Mnet’s Kingdom that was aired on April 1, 2021, also managed to steal the attention of many people because in this survival show there were contestants who came from several K-pop male groups such as BTOB, ATEEZ, The Boyz, Stray Kids, iKON, and SF9, and TVXQ’s Changmin was the host of the show. In this article, we will be invited to find out more about the journey of one of Mnet’s Kingdom contestants, which is BTOB! How about their performances throughout the show? Don’t miss out on any information in this article below!
BTOB Confirmed Joining Mnet’s Kingdom
Mnet finally confirmed the six groups to take part in Kingdom. Following the success of Queendom in 2019, the TV channel announced that they would launch a male version of the show entitled Kingdom. But, unlike Queendom, the male version starts with an introductory season called Road to Kingdom. The Boyz who was the winner of Road to Kingdom got first place in the Kingdom lineup. During the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, it was revealed that Stray Kids and ATEEZ would be joining Kingdom. Along with the news that TVXQ would be hosting the show Kingdom, several groups were reportedly in talks for the show. On January 29, 2021, Mnet confirmed that BTOB, iKON, and SF9 would be joining as the lineup of Kingdom participants. BTOB would be joining as BTOB 4U, a four-member subunit (Eunkwang, Changsub, Minhyuk, and Peniel), as the other members were currently serving in the military. Prior to Mnet’s official confirmation, it was reported that BTOB initially rejected the offer to join Kingdom but eventually agreed to come to the program after some in-depth discussion. The news of the joining of BTOB, iKON, and SF9 immediately became the spotlight of South Korean netizens. “BTOB and iKON are the most well known to the public. They will be suitable rivals,” wrote one netizen. “I feel BTOB are just looking for a new challenge, they don’t go there to fight,” continued another. “I hope all singers don’t get hurt and have a good performance! I’m looking forward to their performances!” concluded the other netizens.
BTOB’s Moments on Kingdom
There are many moments given by Mnet’s Kingdom from each contestant who participated in this event. It is likewise with BTOB who took the time to attend this show and also gave maximum performances to get the most votes in each episode. Make sure you don’t miss this session below and get to know more about BTOB’s moments on Mnet’s Kingdom!
BTOB Teased Max Changmin While Becoming MC of Mnet’s Kingdom
One of the episodes broadcast on May 6, 2021, of Mnet’s Kingdom: Legendary War was indeed eagerly awaited by fans. Moreover, in the broadcast of episode 6, loyal viewers were able to see another side of the participants of Kingdom: Legendary War. In the new episode, Kingdom: Legendary War featured sports competition moments that were participated by BTOB, iKON, SF9, The Boyz, Stray Kids, and ATEEZ. Mnet also teased fans by sharing a series of footage of the excitement of the 6 groups. In the trailer, the MC, TVXQ’s Changmin, is seen being tricked by BTOB members. BTOB itself is known as a group that likes to joke and make the atmosphere more cheerful. Kingdom: Legendary War is even more hilarious for the behavior of the group from Cube Entertainment.
TVXQ’s Changmin was seen being tricked by BTOB when calling The Boyz’s Q to compete. Q is known to have the same real name, Changmin. However, they both have different surnames. TVXQ’s Changmin has the surname Shim while Q’s is Ji. “Next, The Boyz’s Q,” said the MC of the sports competition Kingdom: Legendary War. “With a sweet smile in his daily life. His real name is Changmin,” Changmin said. “Changmin-ah,” Minhyuk exclaimed suddenly which made TVXQ’s Changmin stand up. “Cheer up,” Minhyuk continued. “I just give encouragement to Ji Changmin,” he added hilariously. “Changmin-ah, Changmin-ah,” Peniel shouted while standing behind TVXQ’s Changmin. Peniel seemed to be encouraging Q. Changmin and the participants of Kingdom: Legendary War immediately burst out laughing. Changmin admitted that he was surprised because Q was suddenly given a lot of enthusiasm. “Was there really a lot of encouragement for you before, Changmin?” TVXQ’s Changmin asked Q while stifling a laugh. “I don’t know why I feel weird,” he admits.
BTOB’s Eunkwang Praises ATEEZ’s Jongho’s Singing Ability
One week’s stage of Kingdom: Legendary War showed the vocal skills of the contestants. Mayfly’s vocal unit consisting of BTOB’s Eunkwang, Stray Kids’ Seungmin, and ATEEZ’s Jongho managed to create an emotional show. While on stage, the three great vocalists sang IU’s song “Love Poem.” In addition to showing outstanding vocal skills, they also displayed a good spirit so that the appearance managed to win the hearts of the viewers. After episode 8 of Kingdom aired, Eunkwang greeted fans through an Instagram Live broadcast. In between broadcasts, he talked about Jongho’s amazing vocal ability. Through this event, many new talents were exposed, and, for Eunkwang, one of them was Jongho. According to Eunkwang, Jongho will be more famous if his junior is given the opportunity to show his talent. Eunkwang said, “If he works hard and gets good opportunities, he is someone who can be more famous as a vocalist.”
Next, Eungkwang highlighted how Jongho’s talent can be further honed and has been shaped through extra hard training. Previously, Eunkwang had expressed his admiration for Jongho’s singing ability when doing a question and answer program on the Kingdom program. In addition, Jongho’s vocal ability has managed to impress other participants in the previous rounds. Not only that but Eunkwang also mentioned that he experienced changes during his participation in Kingdom. Being busy preparing for the show and constantly practicing, he feels that his vocal skills are getting better. For him, this event has helped idols to hone their talents to be even better. Meanwhile, Eunkwang is one of the most senior contestants in Kingdom. The owner of the real name Seo Eun-kwang debuted as a BTOB vocalist in 2011. After completing his military service, he returned to active activity by forming the BTOB 4U unit with Minhyuk, Changsub, and Peniel. Towards the second half of the third round of Kingdom: Legendary War titled “NO LIMIT,” the contestants from the vocal unit drew closer to each other. Recently, Mnet shared a fun video between BTOB’s Eunkwang, Stray Kids’ Seungmin, and ATEEZ’s Jongho between rehearsals. In the newly released video, the vocal unit approaches by chatting one-on-one while making eye contact for two minutes. During that time, they try to get to know each other by asking questions and being answered by the other person. Previously, the contestant group was divided into two teams, and one of them consisted of BTOB 4U, Stray Kids, and ATEEZ. In the vocal unit, Eunkwang, Seungmin, and Jongho represented their respective groups and form a team. Eunkwang looked so confused when he faced Jongho that he struggled to stop his giggling. Once he managed to calm himself down, he asked where Jongho came from. Eunkwang was surprised to hear Jongho’s answer because the environment mentioned was the place where he studied vocals.
Then, Jongho asked the senior’s opinion about his singing. Eunkwang then said, “You are really great. With the right opportunity, I think you can become more famous in the public as a great vocalist.” When confronted with Seungmin, Eunkwang asked if the other Stray Kids members were approachable. Seungmin slowly explained that, at the moment, he still feels a bit unapproachable. Minhyuk who was off-camera replied, “Lies! It must be really hard.” In the last chat, Seungmin asked Jongho which hair color suits him best. Jongho then replied that his current black hair was the most suitable for him and was approved by Seungmin. Then, the two of them talked about the game of baseball. Although reluctant to mention his favorite team to Jongho, Seungmin shared, “I still watch until now, but the team I support doesn’t rank well.”
