Daring To Dream

Yes fascinating stuff- he is very tall with a small face- this is what the proucers saw- and they know what they are doing- ZB1 is pretty successful.
I do think some of those friendship moments are story lines to boost some over others.
And with 160 mostly experienced and hardworking trainees for only 8 spots- it was hard
to stand out from the crowd without screen time.
I'm always suspicious of allegations that appear right as someone competes. And with
how many hours trainees are expected to work daily- what leader is not abusive to some extent?
So it is fascinating- and as you say- who can tell what is real.

I don't think its your mindset here- the script and flashbacks make things jumpy and disconnected.

I think Idol Factory should take acting and developing their signees more seriously- Poom also had zero chemistry with his co star in the Sign.
What a disappointment for Saint in his return to BL- he also miscast himself- I get he wanted to be a swashbuckling heroic type- errrrrmmmmm it was pretty flat.
On the other hand- the intro song was great. Grandma was good. So was the scheming villager----the young chaos trio was fun comedically.
The writing was weak and all over the place.

boiling trainees in a hot pot lol- but accurate

Look at ZB1- they actually have some pretty nice voices - but their videos
have vocals heavily autotuned and sythned- so why not just go for the visuals? Then they quit cut on the dance steps and hide the ones who can't dance very well.

that is a good call. the truth is- you have a bunch of strangers interact for a week- if anything lasting emerges- that's a sweet bonus.

I thought from start Khali is too controlling and jealous- Andrew going to bathhouses for "community' also doesn't seem like a match. But you never know!

It is confusing! Kind of like they're making things up as they go along- originally two separate shows of 80 trainees each were suddenly merged into one- so I think they get judged on 1 vs 1 battles (where "all-star" groups have almost guaranteed win)- Then they'll decide on breakdown of live votes (fans at performance), Korean online fan votes, global fan online votes and mentor votes to see who
will be 1 star. 32 is a huge number of dismissals- wouldn't be shocked if mentors get some "Saves" .
I haven't finished watching ep 5 so not sure if it is more clearly explained.

Not just BLs unfortunately- maybe its equivalent to US Sit Com laugh tracks- which I also can't take much of. Actually Japanese comedies can go over the top too- Japanese original Ossan's love- plot is great- actor playing Director is great- but lead actor is screeching and wailing up a storm.

I only made 2 episodes. The director and actors don't understand comedy. I think it's ok to compare to Japanese original- which was a simple story well done- no need for whistle and bell sound effects.
GMMTV doesn't work with artists to develop their acting skills- darn it Nadao sure did. But comedy is a gift- Fourth is a gifted dramatic actor and he tries hard. Gemini is decent in limited roles and they have chemistry when Gemini bothers- but that does not translate to comedy talent.
But they sell merch so----

I felt like Uee was so-so and her male lead was above average- but so what? This series was an unusual mix of rom-com and soap suds. The actresses plays moms and the one playing an aging mistress were terrific.
And the second couple was captivating.
If you just want romance- this is not that series- if you want to see food, plates and whatever else swept off a table at least once an episode- mix in some romance and chaebols dueling for power- then this is great show!

Even season 1 had some crazy brawls where everyone should have been in traction for months and instead it was- "let's apply a bandage and its all good!". But season 1 was a prequel that excelled in building up an intricate dance amongst the main 3 buddies- that was better than the actual manga- and the acting was spectacular.
Also lost was the way the hero underdog used his wits to try and leverage situations. Oh well

https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/6/10/miko-gallardo-speaks-out-on-blackmail-and-abuse-allegations-let-me-go-i-want-my-freedom-1406

appears to be getting support from community

yes why not show who Robert chose? or didn't choose- I thought he would turn around and come back and it was way to squeeze some drama out--- but apparently not.

Just watch through ep 7 and walk away!

IN YT comments- several people speculated Junhwan family had pull with company.

Enough trainee talent to form two groups of 7. Biggest head scratchers:
Kairo and Haru eliminated in semis?
WuHao and JiYong not making it despite 2 board "Saves"?
Starships last group has done well- so they must know what they are doing ....maybe

I also thought it was a great choice to explore the "pre" story- gave things a nice trajectory.
And they toned down some of Jin's cray-cray and made room for Akin's growing feelings. This made things a less stalky while still keeping the flavor of the original. Well-done for sure.

I really enjoy the creativity of this show - like adding the tutting and sign and singing in a foreign language- though doing all 3 with 7 days practice was slightly insane even by K pop survival show standards:)
Acting levels is a bit unfair as few idols are going to be able to stretch into acting- and that will come after success. Maybe tie it into story/song after some acting lessons ?

He seems nice and has great voice- don't know if in this kind of competition he is assertive enough. Has he led a group here or in last show?
All these Be An Idol shows let the ambitious kids fight for parts- would make a lot more sense to have pros sort that out and skip the drama

first one is secret relationships?