Chuang Asia’s second season has started with promise, as 60 trainees took the stage to fight for seven spots in a brand new boy band, one that will likely boost the popularity of the T-Pop scene worldwide.
The Thai spinoff of the iconic Produce 101 franchise in South Korea is gaining attention for it’s star-studded lineup of mentors and trainees alike.
Fans in Thailand can watch the show live on WeTV, while international fans can watch the full episodes for free on YouTube.
Chinese rapper The8, known as an established member of K-Pop group Seventeen, and Thai rapper BamBam, a member of K-Pop group GOT7, act as producers of the series, as well as mentors, joined in that role by Thai singer Jeff Satur, Thai actress Yaya Urassaya, and Chinese singer Tia Ray, with a sixth guest mentor present in most episodes.
The first round got off to an electric start, with the 60 trainees dividing themselves up into teams for the Global Audition Stage, a first chance for the mentors and the viewers alike to get to know how each trainee performed.
Among the notable trainees are many faces who have previously participated in other spinoffs of Produce 101, including Chinese trainee Hu Yetao (from the fourth season of the Chinese adaptation Produce Camp), as well as Japanese trainees Hikari and Koshin (from the first season of Produce 101 Japan), who are joined by fellow Japanese trainees Hikaru, Lyu, and Shoya (from the second season of Produce 101 Japan, who have since debuted in J-Pop group Maison B).
Other notable trainees include Taiwanese trainee Dong Dong and Chinese trainee Ricky (formerly known as Feng Junlan), who both competed on Boys Planet, as well as Chinese trainee David (who competed on Asia Super Young), and Indonesian trainees Bianura and Ryan Winter, who are part of the rock band Apple Mint.
Representing the broadcasting nation of Thailand are 12 trainees, with the most notable being 4Teen member Ninja, soloist Thi-o, T3N1 member Peanut, and former NOTE7 member Smart.
Newer trainees who have caught the eyes of many viewers are American trainee Myst, Chinese trainees Omar and Yao Zihao, and South Korean trainee Kohi (who previously participated on the dating show His Man).
While nobody was eliminated after the first round, the second round immediately became challenging, as the trainees were split up into 10 teams of six and were matched up against each other.
Although which teams won and lost each matchup don’t determine the elimination results, only the Top 35 will make it to the third round, with that number decreasing as the show goes on.
During the finale, seven trainees will be announced as the members of the debuting group.
All fans can download the WeTV app and vote for their seven favorite trainees every day. Fans are also encouraged to check out the official Chuang Asia account on TikTok for extra content, camera angles focused on certain trainees, and even more information about the show.
Chuang Asia: Season 2 is a well-run reality competition show, with the vocals, rapping, and dancing creating very entertaining performances that fans of all ages will enjoy.
The first elimination will occur on Sunday, March 9, with 25 trainees leaving the competition.
