It's that time again and Jang Haebyeol is here at your service providing you my own personal insight on the latest MGA news! Like the first season, this season must come to an end and it's a shame when the finalists have become familiar faces, their names buzzing from break rooms to classrooms. From the initial 40 down to 35 and then to 25 before the 20 finalists have brought us to the 15 winners now.
The winners are as follows:
✦ (Click their contestant number to see their journey from start to finish!)
#2000 ★★★★★ Ty Lee Kikwang
#2003 ★★★★★ Mark Tuan Yi-En
#2005 ★★★★★ Bang Minah
#2007 ★★★★★ Bang Yongguk
#2008 ★★★★★ Jung Joonyoung
#2012 ★★★★★ Park Chanyeol
#2013 ★★★★★ Lily Choi Jinri
#2015 ★★★★★ Byun Baekhyun
#2017 ★★★★★ Kim Myungsoo
#2020 ★★★★★ Rome Yu Barom
#2021 ★★★★★ JRoyal Kim Jonghyun
#2032 ★★★★★ Jung Hana
#2034 ★★★★★ Yoon Doojoon
#2036 ★★★★★ Alaska Park Sunyoung
#2037 ★★★★★ Park Sunyoung Luna Carter
As you can see, everyone has received a five star rating now that the seasons has finally come to a close! This is because I cannot ignore the decisions and choices of the CEOs. That being said, that does not mean I must agree with them so my top three surprising choices/placements of the night are listed below but that is among the winners.
✦ #2005 ★★★★★ Bang Minah
✦ #2020 ★★★★★ Rome Yu Barom
✦ #2021 ★★★★★ JRoyal Kim Jonghyun
Other than that, I will say to see Kasper-ssi and Jimin-ssi both go home without a contract was a stunning revelation. It was also a shame to see Jaebum-ssi go. Such young contestants with promise seem like a better choice for the CEOs and their companies if you ask me. Read on to find out my opinions on each winner and the company that has offered them a contract!
✦ (Please note that the above star rating will not be reflected on the yet to be updated contestants page!)
✦ ✦ (The critique following this shall once again be biased and this was used as reference for the following commentary!)
Are you ready to put on those rose-colored glasses? Here we go!
#2000 Ty Lee Kikwang ★★★★★
Offer from: TRC Entertainment
If Tiger JK-sajangnim were to pass up the LA choreographer one more time, I'd say it's the end on both sides but he offered the contract after surprising news from So Jisub-sajangnim. I must say I have no words on this situation except that this winner must be going through an image cleaning after signing the contract and it's safe to say he will be signing. Given the clean image of Royal and how Jisub-sajangnim has strict guidelines (from what netizens can tell) when it comes to protecting his company's image, despite mentioning that Kikwang-ssi passed over an opportunity to audition privately, I think he should be relieved. Kikwang-ssi suits the freedom presumably given to TRC trainees following a certain time period after debut. Let's hope he can clean up his image like Zico seems to have since he turned down his offer in Season 1.
#2003 Mark Tuan Yi-En ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
At first, I was skeptical about this decision but taking the history of the company into consideration and the type of artists they promote, this is surprisingly one of the best matches made tonight. With a cute face and incredible dancing skills with a strong potential in rap, it makes sense that Miss Katie Lee would scoop up this English speaker for her company. He's certainly going to appeal to the large international following of the company.
#2005 Bang Minah ★★★★★
Offer from: Royal Entertainment
The first of the most il-suiting placements in my opinion, similar to how I mentioned Jisub-sajangnim's relieved state on passing on a potentially controversial trainee such as Kikwang-ssi, it's astounding that he would take on Bang Minah-ssi. With his current public trainees going through a few small scandals, nothing too note-worthy now but kindling for what will undoubtedly be a large fire to extinguish should debut occur, you'd expect the CEO to take on someone less riddled with doubt and in my personal opinion, charisma. Whether or not Ms. Bang reaches debut or stays with Royal, we'll have to see.
#2007 Bang Yongguk ★★★★★
Offer from: Nova Entertainment
An odd placement although not one of my top three, chances are that Yongguk-ssi is indeed following in Zico-ssi's footsteps. With an offer from Nova and his original choice being TRC, there's been no confirmation or otherwise if he has signed the contract but my bet is that he has not. While it is easy to see why Nova would want Yongguk-ssi, I do not think the environment or company image suits him well.
#2008 Jung Joonyoung ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
It's not surprising that Sphere offered both rockers of the competition a contract with Royal Pirates as one of their current artists. However, I've seen a rise among Royal Pirates fans that are wondering if Sphere plans to replace Royal Pirates with another up and coming band within KPOP. I would've liked to see another company attempt to sign either contestant. The same concept within one company can cause strife but it is comparatively a good placement and Joonyoung-ssi had a hilarious response. I admire his blunt but honest persona.
#2012 Park Chanyeol ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
Firstly, this is not about Chanyeol-ssi but leading up to the results. I am extremely disappointed with the "suspenseful" ending of the MGAs Season 2. If we were supposed to be surprised that Chanyeol-ssi received a contract offer over Jaehwan-ssi, I don't think the producers see the same show I have been watching over these past exciting weeks. It would've been an upset to see Jaehwan-ssi win over Chanyeol-ssi and I mean no disrespect to the former but the latter has talent and stage presence. Overall, he has that "it" factor. The pair announced with their results was an upset as well. In terms of showcasing rapping talent, I'd say Chanyeol-ssi and Kasper-ssi are on par with each other when it comes to potential. The final results being between those two would've been much more exciting but enough about the process.
Moving on, while I was disappointed with the delivery, I was excited for Chanyeol-ssi. Another good placement, it's not surprising that Chanyeol-ssi was selected by Katie Lee-sajangnim but what is on my mind now is whether or not his full potential will be explored.
#2013 Lily Choi Jinri ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
The judges spoke so pleasantly of Jinri-ssi and I've said a few times myself that she has the potential to be one of the nation's little sisters. That being said, the fact that her father works with MNET looms on my mind with Tiger JK-sajangnim's words. "The PDs think so too." I disagree with the (lack of) critique regarding Jinri-ssi's performance throughout the season but that shall be left for my commentary on JRoyal-ssi's results. I have no comment on whether or not Sphere was a good placement for her other than it seems like they are picking contestants of similar concepts and talents to artists they have. Joonyoung-ssi and Myungsoo-ssi for Royal Pirates. Doojoon-ssi and Rome-ssi for ChAOS, and now Jinri-ssi for She'z. My main question regarding Jinri-ssi is why Baek Jiyoung-sajangnim chose her despite saying "she's not the strongest performer in the group." The rest of the commentary rests on my mind like a double-edged sword.
#2015 Byun Baekhyun ★★★★★
Offer from: Nova Entertainment
One of the only confirmed new trainees from the MGAS (inferred from his sns updates and interview with SJ!), given how happy this winner seems, it's difficult to be displeased with the result and I for one am not. When it comes to energy, it makes sense for bubbly Baekhyun-ssi to be a supernova. I hope to see a lot out of this ball of energy in the future!
#2017 Kim Myungsoo ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
Similar to Joonyoung-ssi, the offer from Sphere is easily understood in terms of his strengths but there is a versaility in Myungsoo-ssy that could've been better placed in either of his alleged dream companies. Although it is not where I would've placed him and I cannot easily imagine him there, it is not a horrible placement.
#2020 Rome Yu Barom ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
My reasoning stems from the original comment of Hyunbin-sajangnim, the CEO of Nova which is coincidentally Rome-ssi's first choice. If all five were "thoroughly impressed," why is it that Sphere has been taking the majority of the large contenders in this season? It seems to me that the other companies have not had much of an interest in the contestants, most notably seen with Royal only making one offer to Minah-ssi of all the choices. The other reason I have chosen Rome-ssi as one of the most ill-placed contestants is his reaction to the news. We've seen him dominate the stage with confidence each round but his apology via his youtube accoun, bboybyu, shows us a shyer image of Rome. To see the contestant who promised us a 20/20 experience become meek in front of the camera raises a lot of questions. That being said, he is the only contestant confirmed to not sign his contract offer. It might not have been the best decision to publicize his decision but I admire the attempt.
#2021 JRoyal Kim Jonghyun ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
When considering KT Entertainment and its friendly atmosphere, it's difficult to think of a current artist with the company that isn't as friendly and bubbly. That being said, it's difficult to picture JRoyal-ssi at the company so one has to wonder what Katie Lee-sajangnim was thinking. His variety of talents could've been the deciding factor given how KT artists typically have a wide range of talents, venturing into acting and MCing for certain artists but the commentary from the judges contradict the possibility of this happening. Having worked with this contestant in the past, I can tell you myself he does not seem like KT material and I question how he will fit in at the company and if Jinri-ssi so called "saved" JRoyal-ssi, why not place them together within a company? The idea itself that she brought out the best in him and saved his performance is an insult to JRoyal-ssi who I find shined better on his own.
#2032 Jung Hana ★★★★★
Offer from: TRC Entertainment
It is not surprising that Tiger JK-ssi picked up one of the female rappers from the competition but I was hoping to see more versatility in his choices. Jung Hana-ssi is a good start given her dancing skills and rapping abilities. I'm sure he appreciates any female rapper who can pull off one of his wife's songs but I do think he should've chosen some of the singers among the finalists. With the majority of the publicly known trainees within TRC being rappers, it's surprising that he did not aim for more dancers or singers this season as he did with Hayi-ssi last season.
#2034 Yoon Doojoon ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
Another contestant receiving an offer from Sphere, the company was listed as Doojoon-ssi's dream company and he was one of the only contestants to be successfully matched through the competition. Whether or not he signed has yet to be confirmed. Seeing as it was his first choice company, I have no complaints but I do think a singer of his caliber could do well in Royal or TRC, which I'd like to personally see because I think TRC did not take a wide range this season whereas Royal's range with one chosen contestant was extremely narrow.
#2036 Alaska Park Sunyoung ★★★★★
Offer from: KT Entertainment
Congratulations to Alaska-ssi! Successful in making her return to KT, I have no complaints about this match and hope her the best. Hopefully, there are no hard feelings among the trainees she once knew about her return but by the comments on twitter including a rare one from fellow KT trainee Kim Taeyeon from season 1 who is rarely found on social media, that should be no problem for the twenty-one year old.
#2037 Park Sunyoung Luna Carter ★★★★★
Offer from: Sphere Entertainment
One of the few confirmed new trainees of Sphere (confirmed via her sns updates and fellow MGA contestant Jinri-ssi!), given Luna-ssi's reaction and updates regarding Sphere, I have no complaints about this match as well. My complaints from here on out refer more to the selections made.
On what was supposed to be an exciting night, there were various ups and downs, more so than a roller coaster and at the end of the day I am altogether not too pleased with the results. How a company did not sign Kasper is beyond my capacity and the choices of some of the CEOs baffles me too. Am I as pleased as I was last MGA season? No, but I'm always here to give you the latest news! Will you be keeping up with your favorite contestants from this season of MNET MGAs?
My surprise for you readers is that I've been keeping up with last season's contestants. Are you ready to find out what they've been up to?
1. acting or done without forethought.
synonyms: impetuous, spontaneous, hasty, reckless, uninhibited; rash
"Hyung, you're taking forever!" He can hear Dabin's voice through the door and he laughs at the impatient knocking. If it were him on the other side of the door, he'd be doing the same. "I'll be out later. Eat first, eo?" Borrowing Dabin's room in the apartment he shares with Seik, the camera is tottering on the desk, cluttered piles of papers and wrappers making the surface uneven and Rome has to laugh at how similar Dabin is to him. He misses his own little brother more, who isn't as unkempt but is still his little bro.
Taking off the snapback, he smooths the back of his head, fingertips finding unsightly parts of his fringe and flicking it back into place. He's rash, he'd say yeah if she asked him at that moment if he's this impulsive when it comes to large decisions in his life. He's impulsive when it comes to everything. Rome prefers to live based off his emotions instead of following his rational mind. Rationalism is what leads to fear half the time. With a deep exhale, he presses the record button, plopping into the seat and moistening his lips. There were no intentions of editing this or uploading it anywhere but it still made him nervous. Revealing himself wrecked his nerves more than standing on any stage, even if he had to be in his underwear. Being naked physically you can get over, being naked emotionally shows all your scars.
"If you’re happy being a face in the crowd, then perhaps you’ll be happy elsewhere"
"My name is Yu Barom. Second son of Yu Seungri and Yu Jiyu. Rick Yu and Jane Yu. My English name is Blake. The first son named me, Blake to match his name Jake. I am the second middle child and I was forgotten." He grins, hands clapped together above his lap, reaching for a molecule of his composure and confidence when his heart was racing against itself; faster and faster until he thought it would give out. "I am a face in the crowd. My father wasn't sure I was his son. To him, he must've felt like he was raising a stranger. I am a nobody. I am the child left behind at the amusement park because I didn't look like him when I was small."
There's a strained chuckle, a small cough, and a vague smile when he lifts his head. "I wasn't happy. No one is happy being a face in the crowd but to someone, you will always be a face in the crowd. You can't please everyone. I don't think I can please the needs of Sphere," he nods, dark hues finding warmth after how cold they had run at the topic of his childhood.
"If you want to be the star you’re meant to be — "
"Myung was right. I have no guarantee. I can't guarantee I won't think back on this one day and think 'Rome you wacka, should'a said yes when you had the chance.' I can't guarantee I'll get another chance. But to be the star I'm meant to be," he laughs genuinely now, eyes beginning to melt into chocolate pools. "I thought about what that means to me and — "
"Rome!" Seik's at the door now and Rome scrambles to turn the camera off, laughing as he picks it up, his hand blocking the lens until it powers down seconds later and he's opening the door. "I told Dabin y'all could eat first."
"Yeah and he's eatin it all."
...
It's not til hours later than Rome is back in the room, claiming it as his own since it looks close enough to the same while they get ready to go to practice for the night. "You sure about this, man?" Standing over him, Seik eyes Rome cautiously, his expression riddled with doubt and confusion as the latter deletes the footage from earlier, sealing the letter in its envelope. "I'm sure."
The building in Itaewon is hard to miss and Dabin's "whoa" announces when they're close enough, the giant sphere shape visible blocks away from the building. No one had spoken during the ride over, cautious that Rome was like a ticking bomb because the more he kept to himself, the more explosive and dangerous he could become but he felt calm. At peace, he felt like himself. For hours, he struggled because doubt settled in his mind with each person who tried to convince him this was it but his heart wasn't in it. His mind wasn't in it, even if his body wanted to run forward.
He walks in and there's a moment when Dabin and Seik think he's not coming back. "He changed his mind," and Rome glares at them when he walks through the door because they should know him better. Once he's set his mind, it doesn't waver. It's the same before he does a performance. Once he's built up his confidence, he's unstoppable. But he does turn back and it shocks those around him to see him kneel down before the building, as if asking for complete forgiveness. Lasting a good minute, the guys waiting in the car have to yell at him for dirtying the streets and he's laughing as he gets up, a final bow towards the giant sphere and a wave so energetic and hopeful, wistful, like he's sending off an old friend to study abroad. "You ready, hyung?" Seik asks as he starts up the vehicle, wild hand gestures flying when the car behind them edges closer. "Nah, but I'll get there."
To: Baek Jiyoung-sajangnim
I told you that not everyone gets my heart, didn't I? So I took your words to heart. I took those two days to think and I want to tell you that I did change my mind. Not to accept but about myself. The way you said it, I know you believe I have it in me to be a star. I wanna thank you for believing in an idiot like me. That's why I wanna be an idol. Kids like me, we're not taken seriously. If you wanna dance, you don't have a future. You can only do things with your body and not your mind. It's not true. What I want is for people to know if I can do it, if I can believe in myself, then they should believe in themselves too. Being a star or being a crowd in the face, if someone believes in me and in turn can believe in their self, I'm gonna be happy.
I dunno if that's what you meant when you told me I could be a star in your company or be a face in the crowd in another but I wanna find out what it means for me. I think I'm not ready yet. One day, I will be. I hope everyone will be ready for me too. The 20/20 experience won't end here!
Are due by tonight at 11PM EST! Here's a countdown if you need help converting. We've received contracts from the following:
NOVA: Byun Baekhyun
TRC: Lee Kikwang, Jung Hana
KT: Mark Tuan, Park Chanyeol, Park Sunyoung (Alaska)
ROYAL: Bang Minah
SPHERE: Park Sunyoung (Luna), Jung Joonyoung, Choi Jinri
If you are an MGA winner and are not listed above, please message the main with your final decision (whether it's to accept or reject) before 11PM EST tonight.
confusion. such a simple word that explained such a complex feeling. it was the only feeling yongguk had as he grasped onto hyun bin's words.
'nova wants you.'
what a plot twist.
instantly, yongguk raised his eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. this isn't what he expected. not at all. he felt caught off guard. he felt dumbfounded. like he was on that ashton kutcher show 'punk'd.'
of course, you can't always get what you expect and want, silly guk. that's not how life worked. even when you're a five year old little kid and you're at that one annoying kid from your class' birthday party and you get a vanilla cupcake when you wanted a chocolate cupcake, you're reminded of the common saying 'you get what you get and you don't get upset' by a parent. life was filled with surprises and disappointments of all sorts. and sometimes you're just gonna have to settle for that vanilla cupcake.
but this was a lot more important than getting the flavor he wanted. this was getting his dream company. the company that was the main reason for why yongguk joined this whole show in the first place. the company that was home to artists that yongguk secretly fanboyed over, worshipped, and had posters of that he would bow down and pray to in his free time. but thAT'S NOT IMPORTANT AND BESIDES THE POINT, SO WE'LL MOVE ON.
how could a company that focused so much on dancing and singing sign someone like yongguk? rappers were vital for groups to get by these days, of course, but for some reason none of that could click in the male's mind. he never considered the fact that other companies- who were not as focused on hip hop as trc- would ever be interested in his style. there was rap duo signed with nova that yongguk knew of, but they seemed to be irrelevant when compared to the other groups in the company.
he didn't know what he wanted anymore. he felt like he did, but he kept on having second thoughts.
yongguk saw what happened with jiho when he had rejected nova in the last season. he saw the backlash jiho got after that episode. this seemed like it was just a repeat of the exact same thing. an underground rapper who wanted to get into trc being offered a contract with nova and feeling like they should reject it. it was almost as if this whole thing was scripted. maybe it would happen again in six months during the next season finale. yongguk wasn't too sure if he'd be declining this offer yet. he wasn't too sure about anything. but he was sure that he looked like a fucking idiot because of the way he just stood there staring at hyun bin. he was frozen. completely frozen.
it had been a few seconds since the ceo had slid the envelope towards him and he still had not even touched it. after realizing how late his reaction was, he stepped forward and picked up the envelope. a ninety degree bow was given, "thank you for seeing potential in me, sir, i'll definitely consider it."
and he wasn't lying when those words came from his mouth. a lot of consideration was put into it. he spent the whole night just staring at that stupid envelope and thinking. ignoring calls and texts from anyone he knew, just so he could think some more. forgetting to eat, just to spend more time to weighing the pros and cons. he never felt like he had faced such a hard decision in his life. if he did take this opportunity, would he ever be able to be signed with trc? he wasn't sure.
maybe if he did a lot of hard work, tiger jk would notice his talent, and he'd be signed to the company of his dreams.
lots and lots of hard work.
or maybe he should just return that envelope back to the ceo and tell him that he appreciated the fact that the other saw potential in him.
The MGAs are barely over when you receive a call from an unknown number. You answer and the caller identifies himself as Tiger JK. Yes, the real one.
“I know the competition was disappointing,” he says. “But this wasn’t a question of talent; it was a question of image- we just can’t debut a female idol with those kinds of tattoos. South Korea isn’t ready for it. But TRC is ready for you.”
“We’re ready to offer you a contract on the condition you get your tattoos removed. I did some asking around, and it looks like that’ll take anywhere from 30 to 40 weeks- you up for it? It’s gonna hurt like hell, apparently. If you can do that, we’ve got a contract ready and waiting for you down at the office.”
She had been home crying, after responding to the few text messages, she couldn’t do it anymore. She had made sure to avoid her father and any other family member at any cost. Her mother had been by her side most of the night, they were cuddled together under the covers, her mothers hand resting on her heart, her face was pressed into the pillow and she didn’t want to cry. Still something in her wanted to die. She couldn’t on onto the sobs in her mouth but her mother was here, and she only really needed to cry, and cry and cry until her heart was about to burst.
When the phone rang, she didn’t want to pick it up, but her mom did for her. It was a number that both didn’t know, so her mother made sure she picked it up. Before she even had a chance to say hello, her mother passed Yubin the phone, the older women’s face changed, there was a smile as she started to shake Yubin who listened to the voice half heartedly.
Until the third word. She shot up, trying not to wheeze, her tear stained face stared into the eyes of her mother as she tried not to scream. Her brain was racing a mile and minute and she could only hold her breath. Even listening to his words, she didn’t care, if she had to get rid of her tattoo’s, she didn’t care if it would heart, this was dream. The one thing she wanted most in life.
“Y-yes sir!” Her voice raised in pitch and she tried to calm her heart.
He said TRC was ready for her.
For her.
Her.
She didn’t speak for a moment and she heard Tiger JK clear his throat, her mother nudged her.
“Yes, yes yes! Always yes! I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She heard a chuckle and there was a goodbye and she rolled out the bed and onto the floor.
After hearing the results about the auditions, Hyuna went by every means to find her best friend. She needed to find her, even if it means missing out on whatever she has going on with her company and whatever else there is. "Yah! Kim Yubin!" she calls out, without a care for formalities at this point. Once she has the female in sight, she ran up to her and immediately enveloped her in a tight hug. "Unnie, you did great out there."
Yubin rubbed her eyes and gave a watery smile to Hana. She took a deep breath and hugged the other girl back, slowly she pulled away and just nodded her head. “I know, that, I’m just thankful.” She gave the other girl another hug.
Hello Mister Rome? How are you feeling? The MGAs are over and you are going back home with the Sphere Entertainment contract. Congratulations. Now give us some words your entire experience, what you would do again. Also, are you happy with the outcome? I was surprised that Sphere decided to snatch you.
Ayyy, S.J. Nice to talk to you again {` — grins, laughing } How am I feeling? 내가 제일 잘 나가 {` — cracks a wider grin at the nod to his round 3 performance song } But you know what, I’m really sad it’s over. I loved this {` — chuckles softly, hand unknowingly reaching for his shoulder and he plays it off, patting himself on the back } I worked hard. Played hard. Went hard on that stage because go hard or go home and it’s weird to know it’s over. {` — shrugs his head, moistening his lips and smiling } Nothing. I’d change nothing. This was the 20/20 experience for me and hopefully for everyone who watched me. You can’t change the 20/20 experience or there’s no point right? {` — he freezes at the mention of Sphere again, when he thought he could avoid discussing it directly } I’m happy for my friends, for everyone. A little sad for those who are going home without the contract. JB, my partner… Mr. 2009, that contract should’ve been his. All I’ma say on it.
If your character is going to refuse their offer of a contract, please send a message to let us know rather than just letting the 48 hours run out. If you don't message back to decline, it's the same as giving the company a cold shoulder, and all the CEOs will remember that.
