The reality competition ViuTV’s King Maker VI intensified last night, culminating in a heart-wrenching elimination and immediately thrusting the remaining contestants into a rigorous training boot camp in South Korea, underscoring the demanding journey toward stardom. As the series enters its critical final phase, the pressure to meet global K-Pop standards is visibly mounting.
During the final preliminary performance broadcast, Group 10, featuring Gordon and Alvin Lai, was eliminated by the judges, leading to an emotional farewell for Alvin. Following the competitive showcase, the top 15 entrants—now 14 following Jay Lam’s withdrawal for personal reasons—were immediately dispatched to Seoul for advanced training, navigating continuous performance evaluations designed to rapidly cull the field before the finale.
Emotional Exit and Vocal Criticism
Group 10’s rendition of “Two Lost Souls” met with harsh scrutiny from the judging panel, particularly regarding vocal balance. Contestant Gordon had previously suggested Group 10’s advantage lay in their singing ability, noting the performance ratio was 70% vocal and 30% dance. However, veteran producer Edward Chan pinpointed a crucial flaw, stating the lower register completely overpowered the higher voices, masking vital parts of the song. Meanwhile, vocal coach Leo Wong cautioned the aspiring singers against mindless practice, stressing the necessity of “firming up pitch” over “frantic singing.”
The final scores saw Group 9 secure a clean sweep with five judges’ lights, resulting in the elimination of Alvin Lai, who finished 20th overall. In an emotional exit, Lai thanked his mother for her unwavering support, noting she personally customized his costumes and drove him to every round. His sincerity moved judge Gin Lee to tears, who reflected on the profound emotional connection she had forged with the participants, emphasizing the mentorship role went beyond simple coaching.
The Korean Gauntlet Begins
With the field narrowed, the remaining 14 contestants began their intense South Korean training. Before departure, six contestants—Bosco Kwan, Ian Hannz, Sam Kim, Dave, Larry, and Gordon—were selected by Korean coaching staff, deemed ready to join local entertainment agency trainees. This elite group will participate in a special performance of “Money” alongside Mirror member Anson Lo for a segment on MBC’s SHOW CHAMPION.
The core competition in Korea involves multi-level evaluations over the course of a month, including three critical assessment stages: a debut solo evaluation, a public busking session in Hongdae, and a K-Pop boy band cover performance. Three established Korean industry experts will score these rounds. In a unique twist, the scoring system dictates that the lowest rank receives the highest score (e.g., 14th place gets 14 points), meaning participants who accumulate the most points face the highest elimination risk.
The expert panel includes Lee Mi-young, former vocal director at SM Entertainment; Lee Ji-soo, a specialist in trainee mindset and management from companies including SM, YG, and JYP; and Joyce, a Hong Kong-based performance coach with extensive trainee education experience.
Debut Evaluation Highlights Standards
The first solo evaluation revealed the immense pressure to meet K-Pop idol standards. Several contestants, including Chicken, Larry, Yip, and Kirs, were criticized for poor singing foundation. Others, like Andy and Jacky Fan, lost points for weak stage presence and lack of audience interaction.
The highest praise was reserved for a select few. Ian Hannz’s performance was lauded by both the academy director and manager Lee Ji-soo, who hailed him as the first contestant to genuinely exude K-Pop idol charm. Bosco Kwan’s overall aesthetic and dance skills were noted to be on par with local Korean trainees, earning him a plea from the director to commit to daily three-hour practice sessions.
However, the debut round also saw stern warnings. Dancer DaiMa’s fundamental skills and rhythm were flagged, while Teller faced the academy director’s blunt interrogation: “Don’t you know how to dance?” The director then sternly demanded a solemn vow: “I will not just try to practice five hours; I will dedicate four or five hours every day.”
At the conclusion of the initial solo ranking, Ian Hannz secured the coveted first place, followed by Bosco Kwan and Dave. Larry and Teller occupied the precarious last two slots, demonstrating the immediate stakes of the Korean training camp as the contestants vie for a spot in the final Top 10.
