter of the program)," and was recognized by the unicorns. Yeji of ITZY showed satisfaction by saying, "She understands the point of this song," and Yuna praised, "It's so proud that my name is the same as hers." Im So-won, who appeared on TV Chosun's "Mistrot 2" and is called "Little Won-young," attracted attention as a participant, and was mentioned as a person that the participants are wary of. She chose BoA's "Atlantis Princess" and not only perfectly performed the song but also the dance, proving once again that she is a strong performer. Hyoyeon expressed her expectations for Im So-won's future by saying, "I want to cast her." On the other hand, the stages of the popular participants, former DIA member Eunchae (real name: Kwon Che-won) and Busters' Jiun, received harsh criticism from the unicorns. The participants with idol experience appeared glamorously on stage, but their unstable pitch and lack of dance technique were noticeable. Unicorn Kim Se-jong said, "Even if you are immature on stage, your true abilities should not be visible. I think an idol is someone who must make the stage perfect by shedding blood, sweat, and tears," and gave a harsh evaluation by saying, "Even if you are immature, you have to complete it. I think both of you need to practice a lot."
Related Articles
TWICE’s Nayeon, actor Ko Soo, and rapper GRAY attended the event celebrating the opening of ROCCA’s first flagship store in Korea, held in Apgujeong, Gangnam District, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th.
Korean cosmetics brand milktouch, fronted by TWICE’s Jihyo, will launch the new Dewy Fit Glow Serum Cheek on October 11, 2026, with early sales starting September 15. The blush forms a thin moisture film for a fresh, translucent glow, blends easily, and builds vivid color without dullness.
TWICE’s Momo is gaining attention in her 12th year since debut for showing a new side of her charm. At the group’s world tour finale in July, she appeared in a black bustier and shorts, highlighting her figure and creating a sensual mood with bleached medium hair and bold makeup. Fans praised her style and proportions. TWICE’s world tour drew huge crowds, and a Seoul finale live release is set for October 16.
TWICE will release a live special LP on October 16 at 1 p.m., featuring moments from its 'THIS IS FOR' world tour. The group completed an 81-show tour across 44 regions in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, including record-setting performances in Tokyo and Hong Kong. The LP includes live recordings from the July concert at Seoul's KSPO DOME.
The Asia Artist Awards 2026, to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on December 5-6, has revealed its full two-day artist lineup. Day 1 MCs are TWICE’s Tzuyu and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han-bin, while Day 2 MCs are IVE’s Wonyoung and actor Ji Chang-wook. The event features a wide range of actors and singers from Korea and abroad.
The Asia Artist Awards 2026, to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on December 5-6, has revealed its full two-day artist lineup. Day 1 MCs are TWICE’s Tzuyu and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han-bin, while Day 2 MCs are IVE’s Wonyoung and actor Ji Chang-wook. The event features a wide range of actors and singers from Korea and abroad.
Lee Seo-jin, Han Ji-min, Kim Yong-gun, Park Joong-soon, MONSTA X’s Joohoney, and TWICE’s Jeongyeon gather for a special friendship trip on tvN’s new variety show, celebrating 85 years of friendship in total. The show, produced by Na Young-seok, will air in the fourth quarter.
TWICE’s Jeongyeon showed off a more polished visual in newly released profile photos. VARO Entertainment shared several images through its official social media on the 14th. With deep eyes, long hair, and natural makeup, she gave off a mature, actress-like atmosphere that impressed fans. She recently left JYP Entertainment after about 11 years and signed an exclusive contract with VARO, where her older sister, actress Gong Seung-yeon, is also signed.
TWICE’s Sana, who appeared on the cover of the October issue of ARENA HOMME+, said MISAMO’s unit debut was her most memorable challenge. She said she worried about fans’ reactions, but ONCE helped the unit succeed on big stages and made it enjoyable. She also said her members give her strength and motivate her to keep working hard.
The 3rd KOREA GRAND MUSIC AWARDS (2026 KGMA) has announced its third lineup, a “first stage” of artists appearing at the event for the first time. NouerA, RESCENE, MONSTA X’s Shownu and Hyungwon, Billlie, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, ITZY, and tripleS will perform. The ceremony will be held on November 7 and 8 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, and more lineup announcements are planned.
