KBS’ ‘The Unit’ Aims to Showcase Underrated Idol Talent

In the style of popular survival shows such as ‘Produce 101’ and ‘WIN: Who is Next?,’ KBS is changing the game with none other than an idol reboot format!

‘The Unit’ is based on the concept of already debuted idols that haven’t received as much fanfare upon their debut and allows them to showcase their talents to the audience.

Unlike most K-Pop survival shows that focus primarily on one gender, ‘The Unit’ will host a grand total of 126 idols in a co-ed setting.

The top nine from the boys’ and girls’ division will then promote as a group of nine for approximately seven months and judging from the idols participating in the show, it’s guaranteed to be an absolute show stopper.

Among some of the notable contestants in the girls’ division are Euna Kim (formerly of The Ark and ‘Unpretty Rapstar 3’ participant), Yebin and Somyi of DIA (who are under MBK Entertainment), and the entire ensemble of Melody Day.

As for the boys, four out of the five members of IMFACT (Jeup, Jian, Taeho, and Ungjae) will represent their label Star Empire during the show as well HOTSHOT members Timoteo and Hojeong.

HOTSHOT’s Timoteo and Hojeong

Starship Entertainment’s boy group BOYFRIEND (Donghyun, Jeongmin, Kwangmin, and Minwoo) and Hunus Entertainment’s Toppdogg (Xero, Hojoon, Sangdo, Yano, and B-Joo)  are also some of the acts that plan to take part in the show in hopes to garner attention just like NUEST during season two of Produce 101.

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A star-studded lineup comprises the six mentors participating in the show which includes SHINee’s Taemin, rapper San E, Hyuna, singer/actor Rain, singer Hwang Chi Yeol, and Urban Zakapa’s Jo Hyuna.

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With the the mentors’ diverse skillsets, it’s assumed that they’ll provide tailored guidance as well as criticism to the idols so that they can perform to the highest standards.

“We will film with the goal to ‘create the best team possible.’ I heard the word ‘last’ a lot when I interviewed the participant,” said producer-director Park Ji Young. “I feel touched and also a sense of responsibility when I see the desperate and passionate will to achieve their dream of becoming a successful idol.”

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Filming for the show has started as of yesterday with a live audience present for the first two episodes.

According to the network, the premiere date will be October 28th with a grand total of 14 episodes.

Do you plan to watch ‘The Unit’? Let us know in the comments below!

Written and Edited By: Julie Tran

Sources: Oh_MES (1, 2. 3 )/ 1theK / HUNUS Entertainment / GENIE MUSIC / MBK Entertainment / Starship Entertainment / Naver