Following the introduction of "R U Next?" contestants' nationalities, K-pop fans formed divided opinions after realizing there are no Chinese participants.

No Chinese Among 'R U Next?' Participants? Viewers React

Ahead of its premiere on June 30, JTBC's new survival-audition program "R U Next?" garnered attention after revealing the list of the participants.

The show, jointly produced by HYBE, CJ ENM, and JTBC, is expected to showcase 22 trainees from its sub-label Belift Lab in search of the members of its upcoming girl group.

Upon the introduction, the candidates' visuals were immediately praised, raising expectations on who would be the members of the new girl group from HYBE, who will dominate the K-pop scene following NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM.

ALSO READ: HYBE's New Female Trainees For Survival Show 'R U Next?' Draw Attention For Refreshing Visuals

However, some were skeptical after noticing that among the 22 trainees, no Chinese nationals were included.

Eleven, or half of the 22 candidates, are Koreans, while seven of the remaining foreign nationals are Japanese. Two trainees are Thai, while the other two are biracial, mixed of Korean and American blood has dual citizenship.

Undoubtedly, many Chinese K-pop fans were disappointed as no trainees from China were included. 

Due to this, Chinese fans accused HYBE of Sinophobia.

In the past, HYBE would originally hold global auditions mainly in Asia, but China has always been excluded. Among K-pop idols, the only Chinese under HYBE (Pledis) would be SEVENTEEN The8 and Jun.

With this, people speculate that HYBE is an "anti-Chinese" label, and are disappointed given how huge the contribution of China's market is in the expansion of their artists' careers.

On the flip side, Koreans expressed their delight, saying that HYBE made a wise decision by not choosing Chinese trainees. 

• "This is right."
• "It's better to properly avoid Chinese risks."
• "All Chinese idols are disappearing these days."
• "Chinese are no longer welcome to KPOP."
• "But HYBE is originally anti-China."
• "It's fundamental."
• "Good. We don't know when Chinese members will praise anti-American aid on Weibo, so we don't have to pick Chinese."

HYBE X CJ ENM's Audition Survival Show 'R U Next?' To Premiere on JTBC on June 30

Meanwhile, on the same day, a video of the first episode of "R U Next?" was released on official SNS and Weverse. There, participants appeared one after another and expressed extraordinary feelings and aspirations to join the show.

It is noteworthy that all of the candidates were born in the 2000s, the oldest being a 02-liner while the youngest was born in 2011 – foreshadowing its dream to start the fifth generation of K-pop.

"R U Next?" will broadcast simultaneously on JTBC and Abema Japan at 8:50 p.m. on June 30.

READ MORE: HYBE Labels x BeLift Lab's 'R U Next?' Coaches Revealed — Aiki, 2AM Jo Kwon, More Excite Viewers

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Written by Eunice Dawson.