It was Korea versus Japan. It felt a bit tense.
It's a group battle evaluation.
- They are like the Avengers. - I really wanted to be with them.
- It's show time! - Show time!
(Final number of votes)
Of course I feel sad.
Because of you, everything was ruined.
Why would you let someone who's not good stand in the center?
- Ye Won. - Mom.
How is it? Is it hard?
Are you tired?
I can't catch up.
(I started crying as soon as I called my mom.)
(I told her it's hard. I wanted to go home.)
It's a lot harder than I expected.
I felt like I lack a lot.
(Honestly, it's sad.)
(I was disappointed that I wasn't good.)
I feel like I'm the only one falling behind.
I was mad at myself.
because I couldn't catch up.
(I feel like I'm facing a wall.)
Is this all I got?
(Due to endless training,)
(they become more nervous,)
(but they keep sweating and trying for a reason.)
Would we move to Class A and make a debut?
We can do it.
- Do you want to move up? - I want to move up.
I have my family who supports me.
I don't want to give up.
(Girls can never give up on their desperate dream to debut.)
(Debut, debut, debut!)
(I want to debut in Korea.)
I believe effort always pays off.
I'm going to try all my best.
I should trust myself that I can do it.
I...
- Can do it. - Can do it.
I...
- Can do it. - Can do it.
(I'm going to keep in mind that I can do it.)
(I should try my best so that I wouldn't regret.)
I'm going to try my best, so I wouldn't regret.
(They say that they can do it with hope.)
I really want to debut.
(These girls will continue to challenge themselves...)
(until their dreams come true.)
(Until the day I become the final member.)
(Dreams come true.)
(First evaluation for 96 trainees, grade evaluation)
(Final grade adjustment has been completed.)
(Now, the trainees' final grades will be revealed.)
(Class A)
- Hello. - Hello.
Hello.
I've watched the video you submitted.
Based on what I've seen on the video...
- We have decided... - The final grade.
There is a total of nine people...
who went up.
There are 12.
There are 18.
Trainees who received A are...
How many do you think?
The number of people who received A...
will be announced...
once everyone who moved up...
from B, C, D and F arrives here.
(The number of final A trainees will be announced later.)
If there are many trainees who enter through that door,
there will be a higher chance some of you move down.
I was extremely nervous.
I could hear my heartbeat.
I'm expecting five.
(Training Center)
Let's move to the final grade.
Those who received an F,
please move to Class F.
(Trainees who received an F start moving.)
(Who moved down to an F?)
(Choi Yeon Soo moves down from Grade D to F)
(Re-evaluation of Choi Yeon Soo from YG KPlus)
She's the daughter of Chef Choi Hyun Seok, isn't she?
Her performance doesn't look powerful.
Goodness. She has a problem.
Ye Won was happy. It hurt my pride.
(Who moved down from a B to an F?)
It was extremely shocking.
(Jang Gyu Ri moves down from Grade B to F.)
What? Why is she in Class F?
I'm Jang Gyu Ri. Nice to meet you.
- She was pretty good. - I hope she's good.
Goodness.
(Final grade of Stone Music Entertainment's Jang Gyu Ri: F)
I didn't know what to do.
(Trainees who received a D start moving.)
(Shiroma Miru moves down from Grade B to D.)
I thought she was...
a good dancer and has a good sense of expression...
in AKB48.
I was thinking, "What is she doing here?"
(Re-evaluation of Shiroma Miru from NMB48)
Unstable.
How did she make it to Class B?
Why does she look heavy?
It feels like she's getting twice more gravity.
She barely gets off the ground.
(Jumping)
(Final grade of NMB48's Shiroma Miru: D)
Trainees who received a C,
please move to Class C.
I want to move to Grade C.
I'm not confident with my singing,
but I'm confident with my dancing.
I want to move to Grade C.
Please move.
(Who's going to move to Grade C?)
(C Class)
(Goto Moe moves from Grade F to C.)
(Re-evaluation of Chiba Erii from AKB48)
I scolded her the most in Class F.
Every time I see her, it's sad.
How sad.
To Class F.
(Chiba Erii's Final Grade: F)
(Re-evaluation of Goto Moe from AKB48)
She keeps the smile on.
It's cool that she doesn't stop.
- I honestly want to move her up. - Me too.
(Final grade of AKB48's Goto Moe: C)
I thought it was C from chance.
I think this is a chance.
I thought the trainer gave me a chance.
(Who moved from Grade D to C?)
(Kim Min Ju moves up from Grade D to C.)
I'm Kim Min Ju.
She was pretty timid.
1, 2, 3, 4.
(During the dance class in Grade D)
You're being too timid.
(Kim Min Ju was pointed out for being timid.)
She's good.
Please sing well.
Good.
She's not that good, but she doesn't deserve to stay in Class D.
Class C doesn't sound so bad.
She needs to have confidence.
How sad.
I was told that I'm ambiguous.
I'm not very good at dancing or singing or even acting,
then it said C next to my name in the final grade.
I thought I'm always ambiguous.
I was disappointed.
(Trainees with final Grade B start moving.)
(Who moved up from Grade C to B?)
Those who received Grade B, please move.
I thought Sohn Eun Chae and Hitomi would go up.
(During the dance class for Class C)
Okay. If you sing well, you can move up to Class A.
Practice a lot.
- I have a high expectation in her. - Me too.
- Did she sing well? - She was pretty good.
(Re-evaluation of Sohn Eun Chae from Million Market)
Her tone's not good enough.
Why does it sound sad?
She doesn't have enough tension.
Does she have a hoarse throat?
I think it's about breathing rather than the voice condition.
- She can dance. - B plus.
(Class B)
(Sohn Eun Chae moves up from Grade C to B.)
Hello.
- Hello. - Hello.
Trainees who received final Grade A...
Please move.
(Who will move up to Grade A?)
(Trainees with final Grade A start moving.)
If there are many trainees who enter through that door,
there will be a higher chance some of you move down.
(Will they able to keep Grade A until the end?)
(Who moved up from Grade B to A?)
- Hello. Hello. - Hi.
It's Kim Shi Hyun of Yue Hua.
(Kim Shi Hyun's final Grade: A)
I'm Kim Shi Hyun of Yue Hua.
She was in Season One.
She wants to show something,
but she was sad that she never had the chance.
It's a victory if she moves up to Grade A.
She's good.
She's cheerful.
Rhythm, 3, 4.
She could move up.
I feel grudge.
(Who is going to move up to final Grade A?)
- Hello. - Hello.
It's Ahn Yoo Jin of Starship Entertainment.
(Re-evaluation of Ahn Yoo Jin from Starship Entertainment)
- Clean. - It's just right.
Her dance deserves Grade A, but her singing...
If she sings that much while dancing...
She practiced so much.
I could give her Grade A.
(Final grade of Starship Entertainment's Ahn Yoo Jin: C)
When I saw Grade A,
the fatigue no sleep could relieve was relieved.
I couldn't show it because people shouldn't know.
I tried to put on a poker face and kept looking at it.
I was so proud.
2, 3.
(A proof picture of Grade A. It's nice.)
I can take up to 100 photos with this.
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
Hello.
Thank you.
Yes. Come in.
- Please, no more. - Please, no more.
(Who moved up from Grade C?)
(Go Yoo Jin moves up from Grade C to A.)
- I'm ruined. - There were more than I expected.
The more new people come in,
the more we have to go down.
(Honda Hitomi has been moved up to Class A.)
(Re-evaluation of Honda Hitomi from AKB48)
I think Hitomi will go down to a lower class.
Really?
Out of all the Japanese girls there, she has the weakest vocal abilities.
(During Class C's vocal lesson)
You keep singing out of tune.
She must've practiced a lot.
This is making me happy.
I like this girl.
She's adorable.
She must've practiced her Korean a lot.
I'm convinced that Hitomi will keep on improving.
I'm moving up to Class A.
There's something else I need to let you all know.
One trainee is in Japan at the moment due to a schedule conflict.
She also got an A as her final grade.
She had gotten an F previously.
(Who's the one that moved up from Class F to A?)
You received...
an A as your final grade.
Congratulations.
- Are you serious? - Yes, for real.
Amazing!
(Re-evaluation of Yabuki Nako from HKT48)
Her moves look effortless but very neat at the same time.
- Nice. - Isn't she good?
It seems very easy for her.
I think she'll go all the way up.
She definitely deserves it.
My, it'll be a miracle if she moves up from Class F to A right away.
I got an A!
It's so amazing!
I want to take this home.
Eight trainees in total will be newly joining...
you girls here in Class A.
Now, I'll give you girls, the 15 existing trainees in Class A,
your grade report cards.
I thought, "I can only go down from here because I already got an A."
I really didn't want to be one of the trainees that were moving down,
but I kept getting a feeling that I might be one of them.
I was very nervous.
Trainee Lee Ka Eun from Pledis Entertainment.
Lee Chae Yeon from WM Entertainment.
(Final Grade Report Card)
Yoo Min Young from HOW Entertainment.
Please let it be an A. Please, I need an A.
(What will be their final grades?)
Now, I need you girls to regroup according to your grades.
Those of you who got a B as your final grade should go to Class B.
(Which trainees are moving down to Class B?)
I forgot all the Japanese lyrics because I was way too nervous.
(Re-evaluation of Choi Ye Na from Yue Hua)
I had given up. I wasn't expecting a good mark at all.
(Re-evaluation of Kwon Eun Bi from Woolim Entertainment)
Because I made a mistake,
I knew that I'd be moving down to a lower class.
Please go to Class B.
(The trainee whose final grade is B is told to move to Class B.)
(Who's moving down to Class B?)
(Choi Ye Na moves down from A to B.)
- Hello. - Hello.
Choi Ye Na.
Trainee Choi Ye Na.
I was most shocked by what happened to Choi Ye Na.
From what I remember, she's incredibly talented.
She didn't seem happy about moving down to Class B.
(Class C)
(Who's moving down to Class C?)
(Kwon Eun Bi moves down from A to C.)
(Re-evaluation of Kwon Eun Bi from Woolim Entertainment)
(Sighing)
- It looks like she's given up. - I heard she's an amazing dancer.
I had the highest hopes for her out of everyone in Class A.
(Trainee: Kwon Eun Bi, Final Grade: C)
(Final grade of Woollim Entertainment's Kwon Eun Bi: C)
I just felt so bad...
because I'm older than other girls.
I kept telling the girls from my agency that we can totally do this,
but I failed to keep my own word.
I felt so bad that I couldn't even face them.
The fact that I failed to deliver my promise?
I think I was just sad.
The trainee who got an F,
please go to Class F.
I didn't think any of us would get an F.
It'd be crazy to go from Class A to F.
(Who's moving down from A to F for the first time on the show?)
(Class F)
(The trainee who got an F as her final grade enters Class F.)
I was so surprised.
She had previously received an A, you know.
All of us idolized her.
I thought it'd be extremely rare to go down...
from Class A to F.
I was shocked.
(Jo Yu Ri moves down from A to F.)
I was like, "What? Yu Ri got an F?" I didn't expect it at all.
(Re-evaluation of Jo Yu Ri from Stone Music Entertainment)
What?
- No. - Just move on. Keep going.
- Go. Keep going. - You can do it.
Gosh, please...
- Please. - She's panicking.
Oh, boy.
I think her grade will have to go down a lot.
(Final Grade Report Card)
(Final grade of Stone Music's Jo Yu Ri: F)
I had prepared a lot,
so I got very angry at myself for failing to show the trainers...
everything I had worked on.
I'm upset.
All right. The 14 of you here...
will be the center group in the performance of "Pick Me".
(The center group consists of 14 trainees in total.)
(The final grade has been announced.)
(Why are all trainees gathered here now?)
(Their vocal trainer, Soyou, appears.)
Hello!
- Hello. - Hello.
Hi, girls. Have you all been doing well?
- Yes! - Yes!
You'll have to perform the title track very soon.
- Yes. - Yes.
What's the most important thing in the title track performance?
- The center position. - The center position.
As we gave you girls the heads-up yesterday,
we'll be doing a center selection match...
for the performance of Produce 48's title track.
(Center Selection Match for "Pick Me")
All of you will get 12 hours from this very moment...
to come up with a one-minute performance...
for the master recording of our title track, "Pick Me".
Come up with a performance? What's he talking about?
I was like, "Gosh, I'm doomed."
We got three days to practice...
before the re-evaluation, and I thought even that was short.
This time, they gave us less time than that.
I panicked when I heard that.
I have to win the center position though.
Girls, do you remember the first trainee...
who won the center position in Season One, "Produce 101"?
- Choi Yoo Jung. - Choi Yoo Jung.
What about in Season Two? Do you remember?
It was Lee Dae Hwi.
That's right. Both Choi Yoo Jung and Lee Dae Hwi...
made their names known by winning the center position first,
and they were both selected as final members.
It shows us how important the center position is.
The 14 trainees whose final grade is A will be...
considered for the center position,
but only one of them...
will get it.
The trainees who got an A as their final grade will take turns...
and show us the one-minute performance they prepared.
During their performances,
the other trainees in Class B, C, D, and F...
will fill out the evaluation questionnaire in real time.
I filled it out, thinking that the one I vouch for will debut soon.
I evaluated them very carefully.
For us, AKB48, our agency always picks...
who can perform in the center.
But this time, the trainees' votes will decide who will get it,
so it was even more intimidating.
Now, we'll begin the center selection match...
for the performance of our title track, "Pick Me".
(The center selection match begins!)
Lee Chae Yeon from WM, please come to the center of the stage.
(Lee Chae Yeon from WM...)
(is the first to come on stage.)
I think Chae Yeon will be the best one for the position...
because she came up with dance moves...
and taught all of us in Class A.
I think she'll do a good job of leading others.
I'd like to show everyone what I can do through this opportunity...
and win the center position.
(Center selection match candidate: Lee Chae Yeon from WM)
Chae Yeon was probably dancing even as she was...
coming out of her mom's womb.
Kim Shi Hyun from Yue Hua, please come to the center of the stage.
I was like, "What?"
I thought she put on the wrong T-shirt by mistake.
(Kim Shi Hyun goes on stage.)
Shi Hyun, what was your first grade in Season One?
I got an F.
If I win the center position this time,
I'll be over the moon.
(Kim Shi Hyun from Yue Hua)
Hello, I'm Kim Shi Hyun from Class F.
I've made it this far, and I think this is my last chance.
I really want to win the center position.
I'm good at sexy moves, and people say I'm the epitome of "girl crush".
I'm very charming, so I'm confident about this match.
I want to win the center position if the opportunity is given.
I really hope I can win the center position.
My confidence, facial expressions, and talents.
Don't you think I deserve the center position?
Ahn Yoo Jin from Starship, please come to the center of the stage.
Hello, I'm Ahn Yoo Jin from Starship Entertainment.
Yoo Jin exudes a great presence even when she's just standing.
I thought that Yoo Jin definitely outdoes others as a center member...
in terms of looks.
(During her practice the day before the center selection match)
(Unlike other trainees, Yoo Jin is deep in thought.)
I was really stuck.
It looked like everyone else came up with their moves so easily.
I wondered if I was the only one who was stuck.
Shall I try doing a forward roll?
(Laughing)
(Stage 1 of Panic: She utters words that make no sense.)
(Stage 2: She's totally spaced out.)
(Stage 3: She screams.)
Before this, I've never felt the pain of creation...
in such a short amount of time.
But I will still do my best so that I can win the center position.
I want to perform in the center.
Hello, I'm Ahn Yoo Jin from Starship Entertainment.
It's really dry in here, isn't it?
I'll quench you all.
Drink it up, okay?
I love you all!
I could tell what her personality would be like from the performance.
I think she did the best job...
of flaunting her charms through the performance.
Miyawaki Sakura from HKT48.
Sakura is so pretty...
that I don't even think she needs to do anything to win.
(While Sakura was practicing for the center selection match)
I changed the Korean lyrics myself, but I'm worried that I might...
not be able to get my sincerity across because of my pronunciation.
(Sakura prepares for her performance.)
I was like, "What's she doing?" She suddenly started laying out...
pieces of paper on stage.
I wondered what she was planning to do with them.
I wanted to give a memorable performance,
so I prepared something different.
I hope my performance makes my fellow trainees smile.
(What did Miyawaki Sakura from HKT48 prepare?)
The center position is mine!
(The center position is mine.)
Thank you.
(She seems very passionate.)
I could see her passion.
Hello, I'm Lee Ka Eun from Pledis Entertainment.
I hope you enjoy my performance.
I want to make my professional debut again properly...
and become a singer whom many people love.
It's been a dream of mine for a long time,
and I've also been praying desperately for it to happen.
I'm getting a feeling that I'll probably be able to...
debut properly if I win the center position.
That's why I really want to win this match.
(Center selection match candidate: Pledis Entertainment's Lee Ka Eun)
I've been dreaming of this moment.
And I've also been praying desperately for it to happen.
I'm getting a feeling that I'll probably be able to...
debut properly if I win the center position.
That's why I really want to win this match.
Thank you.
I definitely saw charms that Japanese idol singers don't have,
so I was very impressed by her.
We've finally managed to narrow down the candidates.
I'll now announce which ones, out of the 14 trainees in Class A,
have been selected as our final candidates for the center position.
The first final candidate is...
Ahn Yoo Jin.
Call my name, please.
Please say my name.
Lee Ka Eun from Pledis Entertainment, please come forward.
(The first final candidate)
(Lee Ka Eun from Pledis Entertainment)
(She was professional. She's sexy and pretty too!)
(I appreciated that she spoke Japanese during it.)
(It was a good rendition, and she's a great singer.)
The second final candidate is...
Will it be a Japanese trainee?
Miyawaki Sakura from HKT48,
please come up on stage.
(She prepared a lot and gave a cute performance.)
(Adorable! Great lyrics. She did her best.)
(I could tell she put a lot of thought into it.)
(Who will be the center of the title track, "Pick Me"?)
Who will be the first trainee to snag the center position...
on Produce 48?
I really want the center position so badly.
Winning the center position will put me in the limelight,
so I obviously really want it.
The result is...
(Miyawaki Sakura versus Lee Ka Eun)
(Who will be in the center of these 96 trainees?)
The winner is...
We haven't made our final decision yet.
They actually received the same number of votes.
(The 2 trainees received the same number of votes.)
My gosh.
- Unbelievable. - Oh, my.
Oh, my goodness.
Is this possible?
It's a tie? I couldn't believe my ears.
It was like a scene from a drama.
Hence, those of you in Class B, C, D, and F...
will have to vote again now.
- My gosh. - Oh, no. What should we do?
(The second voting begins.)
Ka Eun is a great singer and dancer.
I think she deserves to be number one.
I think her image suits the song, "Pick Me", better,
so I voted for Sakura without any hesitation.
What a coincidence. One from each country made it to the final round.
They're like a different version of each other.
The only thing that's different is their nationality.
The center position for the title track, which will represent...
the 96 trainees of Produce 48,
goes to...
Miyawaki Sakura. Congratulations.
(Miyawaki Sakura from HKT48 is the 1st center member.)
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
I'm sorry, Ka Eun.
No, don't be sorry.
Your performance was much better than mine.
No, don't say that. Congratulations.
You're the perfect person for the center position.
Go for it. You got this. You can do a great job.
Don't cry.
It warmed my heart.
Even though they're rivals,
I could really feel that they're already friends.
It didn't seem to be about who won or lost.
It was more like, "We won together." That's the impression I got.
I don't know why, but I was happy.
Today, my heart grew that much bigger.
I looked around and realized that I have so many friends.
There were moments when I felt so alone,
but it was all in my head.
It's not about me being in the center.
I realized the fact that all 96 of us...
will become one and perform together on stage.
I'm a little worried that people might only see Sakura.
What can we do? She's just so pretty.
(The day of "M Countdown" recording)
- Hello. - Hello.
We have a rehearsal today. Wish us luck!
- Wish us luck! - Wish us luck!
- Hello. - Hello.
I want to see what the stage looks like.
Things will move around,
and the stage might even move up.
Wish us luck!
(What will the 96 trainees' performance of "Pick Me" be like?)
(Fascinated)
(Oh, my.)
(Everyone from Class A to F has entered the studio.)
- It looks like this. - It's a diamond-shaped stage.
(It embodies Produce 48's logo unlike previous seasons.)
(This diamond-shaped stage can be separated and joined again.)
I've never seen such a big and fantastic stage...
in any music shows in Japan.
- What will be your ending pose? - My ending pose?
(Earnest and determined)
(I'm the master of ending poses.)
(It sure is the highlight of any performance.)
(I want to master the craft too.)
Those in Class A, please come up on stage.
(We're totally jealous.)
(Those in Class A go on stage first.)
I'm really jealous of them right now.
Why is it that all of them look so stunning on that stage?
We were in Class A too.
Go, FNC Entertainment.
I'm sorry I let you down.
Everyone in Class A will go on this part.
(A part of the stage is raised for Class A.)
- I'm envious. I envy them so much. - Me too.
- Can you see where you'll be? - No, I can't.
(Those in Class D will stand at the very back.)
(Class D will have to keep dancing even as Class A's stage moves up.)
Now, we'll raise the center spot, where Sakura will be.
(The center spot is raised for the center member.)
- My gosh! - I'm scared.
(Sakura stands in the center to see what it's like.)
I'm right in the center.
I was so happy in that moment.
I've been practicing hard without getting enough sleep for this day,
so I'll do my best to show you everything I've prepared.
We want to be on stage too.
But we have to stay backstage.
Now, on to the next.
We can't go up on stage, you know.
We're here as backup.
(Trainees from Class A to D rehearse on stage.)
(Those in Class F are just watching them.)
Look at us, girls.
- We're here. Hi. - Why are you...
(Yamada Noe has always looked so cheerful and chipper.)
- We'll move on now. Get ready. - I know, right?
- Are you crying, Noe? - Why are you teary-eyed?
- Why is Noe crying? - Noe, Noe.
- We'll start with Class A's stage. - I'm really...
To be honest, I'm neither good at singing...
nor dancing.
And I couldn't even be on stage.
I didn't like seeing myself...
like that.
I didn't know that we'd get to do nothing but just dance backstage.
I don't even think I'll be visible.
I still want to do my best so that I won't have any regrets.
- Girls, let's not cry. - Let's not cry, okay?
Everyone in Class F, gather here.
- Go, Class F! - Go, Class F!
Those of you in Class F, please join us over here.
Thank you for allowing us to participate in this.
Thank you so much.
(Trainees in Class F move toward the stage.)
Everyone, on standby.
We got to dance right at the front, you know.
I did my best so that we can outshine the rest.
We all know how hard each one of us has been working for this moment.
I'll do a great job.
(Hair and Makeup Room)
(All trainees get their hair and makeup done for the pre-recording.)
(Dozing off)
(Cute and bubbly)
(Now, they're all dressed up and looking cute.)
(The trainers arrive as well.)
(They're ready for the pre-recording of "Pick Me".)
Whenever I monitor things like this, all I can see is their habits.
Who's the girl with big, round eyes?
Da Min? The one that does this?
(She always makes this cute face.)
(Soyou imitates Da Min.)
- She's good though. - She does this a lot.
(Finally, the recording begins!)
(The trainers carefully monitor the trainees' performance.)
(They look very nervous as this is their first recording.)
They have a blank look on their faces.
Why don't they look excited at all?
(They completed their first camera rehearsal.)
Girls, gather here for a moment.
I want you guys to look cute and cheerful.
- Okay. - Okay.
Try to be a bit more energetic and look more excited.
Smile, please. My goodness.
The very first performance always gave me goose bumps.
Please do your best again this time.
- Okay! - Okay!
An incredible performance through which we can see your hard work.
I trust that you can give such a performance. Go for it, girls.
Produce 48.
- Let's go! - Let's go!
(Encouraged and cheered up by the trainers)
Finally, it's time to meet the lovely girls who are...
participating in the sequel of "Produce 101".
("Pick Me" by Produce 48)
I must say, they're good.
(Ever since their 1st performance of "Pick Me" aired on May 10, 2018,)
(the trainees have been in the center of public attention.)
(Their fans outside Korea are waiting for their official debut.)
They're stunning!
- Oh, they're gorgeous. - They're very charismatic.
(Their fans all over the world are cheering for them.)
(Trainees in Produce 48, you're all mine.)
Oh, that's nice!
I'm getting goose bumps!
Had we been missing even one trainee,
we wouldn't have been able to give such a perfect performance.
I felt that all of us were dancing together.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The fact that I can perform on a Korean TV show...
makes me happy in and of itself.
Only those who have made their debuts can perform on that stage,
so I was over the moon that we got to perform on it.
(After successfully recording the performance of "Pick Me")
(The representative of National Producers)
(Finally, he's coming!)
(The representative of National Producers)
(He's here to meet the trainees for the very first time.)
(Representative of National Producers)
(Lee Seung Gi)
(The trainees have never looked this excited.)
He's very handsome.
He's incredibly good-looking. I really mean it.
He's famous in Japan as well.
He was my ideal type when I was younger.
(A true multi-faceted entertainer)
(Number 1 star in Korea, Lee Seung Gi)
(He's one of the most famous multi-faceted entertainers.)
(He's here as the representative of National Producers.)
Hello, all trainees.
I'm the representative of National Producers...
for Producer 48, Lee Seung Gi.
It's nice to meet you all.
(We welcome you with open arms.)
I still have a lot to learn, but I have...
more experience in the music and showbiz industry than you girls do,
so whenever you're stressed or in need of advice...
or any information,
please don't hesitate to use me anytime.
- Okay! - Okay!
I heard that you girls have been...
practicing extremely hard for this song...
and that you've spent days on preparing for the performance.
But I also heard that some trainees...
gave up on making their debuts and have returned home.
It must've been tougher for them mentally and emotionally...
because they aren't from here.
Nonetheless, I hope all of you that are here now...
can stay energized...
and overcome everything so that you can make your dreams come true.
- Okay! - Okay!
He cheered us up...
and asked us if we're okay with all the stress.
He's in the showbiz industry,
so he can understand us better.
Lee Seung Gi is our representative.
I'm quite proud.
So many people are immensely interested...
in Produce 48 at the moment.
Many are expecting that a legendary girl group,
which will take the entire Asia and the rest of the world by storm,
will be born through this.
An internationally famous idol singer. It's my dream job.
I think I can make it happen with my perseverance.
I thought I should be stronger and work very hard.
I want to become an idol singer who's famous not only in Japan...
but also in many other countries around the globe.
(Best of luck!)
(Between Team 1 and 2, who will win the fierce group battle evaluation?)
Good work.
(Between Team 1 and 2, who will win the fierce group battle evaluation?)
Raise your hand.
- The part for the center... - The center.
I want to be the center.
I want to give it a shot.
The center is...
Produce 48.
(All trainees are gathered after their first assignment.)
(What would be waiting for them today?)
(Lee Seung Gi, the representative of National Producers, appears.)
It's nice to see you all.
- Hello. - Hello.
Have you been well?
- Yes! - Yes!
Starting today, you'll be evaluated through a new assignment.
This assignment will decide whether you can stay or get eliminated.
It's a group battle evaluation.
(It's their second assignment.)
You girls will divide into 16 teams...
and go through the group battle evaluation as a team.
There will be eight songs, which is half of the total number of teams.
It means that each team will have one rival team...
that will perform the exact same song.
Everyone in the team that wins this battle...
will receive 1,000 bonus votes.
1,000 votes. Those who win the battle will get 1,000 bonus votes.
That's not fair.
That's like a free pass.
I thought I should win no matter what.
National Producers will evaluate you girls...
starting with this evaluation assignment.
And based on the results,
those of you from first place...
down to 58th place will survive,
but the 35 trainees from 59th place down to the very bottom...
will be eliminated.
That means almost half of us will be eliminated.
I thought it was very cruel.
I thought to myself, "It's finally starting to get ruthless."
I felt as if someone was poking my heart with something sharp.
I have to survive this time.
Then I'll go ahead and announce the songs now.
(The songs for the group battle evaluation are revealed.)
(They're 8 globally popular songs by girl groups.)
My gosh!
- Oh, my! - Look at that!
("High Tension" by AKB48)
(Out of the 8 songs,)
(5 are Korean versions and 3 are Japanese versions.)
I must get the song in Korean.
I thought that the battle will become...
twice more challenging if I get a song in Japanese.
Korean lyrics are hard.
It's so hard to memorize lyrics in Korean.
Team members will be selected...
(How will team members be selected?)
We'll select members for each team...
through a random draw.
That relieved me because I thought I still had a chance.
Thank goodness it'll be done through a random draw.
Those of you who are selected through the random draw...
will come up here and say the names of the trainees...
you wish to team up with.
- My gosh! - Goodness.
But before that, there's one trainee who gets to pick...
those whom she wants to team up with before any of you do.
Who do you think it is?
- The center member. - The center member.
That's right.
I knew it. Produce 48 is all about the center position.
Miyawaki Sakura.
Please choose your team members.
The first member is...
Having someone like Sakura in the team is...
Her team will be so strong.
I want to be picked.
It's someone from Class A.
Lee Chae Yeon.
Yes.
The second member is...
from Class B.
It's Motomura Aoi.
Kim Min Ju.
Kim Cho Yeon.
Kwon Eun Bi.
I thought her team will be so strong.
Since Sakura was the first to win the center position,
she'll get into the limelight and become very popular soon.
Chae Yeon is popular too.
She took all the strong contenders.
(During the grade evaluation,)
(Kwon Eun Bi and Kim Cho Yeon proved their talents.)
And all of them are so pretty too.
I thought they're like the Avengers.
Is there a specific reason you chose these members?
They all have unique charms,
and I also thought that they'll be able to pull off any song.
They're like a lunch box with foods that go perfectly well together.
I thought she picked those incredibly talented members...
because she's determined to win.
I want to win no matter what.
(She'll pick the next trainee to choose her team members.)
I wonder whose name she'll get.
Please let it be my name.
Heo Yun Jin, Heo Yun Jin, Heo Yun Jin. Please.
It's Ahn Yoo Jin.
(Ahn Yoo Jin from Starship can choose her team members.)
I'll choose Na Go Eun from Class A,
Jang Won Young from Class B,
Choi Ye Na,
Shiroma Miru,
and Honda Hitomi.
Next up is Yabuki Nako from HKT48.
Next up is Kojima Mako.
Next up is Matsui Jurina.
Next up is Oda Erina.
(15 teams have been formed so far.)
The six of you that haven't been picked...
automatically become the 16th team.
I thought I'd get picked by someone because I'm in Class B,
but no one chose me.
I wasn't really upset, but I just didn't know what to do.
Thinking that I'm not charming enough to be chosen...
It made me sad and upset.
Now, we have 16 teams.
Each team's song will be chosen...
(How will the songs be chosen?)
We'll do it through a race.
You must bring the flag you chose...
and put it right here.
Only then, you can get the song you chose.
The teams that get the song they wanted...
will get to choose their rival team.
In other words, half of you will get to perform the song you want,
and the other half will have to perform the song given to you.
Now, discuss with your team members and decide which song you want.
With these members, we really have no choice.
- You're right. - "Love Whisper"...
- doesn't really suit us. - No, it doesn't.
Other teams are probably trying to avoid songs in Japanese, so...
How about "Very Very Very"?
Are you okay with it?
- I.O.I. - The song by I.O.I.
Please wrap up your discussions. Team leaders, to your positions.
Please get ready.
I used to be in a track and field club.
I even competed in relay races.
Gosh, I'm totally confident.
I used to compete in relay races and beat everyone.
Back in school, I was chosen to participate in relay races.
I used to participate in 100m races as a member...
of the track and field team back in grade school.
Are you all ready?
- Yes! - We're ready!
Begin at the sound of this whistle.
(The race begins when I blow my whistle.)
Three.
Two.
One.
(The race for song selection begins now!)
(They run toward the flag with the title of the song they want...)
(as fast as they can.)
(While their teammates sincerely cheer for them,)
(they do their best to run at their full speed.)
(This race will decide our fate!)
(The ones that arrive first get the flags they wanted.)
(But this race isn't over until it's really over.)
(They must place the flag in its holder to get the song they want.)
(Matsui Jurina came in first.)
(She got the song her teammates wanted, "Peek-A-Boo".)
(Those who got the songs they wanted are happy, but others aren't.)
(Happy)
(Sad)
(These two are engaged in a fierce fight to get the song they want.)
When I was watching people fight over the signs in Season One,
I thought, "do they really want that song that badly?"
But in that moment, I did want it that badly.
All right, everyone else has put their signs in place.
Who's having an issue? You guys?
If it has come to this,
I have to be the one to make the fair judgment call.
(Lee Seung Gi steps up to rectify the situation.)
Trainee Ahn Yoo Jin is the winner.
It was such a shame.
(Sighing)
The results of the song selection are finally out.
But before that, Murakawa Vivian.
You kept telling me to move over when I was standing here,
so I thought that you were a really fast runner.
(Before they started running, she asked him to step aside.)
I'll move over. Okay, okay.
Yes, I'll move. I'll move. Okay, okay.
(They gather all the energy in the universe and begin running.)
(But then...)
(she loses a sneaker, and loses focus.)
Thank you.
You're someone who does her best.
All right. Matsui Jurina's team,
the team that got first place and chose "Peek-A-Boo".
Choose the team that you'd like to face off against.
All right.
(Miyawaki Sakura's team really wanted to do "Peek-A-Boo".)
"Peek-A-Boo", please!
The group that will be facing off against us...
will be Kim Yoo Bin's team.
I kept looking at Jurina's team and saying "Peek-A-Boo".
But I couldn't meet her gaze even once.
Now for the group of Trainee Lee Chae Jeong of MND17,
who came in second place.
Choose the team that you'd like to face off against.
(Han Cho Won's group quivers in anxiety.)
How about we face off against Cho Won,
who was one of the last ones chosen?
Yes, yes.
The team that was formed last.
Why does it feel as if everyone will target us?
Really? I should hide.
- Cho Won's team... - Let's pick that team.
- I feel really bad, but... - But it can't be helped.
- Okay, okay. - I don't want to die.
You were honest. It's good that you're being honest.
The team that we will face off against...
will be Trainee Han Cho Won's team.
They've chosen Trainee Han Cho Won's team.
I did expect that we'd be targeted.
I think they chose us since we're a bit lackluster.
(The members of Han Cho Won's team start to cry)
- Are they really crying? Oh, no. - What do I do?
What do I do?
(They can't help but to cry from feeling so hopeless.)
I'm sorry.
They must've thought they'd be able to win...
since we were the last group to be formed.
This was the first time that I really felt like...
I wanted to go back home to Japan.
Why are you crying?
We don't think we'll be able to do it.
You don't think you'll be able to do "Boombayah?"
In my experience, having the resolve to accomplish something...
will make people watching you feel touched by your determination.
So having the resolve to be able to do it...
will touch the hearts of National Producers.
And nobody can predict the final outcome of that.
So believe in yourselves, and be strong.
I'll have high hopes for all of you until the day...
that your tears of sadness turn into tears of happiness.
- You can do it! - Cheer up!
We'll work hard.
Hearing Representative Lee say that gave me strength.
I want to work hard so that the people who thought we can't do it...
will be surprised to see just how well we do.
(The selection continues.)
There's only one team left now.
The team that we will face off against...
is Trainee Miyawaki Sakura's team.
I bet that this will be a crazy battle too.
I think that this will be a big match.
It's like Captain America versus Iron Man.
(Ahn Yoo Jin's team versus Miyawaki Sakura's team)
Now we have finally finished choosing the songs...
and the teams that will be facing off against each other...
during the group battles.
Give it your all. Good luck!
- Good luck! - Good luck!
(They distribute parts and practice for the group battles.)
How do you say "I want to be the rapper" in Japanese?
How do I say this in Japanese?
Gosh, this is hard.
Listen to the voices,
and don't worry about the other stuff.
Just say "I like it" when you hear the part you like.
Well... Choice. Choice.
They're saying something nice, right?
("I like it" equals "something nice"?)
(Most groups are having issues with the language barrier.)
You don't know the song at all?
We have to choose our group name first.
Name?
Who has chosen the part they want to do?
Me.
The name of the group is really important.
It is important.
Just keep your legs spread for the first part.
(Group Two practices the dance for "Peek-A-Boo".)
After this part, take three steps.
And then we'll have to change our formation.
So when we do this, you just have to find your position.
("Peek-A-Boo" Group Two's Kim Da Hye is in charge of interpreting.)
The reason why I'm good at Japanese...
is that my mother is Japanese and my father is Korean.
We were able to communicate thanks to Da Hye, so I was quite glad.
We really wouldn't be able to communicate at all without Da Hye.
(Meanwhile, the situation among "Peek-A-Boo" Group One)
(They seem to be able to communicate...)
(since Lee Ka Eun and Bae Eun Young can speak Japanese.)
(Wang Yi Ren: Chinese)
(Alex Christine: American)
We had members from many different countries.
So we spent more time trying to communicate than any other team.
- This is really hard. - This is difficult.
I feel like we're already getting ready to become a global girl group.
All right, does anyone want to be the leader?
I kind of know the dance for "Peek-A-Boo".
So I think I can offer a lot of help.
Thank you. I'm happy.
(Stone Music's Bae Eun Young is the leader.)
Now we have to decide who will be the center.
Does anyone want to be the center?
Doesn't everyone want to be the center?
To be honest, everyone wants to be the center.
Of course. I honestly want the "center" sticker too.
I really wanted to be the center.
I had to be the center no matter what.
This is the only way I'll survive.
I want to be the center too!
Everyone wants to be the center.
You'll get a lot of screen time if you're the center.
And you get a lot of parts too.
So I really, really want to be the center.
Being the center is superior above everything else.
We have to choose the center now.
I think that the center should be...
someone who suits the song best.
Don't you agree?
Everyone wants to be the center, right?
You're asking if everyone wants to be the center?
- Isn't that obvious? - Right.
It's only natural for everyone to want to be the center.
But...
I really have to be the center this time.
To be honest, anyone here could be the center.
Yes, everyone is suitable.
But I...
think that either Yi Ren or Gyu Ri should be the center.
I think it'll be most suitable to have one of these two as the center.
- Gyu Ri. - Gyu Ri?
Shall we go with Gyu Ri whom most people chose?
- Gyu Ri. - Gyu Ri.
All right.
But the thing is, this is really important.
This is a group battle,
so I think we should focus on the team rather than ourselves.
Everyone was kind of on board...
with making me the center, but...
Are you okay with that, Yi Ren?
You could sing this part.
You're not going to regret it?
Also, it's not just this part. There are more parts after this.
I think...
I want to be the center.
You want to do it?
Then can you show us a part...
you're confident with?
How about we watch both of them do it, and choose one?
(Group One decides to choose the center position...)
(based on how well they can do the final pose.)
(Center candidate 1: Trainee Wang Yi Ren of Yue Hua)
- You're so pretty. - I'm getting goose bumps.
(Center candidate 2: Trainee Jang Gyu Ri of Stone Music)
Let's vote.
Those voting for Yi Ren, raise your hand.
(Yue Hua's Yi Ren has 3 votes.)
The center will be...
- Yi Ren. - Yi Ren.
Really?
Good luck.
- Congratulations. - You're the face of our group.
I do feel let down, yes.
("Like Ooh-Ahh" Group One starts distributing parts.)
Who wants to be the center?
Everyone wants to be the center, to be honest.
- Everyone wants to do it. - Everyone wants to do it.
I really wanted to be the center,
but I'm the only Japanese person in our group.
So it was hard for me to voice my opinions.
Don't be shy, and be honest. Who wants to be the center?
- What do we do? - Gosh.
(WM's Lee Seung Hyeon and AKB48's Goto Moe raise their hands.)
How will we decide?
How about we check their facial expressions?
(Group One competes to see who will be the center.)
(Center candidate 1: Trainee Lee Seung Hyeon of WM)
Goto Moe, go? Okay.
(Center candidate number 2: Trainee Goto Moe of AKB48)
Oh, my gosh!
Well, I think...
- Seung Hyeon should be the center. - Moe should do it.
I choose Seung Hyeon.
(Current vote: 2 votes for Lee Seung Hyeon and 1 for Goto Moe)
(Who will Leader Park Hae Yoon choose?)
- Seung Hyeon. - Yes!
(The center for "Like Ooh-Ahh" Group One is Lee Seung Hyeon of WM.)
Moe was really good with her facial expressions too.
So I was really shocked.
But Seung Hyeon had more energy,
and she suits the concept of the song better.
(Group One starts practicing the dance for "Like Ooh-Ahh".)
(Leader Park Hae Yoon starts a master class for doing hip swings.)
Put this foot here.
(Shaking)
No, not like that.
It's really different from AKB48's dances.
(The moves and synchronization of AKB48's dances are simple.)
The Japanese members...
give off a cute impression, like this.
But when it comes to the Korean members,
the way they move their hips is completely different than us.
Korean idol singers...
use their hips a lot when they dance.
So their dances play up their feminine sensuality a lot more.
It's difficult.
How do I explain this?
Do it slowly. Do it slowly.
(She explains it slowly one more time.)
- Put this leg here. It's okay. - Japanese is hard.
- You're really good at teaching. - Yes.
But it's not like doing a wave.
- How do we explain this? - That's right!
- There you go. - Okay.
Hae Yoon, the leader,
taught it to me in a way that was easy to understand.
She helped me out a lot.
Let's all stand in our own spots.
My group members thought that I'd be a good leader...
and that I'd be a good center too.
(Feeling proud)
So this is what happened.
One more time. Stomp down like this.
Let's just stomp once to the side and once diagonally.
- Okay. - Or should we...
stomp diagonally once, then to our side once?
If we do that, they won't be able to see our faces.
Then should we do this?
I think stomping next to us and then at an angle is best.
Is this the correct formation?
It's really hard since there's no mirror here.
I think the formation is off.
Ha Eun was in Class A.
(Lee Ha Eun is the only member of Group Two who is in Class A.)
And nobody else is in Class A.
She was put in that class since she's talented.
So it almost felt like Ha Eun was the real leader.
Like this. Then change.
(It's correct.)
- You two need to be in front of me. - Okay.
This is where the center is,
and we'll be standing in a diagonal line like this.
So you're the only one who will be all the way in the back.
So we have to step forward more like this.
Yes, you have to move up more.
(Trainee Lee Ha Eun leads the practice...)
(instead of Park Seo Young, the leader and center.)
We have to do it three times.
What?
Three times.
What?
The two of them were subconsciously competing.
Both people gave different commands.
Meanwhile, I just stood off to the side.
It's stressing me out a bit, to be honest.
(Will "Like Ooh-Ahh" Group Two be able to have a smooth practice?)
("Boombayah" Group One has a happy vibe from the very start.)
Everyone thought that we'd pick "Boombayah".
Someone said to me,
"You looked like you were going for 'Boombayah' from the start."
The big picture. Of course.
Chae Jeong is really smart...
because she had a plan for all of this.
That's right.
It was already all complete in my mind's eye.
(When they were having the meeting to decide on their song)
Everyone can hear me, right?
I'm aiming for "Boombayah".
I was only looking at Blackpink's "Boombayah"...
from the very start.
(Blackpink's "Boombayah", a song showcasing a lot of hip-hop swag)
Trainee Go Yoo Jin.
And I thought...
that Go Yoo Jin best suited the song I was thinking of.
Trainee Park Chan Joo.
And I figured that Chan Joo would pick this song up in no time.
- Trainee Won Seo Yeon. - And I needed Seo Yeon to sing.
Trainee Kim So Hee.
I thought our group might come off too strong,
so I chose one cute person for our team too.
Everyone said, "You chose a group to perform 'Boombayah'."
Let's say I got "Boombayah". But someone else takes the sign.
I'm scared we'll lose it.
What would we do if we lose it?
We won't lose it easily.
We have to think of a backup plan in case we don't get it.
If we don't get it?
There's no way that'll happen. I'm good at running.
(Trainee Lee Chae Jung dashes with an impressive speed.)
("Boombayah" by Blackpink)
(She got Blackpink's "Boombayah" with time to spare.)
I did it!
She grabbed the sign and put it in like this. It was so cool.
This was the big picture that I had in my head.
Shall we choose the leader first?
- Who wants to do it? - Raise your hand.
Yes, I want to do it.
- Yes, do it. - Really?
Is it usually decided so easily like this?
I'm the leader?
- Yes. - Yes.
Thank you.
("Boombayah" Group One's leader is Lee Chae Jung of MND17.)
I'll work hard to win us those extra 1,000 votes.
Let's do this.
This went too perfectly according to my plan.
It went perfectly.
("Boombayah" by Blackpink)
(On the other hand, "Boombayah" Group Two seems to be at odds.)
Everyone seems to have given up.
So everyone was just crying.
It felt really hopeless.
I never would have guessed that we'd get this song.
There's no group that we want to avoid, right?
There is a song that I want to avoid.
- "Boombayah"? - "Boombayah".
Which song did you want to avoid getting, no matter what?
"Boombayah".
We want to face off against Trainee Han Cho Won's team.
My mind went completely blank.
I knew that there was no use in crying.
But the tears just wouldn't stop, and it was really difficult.
We can do this.
("Boombayah" Group Two still seems to be completely down.)
We can do this.
(Trainee Han Cho Won puts on a hardened face.)
I ended up getting both stickers.
So I feel a heavy burden on my shoulders now.
Nanami, please sing the first vocal part.
(A sad version of "Boombayah")
(We're special no matter where we may be)
Eri, try singing the first vocal part.
(Looks over)
What do I do about this?
(What do I do about this sullen mood?)
It was clear that Cho Won wanted to try her best.
I felt really grateful,
but I also really sorry toward her.
Let's take a look.
(Kang Hye Won tries to help the leader and lightens the mood.)
(They watch the dance video one more time.)
It looks so hard.
The song is pretty much entirely a rap song,
so I don't think I'll be able to do it.
We need to divide up the rap portions anyway.
Does anyone want to do the rap part?
No.
We're even worse at rapping.
- You can't rap? - Yes.
("Boombayah" has more rap parts than vocal parts.)
At least one person needs to do it though.
(At least one of them needs to rap.)
She wrote "innocence" on the "position" part.
That is indeed important.
I'm number one when it comes to innocence.
I want to embody innocence, but this song clashes with that concept.
At least one person needs to do it.
(Group Two struggles with assigning parts for "Boombayah".)
At least one person needs to do it.
I'll do it.
I'm Kang Hye Won, the main rapper.
I bet my parents will be so shocked when they see this.
My parents joked with me...
saying, "What if you rap the entire time?"
But there's a reason why one shouldn't say things like that.
In this end, something like this happened.
(She ambitiously challenged herself and chose to be the main rapper.)
(But she can clearly hear Group One practicing the rap for "Boombayah".)
(Cheers to me)
They already sound perfect.
Are you okay with rapping?
I don't know. I'll try practicing later.
The entire time,
I was thinking, "Gosh, what do I do?"
(Who will ultimately be the winner of the "Boombayah" group battle?)
("Mamma Mia" by Kara)
- All right. - The center.
The center position is really important.
Who wants to be the center? Raise your hand.
I want to do it. I want to do it.
Yes, I want to do it.
Your facial expression is really important.
- Yes. - Exactly.
My specialty is putting on fun facial expressions.
Can you make any kind of facial expression?
Yes, any kind.
- Any kind, you say? - Just say the word.
Then make a facial expression that mimics mine.
All right.
I did that?
That's the image of you that I had in my mind.
Can you do one for all of us?
You look so beautiful when you smile, so...
It looks like her. It does look like her.
I think I get it.
For the last one,
you give off a very strong impression, so...
I need to focus my energy to my eyes.
- This is so funny. - What she does is...
- like a caricature. - Yes, a caricature.
- Yes. - Yes, really.
I can't win against that.
Look at her face.
That's amazing.
- I've never seen this side of her. - Goodness.
Oh, yes!
It's very, very sexy.
It's really important.
- The center is really important. - Yes.
1, 2, 3!
Our center!
Come on.
I didn't pick you.
I really...
wanted to become the center.
But when I considered the team's overall balance,
I couldn't say that I wanted to do it.
Center!
You're the center!
Gosh.
- Goodness. - Gosh.
Goodness. This is amazing.
I might not be able to do this.
You're quick to give up.
It's one of the songs that I don't know well.
So I did want to avoid getting it.
A black list?
"Mamma Mia."
The "Mamma Mia" team keeps looking at us.
The team that we choose to face off against...
is Murakawa Vivian's team.
(Don't you dare think that you'll win!)
Don't you dare think that you'll win!
Miho.
I'm sorry, Miho.
Any words of warning to her as her senior?
All I have is confidence.
I definitely don't want to lose against them!
If we lose...
after being picked out like that, it'll make me angry.
A fire burned from within me.
Please do a good job.
We'll leave it to you.
Let's do this well.
Whether we will be eliminated or remain here...
all depends on the results...
of this group battle.
So I'm planning to give it my very best.
Cho Sa Rang is the main vocal of their team.
And she can hit the high notes really well.
I'm a bit conscious of her because she's good.
Even during Season One...
I was sent home when I was the main vocalist.
There it is. You can do it.
I can't be sent home in the same way this time.
I have to do well as the main vocalist.
("Love Whisper" by GFriend)
(Blinking)
Our entire group consists of people...
who are all elegant and cute.
Kim Na Young of Class A.
Trainee Kim Na Young.
I wanted to create a team of cute people.
Kang Da Min. She's also cute.
And Misaki is cute too.
Yoon Eun Bin. She's definitely cute.
Our entire team consists of cute people.
We're the Cute Avengers.
Don't we kind of seem like the Avengers? The Cute Avengers.
The Cute Avengers!
I'm sorry.
GFriend's song is cute,
but I didn't really want to do it.
(There is a high note in GFriend's "Love Whisper".)
It seems like a difficult song.
No one among us is suitable as a main vocalist.
All of us are dancers. None of us are vocalists.
Every other song is fine with me, as long as it's not "Love Whisper".
Really. I mean it.
(Group battle song selection)
(The trainees that want to avoid getting "Love Whisper")
No way.
("Love Whisper" by GFriend)
No, Tomu. No, no.
I felt like I was about to cry.
We don't need it?
(Nodding)
(Throwing it away)
(She declares defeat even though she got a sign?)
(In the end, they couldn't avoid getting "Love Whisper".)
(Goodness, we're doomed.)
Are you okay? I'm really sorry.
We only have dancers in our team.
I'm a bit worried since we don't have anyone to be the main vocalist.
(The have no choice but to choose a main vocalist for "Love Whisper".)
(Leader Sohn Eun Chae attempts the main vocalist's part.)
- You try it, Noe. - I don't think she can.
I'm really worried. How can we win?
Main vocalist.
(The rest of Group One attempts the main vocalist's part.)
You can hit it.
No, no, I can't. Don't say that.
Wait a second.
- Nanami. Nanami. - No, no.
Why did they pick me to be the main vocalist?
I don't think I even did a good job.
Let's decide on the main vocalist first.
Who wants to be the main vocalist? Raise your hand.
(Scratching)
It's okay, it's okay.
It's okay.
(After much thought, Kim Na Young decides to be the main vocalist.)
When I was first put in Class C,
they praised my vocals, saying that they were pretty steady.
(Class C's vocal class)
Your vocals are pretty steady. Good job.
- I don't know if I can hit it... - Nako, you try it.
Nako's voice is really high-pitched.
(Kurihara Sae recommends Yabuki Nako.)
(HKT48's Yabuki Nako tries singing the main vocalist's part.)
Is it okay?
Nako was really good at singing.
Nako, do you want to be the main vocalist?
- Do you want to do it? - Is that okay?
- Is that okay? - It's fine.
- It's fine. - Is it?
Nako.
To be honest, it made me upset.
But I didn't make it too obvious.
(Sighing)
("High Tension" by AKB48)
So you've performed this song before?
- Yes. - Everyone has performed...
this song many times.
I was also onstage for that performance with everyone else.
But where was I even standing?
How should we choose the center for this song?
I've never received attention...
as the center even once for the past seven years.
Maybe something would be different if I were the center this time.
Shall we try to showcase our own charm?
Our own charm?
I want to try being the center.
- Okay. - Good.
I'm nervous.
I want to try being the center.
How about we choose Saho then?
I'll work really hard.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...
The center? Well...
"High Tension" is a song I've performed many times for AKB48.
It's an AKB48 song, so having a Japanese person as the center...
would be too predictable.
So having a Korean trainee as the center...
will bring something new to the table.
I want to see a new version of "High Tension".
So I think a Korean member would be better.
Saying that they wanted a new version of "High Tension",
Miyu and Erina picked the center position.
Who would be great?
The center position is an important role.
I thought it would be nice to become the center.
- Okay? - Okay.
Okay.
I recommend...
the giraffe.
- The giraffe? - The giraffe.
We're giraffes from Pledis. I'm Heo Yun Jin.
The giraffe...
Heo Yun Jin.
I like your image of a giraffe.
Congratulations.
I'll practice hard to be a good center.
I think "High Tension" would be difficult for Korean trainees.
As I already know about that song very well, I feel confident.
If an AKB48 member become the center of AKB48's song, it'll be boring.
Does anyone want to be at the center?
- Who wants to be the center? - I do.
Why don't each of you sing the song?
- Which part? - This part.
Now? I didn't memorize it yet.
Will it be possible to pick the center by singing the song now?
I didn't have a chance to practice.
Do you think we can choose the center if we hear each of us sing?
I think we can if we look at the facial expression at this part.
I guess facial expressions are important to every member.
I think I can't do it if that's how we pick the center.
How about playing rock-paper-scissors? Can't we?
- Rock-paper-scissors? - Yes.
Rock-paper-scissors?
This is a matter that is too important...
to decide with rock-paper-scissors.
It seems to be hard to decide, so let's just try it.
- Then... - I'm okay then. Leave me out.
I won't do it.
I was not sure if I could sing it well,
so I gave up.
I thought Sian did a better job.
I don't know.
The Japanese members have their personal opinions, and I don't know.
If Sian becomes the center,
I thought we'd be like Sian and Girls.
I didn't recognize it,
but now that we had such a result,
I realized that there is...
a difference of opinions between countries.
I think our center should be...
- Juri or Yu Ri. - Okay.
Since a center can leave a strong impression...
and stand out, I wanted to take the position.
Can you sing it now?
Okay.
- That was good. - She did a good job.
- Both of them are good. - They are.
Well...
Since it's a team battle,
I don't want to cause any harm to you guys.
- No. - No way.
- No. - You're not.
- No. - You did a good job.
- She is just cute and sexy. - There was a feel to her.
She is so cute and adorable.
- It's okay. - You're the center.
- You're the center, Juri. - Really?
Congratulations.
- I can do it. Let's go. - Let's go.
If there is something you don't know,
please ask me.
- Will you... - I'll help you.
Thank you.
Let's go.
- Hello. - I'm thirsty.
- Is this water? - It's water.
- Okay. Water. - Water.
Everyone says Sakura's team...
is like the Avengers.
We can't beat Trainee Sakura's popularity,
her singing skills,
or anything else.
For goodness' sake. Everything else was great.
Ahn Yoo Jin.
It was great to be picked with a ball, I chose great members,
and picked a nice song,
but we placed eighth.
The team we'll battle against is...
Miyawaki Sakura's team.
Our opponent team turned out to be the Avengers.
I thought we were absolutely doomed.
They are amazing too.
Sakura's team members are very popular,
but I think Yoo Jin's team...
suits the song better.
I think it'll be a big match.
It's Captain America versus Iron Man.
If there is anyone who wants to be in the center,
please raise your hand.
My gosh.
Goodness.
Try to do your performances to appeal to us.
1, 2, 3.
- She's cute. - So cute.
Is this the right key? If you love me... Okay.
- Are you going to sing too? - Will you sing too?
Don't you have to?
My gosh.
Why are you looking at me?
Our center will be...
- Won Young. - What?
Really? Thank you so much.
Raise your hand if you want Yoo Jin for the center position.
Raise your hand if you want Won Young for the center position.
Maybe I wanted to be the center so much...
that I raised my hand like this.
Thank you.
- I'll try my best. - Let's go.
- We should choose the center. - Oh, the center.
Well...
I'd like to be in the center.
I saw myself smiling and shining the most brightly last time,
I wanted to stand in the center this time too.
I...
- recommend Min Ju. - Okay.
I think she'll suit that image.
Min Ju?
Well... I...
I recommend Min Ju too.
But I think...
I don't deserve to be in the center.
Min Ju refused to be the center. So I thought, "What's going on?"
Then will each of you sing the center's part?
I can't speak Korean.
- I love you. - She is talented.
I'll pick...
- Cho Yeon. - Cho Yeon.
I'll choose...
- Okay. - Cho Yeon?
It is natural to want to do it so much.
- I'll choose her. - Cho Yeon.
Accepting the majority decision,
- Cho Yeon will be the center. - Cho Yeon.
- Really? - Yes.
- Cho Yeon is the center. - Good luck.
- Good. - Thank you so much.
- Thank you. - I'll try my best.
Ta-da.
I became the center.
Should I do it like this at this part?
Oh, from back to the outside.
No, it's not.
Gosh, I'm confused.
I think it'll be quick to learn it separately...
since we already know the choreography.
1, 2, 3, 4.
It's hot.
A little bit...
4, 5, 6.
I repeatedly
- Hitomi. - I want to learn from you.
Okay.
Hitomi picked up...
the choreography so quickly.
We could learn it faster thanks to her.
I was glad for that.
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
(Who'll be the winner of the fierce battle between the two groups?)
I think it went okay.
Because of you, everything was ruined.
Why would you let someone who's not good stand in the center?
- Let's go! - Let's go!
Don't worry since you have Mako.
- Let's go, Gyu Ri. - Let's go, Gyu Ri.
You should debut.
Sian, you are mine.
They're so pretty.
This feels really comfortable.
This is my bare eye, and I'm wearing lens on the other eye.
Do you like it?
They look so pretty.
The contact lenses are really pretty.
- The sandwich is here. - The sandwich is here.
- The sandwich is here. - It's so good.
It's good.
I love it.
Hello, I'm the representative of National Producers, Lee Seung Gi.
There are 57 Korean trainees...
and 35 Japanese trainees here.
A total of 92 trainees will be on stage today.
I'm not the one who will make their dreams come true.
Who could that be?
Who?
That's right. The votes from...
National Producers who came to watch the performance today...
and our official website will be combined.
Through the votes from National Producers,
they will either remain here or be eliminated after their first round.
This is...
a group battle evaluation.
These girl group songs are loved by the world.
The group battle evaluation...
is done on the two groups who will perform the same song.
A total of 16 teams will perform to 8 songs.
They will compete against each other in front of you.
After the performance, you should pick the best performer...
regardless of the order of performance.
You can vote for just one trainee.
If you think no one deserves your vote,
it's totally fine to abstain.
The number of votes for each member...
will be combined...
to determine which group received more.
The group with lesser votes loses.
A special benefit is given to the winner.
National Producers, are you ready to meet the girls?
- Yes! - Yes!
All right. Produce 48...
is the first show in Korea where the viewers get to be producers.
The group battle evaluation begins now.
Which girl group comes to your mind...
when I mention the innocent looks...
and powerful dance moves?
- GFriend? - GFriend?
That's right.
These two groups covered...
GFriend's "Love Whisper".
Please come up to the stage.
- Hello. - Hello.
- We're Never Give Up. - We're Never Give Up.
- Hello. - Hello.
- We're Giant Baby. - We're Giant Baby.
- Please go easy on us. - Please go easy on us.
You're adorable.
They're cute.
Let's listen to their determination before the match begins.
Giant Baby...
seems to be more adorable than the other team.
However,
our team is more powerful.
I love Noe.
She makes me feel happier.
- But her skills... - Her singing skills?
Please turn it off.
I have no idea what song you just sang.
I don't think...
I can give her any advice.
I feel like we were criticized more because of me.
I thought I lacked so much as a leader.
I think this is worse...
than a middle school talent show.
It felt as though I was hit by a hammer in the head.
I was so embarrassed that I wanted to hide.
Let me hear it one more time.
Manami, how did you become the main vocalist?
Can you try singing it, Wang Ke?
Okay.
That's good. That's good.
Yes, you can sing it like that. Let me hear it again.
I was determined to be the main vocalist...
that I didn't feel the need to change the person in charge.
We need to change the main vocalist.
Changing the person now seems...
Wang Ke will be the main vocalist.
Are you okay with it?
- Yes. - Yes.
Manami, are you okay with it?
I thought, "Why do they need to change now?"
If they went with Wang Ke from the beginning,
I wouldn't need to memorize the new position again.
I'm upset because I feel like it wasted my time.
I felt sorry for everything.
But I knew our group wouldn't make it...
if we stuck with the old ways.
I'm not good enough to be the main vocalist,
but I decided to be one for the sake of our group.
I don't know how to improve myself.
I'm so scared.
I feel so lost.
My part was just changed.
My dance move needs to get changed too.
Nobody can reach the next level.
I felt like something was going wrong.
I'm the leader, but I thought that...
I can't help anybody else.
Okay. Guys, you know you're singing live, right?
- Yes. - Practice it over 100 times.
- Okay. - Okay.
Let's do this.
We had to hold our hands for the first dance move.
I could feel that everyone was so desperate.
I'm sorry.
Hold on. I'm sorry.
I'll help you win this.
It's fine. I'll help you.
I know it applies the same for the others too, but it's my last chance.
Everyone worked hard for this.
I hope people get to understand how much we have practiced.
- Let's go. - Let's do this.
("Love Whisper" by Group One)
- Look at their faces. - Their facial expressions are good.
(Look at their faces.)
Oh, gosh. They're energetic.
Look at the last move.
I got goose bumps.
I want to prove...
that I can also be the main vocalist...
through this chance.
They did a good job.
Oh, gosh.
They must have worked so hard.
They really practiced a lot.
They improved a lot.
You did a good job.
Thank you.
Thank you, Eun Chae.
I know how much they have practiced.
I wanted to say thanks to all the girls who worked so hard.
Thank you, Eun Chae.
Next is "Love Whisper" by Group Two.
- She's here. - Oh, she's here.
Here comes Giant Baby.
It's Group Two. The girls are cute in that group.
Who's the leader in Group Two?
- Na Young? - Yes.
Were you voted as the leader unanimously?
Yes.
I love you.
I love you too.
Na Young's the leader.
She's really funny.
Na Young's very bright and cute.
So our team members got along very well together.
- What? - "Ears".
"Ears"?
"If you listen carefully"?
"If you listen carefully".
Practice more.
You're doing good.
You're doing great, Nako.
Thank you.
She tried to teach the Japanese trainees in details.
Na Young was there as a teacher.
She taught the Japanese trainees.
I relied on her a lot.
Stand by.
Da Min, get in the line with Eun Bin.
You all took such a long time to stand by.
Standing by means you have to be ready in three seconds.
Okay.
Okay, stop.
When the music's on, you should be changed.
Okay, stop.
When the music is on, you all should focus.
You're performing on the stage.
Focus.
Okay, sir.
Haven't you memorized the lyrics yet?
Did Nako sing? I couldn't hear her at all.
When can I evaluate you guys?
Do I have to wait until you're done memorizing the lyrics?
Here's the evaluation.
I have no comment.
You all didn't do a good job.
I was a little shocked.
We practiced hard.
They're quite stable.
I like the energy.
Watching Group One perform made me happy.
You looked all energetic. I loved it.
Group Two, stand by.
I can't wait to watch them perform.
Overall, I felt like the dance was not really synchronized...
compared to Group One.
What are you going to do? You should work harder on it.
Our dance was not synchronized,
so I was flustered.
I was confident that our group will win this.
But when I saw the other group rehearse, I got concerned.
But we should at least work harder again for the remaining time.
We have to prove that we can do this.
We're the Cute Avengers.
- Let's start. - Let's start.
5, 6, 7, 8.
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm fine.
Na Young led us well, so I was encouraged.
I thought we should put on a perfect performance.
I want to perform on stage without making any mistakes...
as we practiced hard for this.
I really want to get the 1,000 benefit votes.
Please do well.
Do well. Do well.
("Love Whisper" by Group Two)
- Oh, she's pretty. - They're cute.
- Oh, she's so pretty. - She just smiled.
Misaki's pretty.
Here she comes.
- Here she comes. - Here she comes.
She hit the high notes.
She sings it so comfortably.
She sang well too.
Nako's quite stable.
Nako has always been stable.
- Trainee Sohn Eun Chae. - Yes?
You almost cried toward the end.
Each one of us worked really hard.
I got reminded of how hard we worked.
So I...
almost cried thinking that this could be our last stage.
- So I got emotional. - Oh, no. I see.
- Everyone's emotional. - I'm sorry about this. Oh, no.
- Oh, no. - Please don't cry.
I'm sad when the kids act like they're strong.
- It's sad. - Yes, I feel sad too.
They must have been really stressed.
I'll give you some time for you to appeal...
to National Producers.
Hello!
Dear National Producers.
I'm Yamada Noe.
I always have this husky voice.
I look forward to your kind evaluation.
Hello. I'm Yabuki Nako from HKT48.
I know I was nervous, but I had a lot of fun...
thanks to National Producers.
Let's begin voting now.
We'll close the voting.
I'm so scared.
(Result Announcement Zone)
- I'm so nervous. - Group Two will probably win.
We have to win.
(The result of "Love Whisper" battle)
(Ichikawa Manami: 38 votes, Kang Da Min: 36 votes)
(Ichikawa Manami versus Kang Da Min)
(Muto Tomu: 52 votes, Yoon Eun Bin: 42 votes)
That's great.
(Yamada Noe: 106 votes, Kurihara Sae: 18 votes)
I thought we're going to lose.
I'd be grateful for just one vote.
(Sohn Eun Chae: 88 votes, Kim Na Young: 32 votes)
Everyone worked hard.
I felt bad.
I got really scared,
but I really wanted to win this no matter what.
I must win.
I'm scared.
(The result of "Love Whisper" battle)
(Yabuki Nako received 330 votes.)
Are you sure the machine's not broken?
(Yabuki Nako received 330 votes.)
(Group One: 334 votes, Group Two: 488 votes)
(Group Two wins.)
(Group Two receives 1,000 more votes as a benefit.)
You were the best.
When...
Nako said she'd sing the main vocal part...
Can you be the main vocalist, Nako?
I was really worried.
But she did really well.
I'm so happy.
If we didn't have Nako,
we couldn't have won this.
I felt really sorry.
I also felt thankful.
The next song...
has an addictive chorus.
(Let's go, Nanami.)
The trainees who will compete with "Peek-A-Boo" by Red Velvet.
Please come up to the stage.
(Jang Gyu Ri is here.)
1, 2, 3.
- Hello. - Hello.
We'll send a kiss to National Producers.
Peek-A
We're Peek-A-Chu.
- We look for your kindness. - We look for your kindness.
(Jang Gyu Ri)
1, 2, 3.
- It's so sweet. - It's so sweet.
- It's sour. - It's sour.
- We're Kiss Blowers. - We're Kiss Blowers.
- We look for your kindness. - We look for your kindness.
(Kato Yuuka)
Thank you. Jang Gyu Ri from Group One.
(Jang Gyu Ri)
Please tell your determination to Group Two.
Please yield this match to us.
We're younger than you.
We'll show how energetic we can be.
Okay. They're going to sing "Peek-A-Boo" by Red Velvet.
The two groups will perform to win the hearts of National Producers.
We'll watch their performances now.
- It's show time! - Show time!
You two did a very good job. Either of you can stand...
in the center.
But I think the one who should be standing in the center is...
(9 minutes ago)
I think...
everyone dances well.
Is there anyone...
who wants to stand in the center?
I think that Yi Ren...
should be more energetic.
How about you, Gyu Ri?
I thought that everyone agreed with Gyu Ri...
standing in the center.
It has to be someone who received a lot of votes.
Gyu Ri?
- Gyu Ri? - Gyu Ri?
I think...
I want to be the center.
You want to do it?
In the end, the center position went to Wang Yi Ren
I should have worked harder to show more.
I regretted a lot about this.
So I raised my hand to tell them that I want that position.
Gyu Ri improved a lot as she practiced.
Her facial expressions got better.
I thought Yi Ren suited more to stand in the center.
Yi Ren has strong eyes that can make her stand in the center.
But I can tell that she loses her power during some parts.
I feel like Gyu Ri doesn't do well towards the end too.
I think the one who should stand in the center is...
Yi Ren. I liked her performance more.
Okay. Thank you.
Mustering up my courage is always tough for me.
It leaves me no regrets that I tried my best.
It was the best decision for the team.
Who's the main vocalist?
Gyu Ri. It's you.
("Peek-A-Boo" by Red Velvet)
You're more comfortable as the sub-vocalist, right?
I don't think there's anyone who can be the main vocalist here.
There should be someone who sings with high notes.
I think you're the best among us.
I'm scared too.
I have this fear about singing the high note.
I should practice hard.
I want to be recognized as the main vocalist with my skill.
Let's hear it.
Gyu Ri's voice goes well with the song "Peek-A-Boo".
Thank you.
You're so good that I don't have any comments.
I was worried, but she said my voice goes well with the song.
So I was really happy.
I know Gyu Ri's good,
but I was worried that she might be pressured as the main vocalist.
Let's get ready for the stage.
These girls are okay. They can sing well.
Gyu Ri, is your throat okay?
I lost my voice.
What should we do?
It's my fault that I didn't take good care of my throat.
The only thing I can do now...
is to sing the best I can...
in this given condition.
(Lee Ka Eun)
(Jang Gyu Ri)
I get goose bumps when the song starts.
You're right. The beginning is really cool.
- Please do well. - They're starting.
- They're starting. - Please do well.
It looks good.
(To be continued soon)
(Jang Gyu Ri)
I get goose bumps when the song starts.
You're right. The beginning is really cool.
- Please do well. - It's starting.
- They're starting. - Please.
("Peek-A-Boo" by Group One)
It looks good.
("Peek-A-Boo" by Group One)
I'm worried about my voice.
The only thing I can do right now...
is to sing the best I can in this given condition.
Through this performance,
I want to be recognized as the main vocalist with my skill.
I want to finish the stage without any mistakes.
(The rankings of the 96 trainees will be revealed soon.)
The group battle evaluation of Product 48 continues.
We've chosen a meaningful song for the next stages.
They made their debut through Season One.
They're the popular girl group loved by many people.
It's a cover stage...
of "Very Very Very" by I.O.I.
- It's good. - I'm excited about this.
The two groups who will be competing with the song "Very Very Very"...
come up to the stage now.
They're the Avengers.
- Let's do this. - Let's do it.
I think my group will win.
I think my group is good too.
Let's do well.
I think we're all talented enough to win this battle.
I thought I must get the benefit votes.
I thought I must prove to them that I'm good.
I think I'll do well.
Miyawaki Sakura is in this group.
I think we're competent enough.
So my team has a chance of winning.
I'm sure my team can win.
I don't know which group will win. They're both good.
- Okay. - Let's go.
They're so pretty.
Why is Sakura standing in the center?
Because of Sakura, everything was ruined.
Why would you let someone who's not good stand in the center?
We can't change the position now.
Sakura wasn't good at all.
I think she should be in the center.
(The rankings of the 96 trainees will be revealed soon.)
Dear National Producer. We will now be announcing...
the rankings of the 96 trainees in real-time!
(Current rankings)
(From 85th to 96th)
(From 73rd to 84th)
(From 61st to 72nd)
(From 49th to 60th)
(From 37th to 48th)
(From 25th to 36th)
(From 13th to 24th)
(From 4th to 12th)
(From 1st to 3rd)
(Vote for your girl.)
Do you not want to do this?
Get out if you don't want to do this.
You're in the center, Cho Yeon.
What's wrong, Sakura? Didn't people pick you?
Is it a new center?
Why would you let someone who's not good stand in the center?
You dance fast. You're off rhythm.
You also rap, and you're at the center as well.
But you're terrible.
- They're different. - They're amazing.
Please announce the first place in individual vote.
- Unbelievable. - Congratulations.
She was good as we expected.