Road to Kingdom (로드 투 킹덤)

#PyeongKaMun is back eyyyyy~

Today, 18/06/2020, the final episode was aired live along with live voting from audiences and fans (in Korea and International). Previously, the only way for fans (not including the selected number of Korean fans that were allowed to vote live during the rounds before final) to 'vote' for their teams is by streaming their performances on selected sites.

To those who aren't aware of this program, this is a program by Mnet where 7 male groups compete and battle for a spot in Kingdom (킹덤). This is a sequel to Queendom (퀸덤) which was aired prior to this (female idols version).

Before I share my opinions on this program, the 7 teams that competed were...

TOO

THE BOYZ

VERIVERY

GOLDEN CHILD

ONEUS

ONF

PENTAGON

The emcees were no other than Lee Da-Hee and Jang Sung-Kyu!

AND NOW ONTO WHAT I THINK ABOUT THIS PROGRAM!

Okay, first of all, I like how they have a program for 'smaller and not so well known' (in the producer's standard not my words) groups to gain exposure and to show their talents to more people through. As this is a spin off of Queendom (퀸덤), the concepts were pretty similar but with a few changes and tweaks (as expected from Mnet).

It was quite disappointing that 2 groups (Golden Child and TOO) had to be eliminated before the final round as there were no elimination in Queendom (퀸덤).

This program has shown us all these 7 groups are very well deserving idols as they showcase their talents every week through various performances. It is quite sad to see them compete (to be honest) because all these groups are talented in their own colors and lights. I feel quite unfair that they have to compete to show that they deserve to be in Kingdom (킹덤) competing with 'better and more well known groups' (again, not my own words). But I guess what is Korea and K-pop without variety and survival shows right? 🤷‍♀️😥

You can truly see each groups using their creativity to the upmost best to come out with a concept, idea, improvement of the selected song, dance, camera position and flow and possibly more that I don't know at the moment. All these to come together within 1-2 week (not too sure on the time provided between each round). Definitely not an easy job. The easiest example you can see from the program is from Pentagon, Hui. Hui is the one doing the song arrangement every week for their group performances and you can see his struggle at one point because he couldn't think of how to arrange the song Follow by Monsta X (which ultimately saved by Yuto hahahaha). The point is that they legit squeeze every ounce of brain juice and energy to just prove their worth...😭...they are all worthy and I hope they know that!

ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE!!

This program is a GREAT exposure for all these groups! This allows them to gain more fans or to let more people know about their existence especially to those who are new in K-pop or those who do not know which group to look into (because there are wayyyyyy too many idols debuting every day in Korea).

This program also gives the group opportunity for them to shine in their group or show the side they never had the opportunity to show previously in their comeback songs or shows.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOYZ FOR WINNING FIRST PLACE! 🎉

and

CONGRATULATIONS TO TOO, GOLDEN CHILD, VERIVERY, ONEUS, ONF AND PENTAGON FOR SURVIVING UNTIL TODAY SINCE DEBUT! You may not win in this program but you are forever winners in the hearts of your fans 💖💖

To other groups out there surviving to keep their place in the industry, HWAITING! 화이팅!

Feel free to share your opinions in the comment about this program or this post or anything lmao~

See you soon!

🌙

TMI: Am I the only one who LOVE the friendship between Pentagon and ONF???? LIKE BRUH THAT IS A WINNER TO ME 💕💕

TMI2: If you have not watched any of the performances from this program, I would advise you to watch it! You can find it in Mnet's Youtube page. You would not regret because every single performance was beautiful and perfect!