Team-Based Audition Show 'Universe League' Set to Launch with Star-Studded Lineup

'Universe League' is gearing up to present a unique audition format that emphasizes teamwork over individual competition. On November 19, a press conference for the new SBS boy group audition program took place at the SBS headquarters in Mokdong, Seoul, featuring notable figures such as Jay Park (박재범), Lee Changsub (이창섭), Yugyeom (유겸), El Capitan, WayV's Ten (텐), Yangyang (양양), and producers Lee Hwan-jin (이환진) and Yoo Hwa (유화).

The 'Universe League' will see only one team emerge victorious to debut, competing in a league format. Three K-pop artist coaches will draft and trade team members to create their ideal lineups. The 42 participants will be divided into three teams: Rhythm (리듬), Groove (그루브), and Beat (비트), engaging in fierce competition for the championship.

Producer Lee Hwan-jin explained, "The title itself carries a strong sports element. Following 'Universe Ticket,' we are building a universe-themed world. The format is designed to resonate with boys who are passionate about competition, focusing on teamwork rather than individual performance. This structure allows us to observe both competitive spirit and collaboration.

He added, "We start with a smaller number of participants compared to other audition shows, with 42 contestants. While this may seem limiting, it allows us to select individuals who can stand out based on their unique qualities. We aim to showcase these 42 contestants effectively over the course of 10 episodes, highlighting their skills, star potential, and appearance. We have carefully selected these participants through multiple evaluations and auditions, so we encourage viewers to find their favorites among them."

Jay Park, returning as an MC after his role in TVING's 'RAP:PUBLIC (랩:퍼블릭),' shared his thoughts on the responsibility of hosting. "This program isn't solely under my name, unlike 'Drive,' which was entirely my responsibility. I feel a sense of duty here as well, but I aim to support the directors and participants while creating a positive atmosphere. I want to approach this program in my own free-spirited way, even though it involves working with idol trainees."

Each team coach expressed their unique perspectives. Lee Changsub, the coach for the Groove team, noted, "Every team has a distinct personality, and the variety of genres will make for an exciting viewing experience. The Groove team will focus more on the musical aspects of performance, which aligns with my vision."

Yugyeom, representing the Beat team, mentioned, "The Beat team will showcase a more free-spirited style on stage, which is its charm. I want to share everything I've learned and help the participants develop long-lasting careers as artists. Repetitive practice is essential for growth, and I emphasize that in our training sessions."

El Capitan, who has experience as a contestant on 'Great Birth (위대한 탄생)' and as an idol, expressed his desire to support the trainees. "Seeing these participants reminds me of my own journey, and I want to help them create great music and share the knowledge I've gained as a producer. This responsibility weighs heavily on me."

Ten from the Rhythm team described his approach, stating, "We focus on showcasing each individual's charm while ensuring they can perform as a cohesive unit. We discuss how to enhance their stage presence and appeal to the audience." Yangyang added, "I aim to provide guidance based on my experiences, helping the participants understand how to present themselves effectively."

Producer Lee Hwan-jin elaborated on the selection of team coaches, stating, "Each coach has their own musical style, and we carefully considered their combinations. While the coaches bring their unique colors, we also have a diverse team of expert coaches to provide a well-rounded education for the participants. As the show progresses, viewers will see how the teams evolve and strengthen their identities through trades and collaborations."

Lee Changsub highlighted the diversity among the participants, saying, "There are many individuals with unique charms, and none of them share a similar aura. They all have the potential to captivate the audience in different ways."

Producer Lee Hwan-jin emphasized the show's distinctiveness, stating, "In the spirit of teamwork, the focus will be on how each participant contributes to their team's success, setting it apart from other programs. We are committed to nurturing these aspiring stars and ensuring they do not regret their decision to join us."

Producer Yoo Hwa noted the increased representation of global participants, reflecting the growing international interest in K-pop. "As the K-pop market expands globally, we have seen a rise in international contestants, and we hope viewers will find the diverse characters and talents engaging."

'Universe League' is set to premiere on November 22 at 11:20 PM.