ENA ‘The Scout’
From a ‘Gong Yoo look-alike’ muse to a ‘boyish Nam Joo-hyuk version’ muse….
ENA ‘The Scout’ sets sail in earnest with 17 ‘hidden gem’ muses who combine handsome looks, individuality, and skill.
At 8 p.m. on the 8th, the ENA growth-type music project ‘THE SCOUT : Reborn as a Star’ (hereafter ‘The Scout’) will unfold at a brisk pace, from the first meeting of the ‘Master Corps’ Lee Seung-chul-Kim Jae-joong-Wendy-DAY6(DAY6) Young K(Young K), and Choo Sung-hoon, to the contestants’ ‘Final Qualifiers’ and ‘Scout Stage’, set to captivate viewers’ eyes and ears.
On that day, the contestants who survived purely on skill through the ‘Blind Test’ enter the ‘Final Qualifiers’, in which only 17 will be selected as ‘muses’. Lee Seung-chul, who personally planned ‘The Scout’ over two years, takes on judging with an exceptional sense of mission, and the contestants likewise pour out their skill, flair, and talent without holding back. In particular, Lee Seung-chul, who had previously declared “I will not deliver harsh barbs on ‘The Scout’,” shakes up the scene with unexpectedly fiery coaching. He points at musical actor Choi Ha-ram, saying, “You are a mess without a piano,” and fires a fastball at former TRCNG member Yang Tae-sun: “You are someone who cannot dance. Do not dance,” ratcheting up the tension. By contrast, for one contestant he brightens his eyes and says, “This one is the best,” while to another he tosses a “It feels like a church choir, so it is borderline. Do not sing praise at church for the time being” ‘utterly chaotic solution’ that triggers big laughter.
After the ‘Final Qualifiers’, a nationwide-scale scene where the ‘Master Corps’ gather in one place is also unveiled. Seeing Young K for the first time, Lee Seung-chul expresses affection: “I watched every program you appeared in. I watched with so much interest,” and adds, “As a junior vocalist, there was (Shin) Hae-chul, and I am so glad to meet you.” Then, when Red Velvet member Wendy appears, he says, “I have never been a fan of a female singer. This is the first time since Kim Wan-sun. You sing so well,” a ‘fan-coming-out’ that lifts the on-site mood. Next, the Masters conduct preliminary scouting of the final 17 muses and already point to their ‘one-pick’. In particular, when a contestant whose performance sold out in 45 seconds and a contestant who became a hot topic via a YouTube video appear, even the Master Corps cause ‘pupil dilation’, heightening anticipation.
Next, the ‘Scout Stage (Muse Scout Battle)’ held in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do is revealed. At the splendidly arranged venue, Lee Seung-chul adds tension by throwing down to the Masters, “The convivial time is over. From now on, we become rivals.” Immediately after, on the full-fledged stage, from a ‘Gong Yoo look-alike’ muse to a ‘boyish Nam Joo-hyuk version’ muse step out, overwhelming the Masters with visual appeal and skill. The Masters immerse themselves in the stage, wearing both a sharp judging gaze and a contented ‘teacher smile’. One muse, who genuinely enjoys singing, receives ‘love calls’ from all the Masters, creating the rare spectacle of the Masters themselves launching into a tug-of-war. In addition, by the end of the broadcast, even the ‘pre-vote results’ are revealed on the spot, adding a jolt of excitement.
At long last, the distinctive charms and explosive skill of the 17 muses, together with the blockbuster chemistry of the Master Corps, come together in the ‘real’ growth-type music project ENA ‘The Scout’, which premieres today (the 8th) at 8 p.m.
