Jay Park Comments on SM vs. HYBE Rivalry Ahead of 'Universe League' Premiere

Participants in the 'Universe League' are gearing up to showcase their talents in hopes of debuting in a global boy group. The SBS global boy group audition program, which premieres on November 22, features the stories of 42 contestants competing in a dream match for their debut.

During the first episode, contestants will undertake their initial mission. They will perform fiercely to be selected as main players for teams led by BTOB's Lee Changsub (팀 그루브), GOT7's Yugyeom and EL CAPITXN (팀 비트), and NCT/WayV's Ten and Yangyang (팀 리듬).

The 42 contestants are divided into seven groups of six, preparing stages to determine their team affiliations. After watching the performances, the three team directors will each select one contestant as their 'first pick,' while those not chosen will face elimination. Only 21 of the participants will secure a spot as main players.

As the seven stages unfold, contestants display impressive visuals and skills, capturing the attention of the directors. Notably, in the 'THRILL RIDE' team from THE BOYZ, one contestant catches the eye of two team directors. Following the 'THRILL RIDE' performance, both Team Beat and Team Rhythm choose Park Juwon as their 'first pick.'

Park Juwon, selected by both teams, will then choose which team he wants to join. Reports suggest that the directors from Team Beat and Team Rhythm will go to great lengths to win him over.

In a particularly competitive moment, Team Rhythm's director Ten, affiliated with SM Entertainment, promises to showcase how SM trains its artists, while Team Beat's director EL CAPITXN, from HYBE, counters with an offer to take him to the HYBE practice room.

MC Jay Park reportedly exclaimed, "To see a battle between SM and HYBE here is incredible!" This has sparked curiosity about which team Park Juwon will ultimately choose between Team Rhythm and Team Beat.

'Universe League,' co-produced by SBS and F&F Entertainment, is the second season of the program that previously launched the global girl group UNIS. The show will air its first episode at 11:20 PM on November 22.