A powerhouse lineup of K-pop icons, led by 2NE1’s Sandara Park, is set to guide a new generation of aspiring idols on the upcoming survival reality show ‘Be the Next: 9 Dreamers,’ premiering on TV5 this February 8, 2025.
Sandara Park, a beloved K-pop star who grew up in the Philippines, will host the show, expressing her excitement for the opportunity to connect with the contestants.
“I’m not a mentor, but as a host, I will look at the dreamers as a fan. I won’t give them advice, but I’ll be a good ate (older sister) to them,” she said during the media launch on January 20 in Quezon City.
The mentors, many of whom were also former contestants on similar survival shows, include: Park Woojin (AB6IX), Bang Ye-dam (formerly of Treasure), Vinci (HORI7ON), Hyebin (formerly of MOMOLAND), Bae Wan Hee (renowned choreographer), and Bullseye (K-pop producer).
The survival series will feature 74 dreamers from across Asia, competing for a spot in a new nine-member boy group. The contestants will be tested through grueling challenges designed to hone their singing, dancing, and overall star power.
Mentor Vinci emphasized the significance of passion in determining who will stand out in the competition.
“I think those with confidence, whose passion shows through their performances, are the ones I will look out for in the contest.”
Park Woojin, who experienced the pressures of survival shows firsthand, aims to offer guidance through shared experiences:
“I can share my experiences with them on how I survived those difficult times so that it may also help them to push through.”
Hyebin, a former MOMOLAND member, said she wants to encourage contestants to believe in their potential.
“I want to be a mentor who would recognize their talents and what they have within them. I want them to work hard and be sincere.”
Adding to the excitement are Narae Park, a renowned Korean makeup artist, and JUNO HAIR, a top Korean salon, who will help transform the contestants into K-pop idols ready for the global stage.
‘Be the Next: 9 Dreamers’ will air on TV5 as part of its Weekend Trip block, with episodes scheduled for Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. and Sundays at 8:15 p.m.
