#❪ solo ❫ cash jang

[graysmuse]

he drops to his knees far too quickly. the gentle thud against soft dirt almost too unbearably loud.

“please. i can change- i can be better— tone it down for you.”

…

“please just don’t leave me. i’ll be… better.”

[wannaeatramyeon]

Gun: quit school

Reader: why

Gun: join my emo band

Gun: We're called The Daddy Issues. We have-

Samuel Seo, daddy issues #1, lead guitar. He insists on 10 minute solos for every song. Has to be credited first all the time or goes batshit insane.

Jake Kim, daddy issues #2, lead vocals. He can't really sing but he shakes his ass and fans go wild.

Johan Seong, minor daddy and major mommy issues, keyboard. Also writes our angstiest songs. Him and Samuel provide a lot of background screaming on our tracks.

Olly Wang, not really daddy issues just wildly overmedicated. A maniac on the drums.

Eli Jang, WAS the daddy. Bass but fucked off with a groupie.

Daniel Park, absentee daddy, bass replacement but can do a bit of everything. Relatively new. I'm trying to get him to go solo to make more cash from him.

Y/N: What do you do?

Gun: I'm the record label. I made them sign their life over to me and now I just collect my cut 👍

[takeoffphilippines]

2023 Spartan Race Elite Series begins with Vermosa kick-off this February

Sweat, swagger, and spirit converge once more as the country’s best obstacle athletes vie for race supremacy to banner this year’s Spartan Elite Series opener at the sprawling suburban city-estate of Vermosa in Imus, Cavite from February 17 to 18.

The Battle of Vermosa features the inaugural 3K Elite Series on Day 1, triggering a gruelling yet glorifying test of physical power and mental toughness akin to the fabled Spartan warrior ethos of ancient Greece. Ninety (45 men and 45 women) Elite Athletes from all over Asia Pacific are expected to slug it out at Vermosa. They were invited based on their ranking and strong finish from previous Spartan races. Also in the roster are top athletes from universities and uniformed personnel, members of the national team which secured golds in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the last time obstacle course racing was included in the biennial meet. Among the top racers invited are Guinness Book 

World Record Holders for OCR Sandi Abahan and Elias Tabac from the Philippines, Multi Trifecta holder Shen Max of China, Hiroki Asami and Honoka Jinzai of Japan, and Hansol Jang of Korea. “We invite everyone to witness the fastest and fittest athletes in obstacle course racing compete for the first ever 3K Elite Series in the world,” Marc Laurenze Celis, Spartan Race Philippines General Manager said. 

“These athletes will be competing for podium spots, awards, and cash prizes at an Olympic-like level for Obstacle Course Racing and a chance to represent their flag for the upcoming World Championship and The OCR Triple Crown this December”

Day 2 headlines the Philippine National Series featuring age-group competitors around the country and open categories for beginners, enthusiasts, and casual athletes.

“Sprint” challenges all comers to a blistering 5-kilometer run that highlights strength and speed to overcome 20 imposing obstacles towards the finish line. Dubbed “the first stop” to every Spartan’s journey, the Sprint hones a racer’s ability to finish the course in a short period of time. Some returning Spartans focus on the Sprint for years to enhance their running and clearing prowess.

“Super” is a 10-kilometer stretch which equally measures the racer’s strength, endurance, speed, and timing against a 25-obstacle loop. It’s one of the most demanding runs in the Spartan circuit that requires a pace strategy to conquer duration and elevation.

“Hurricane Heat” brings teamwork and leadership to the fore as racers, led by the Krypteia (event leaders), brave the elements and demolish self-doubt to rule the 4-hour challenge. There are no medals at stake in Hurricane Heat but the ultimate grind-out primes every racer to achieve personal evolution after acing physical tasks, problem solving, leadership challenges and solo performance tests under extreme conditions.

Also in the pipe is the 10-kilometer Super Classic Elite and 5-kilometer open Sprint. Just a month later, the Sparta Series moves to Cebu for the Trail 10k and Trail 21k on March. 18. On May 26, Spartans assemble anew in Alviera, Pampanga for the Beast event, alongside the Sprint and Trail 10k jousts, respectively. On July 16, Spartan Race returns to New Clark City in Tarlac for the Stadion. Baguio will then play host to all Spartans for the Trailfecta Weekend and Hurricane Heat 12 Hour. The Spartan Race

Series wraps up its calendar with the Trifecta Weekend at Montclair, Pampanga from November 18 to 19.

–

📧 If you wish to send an invite and feature your province/company brand/event; Just ask the author of this vlog, email us at team.takeoffph@gmail.com

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[haveyouseenthis]

May in Kpop

Pre-Debut Songs//January//February//March//April//May//June//July//August//September//October//November//December

May 1

Hannah Jang - “Runnaway”

Tek - more please!

Kas - I love it, oh my gosh! It’s so catchy and fun. Upbeat and boppy. I wanna drive to it, play it at 3 am in a neon room.

*Rankings (by K): Runnaway - (5)

May 7

NATTY - “NINETEEN”

Tek - I was so looking forward to Natty’s debut! And I hate to say that I just think it’s okay. She does a great job, but it’s just not for me.

Kas - Was I waiting for her debut? Yes. Do I have a clip of me reacting to her debut? Yes. I think her voice could sound a little more attractive. It's almost like she’s dragging it a little on purpose for the whole song. Something that really only works in rap verses and parts where you choke on the beat drop (See (G)I-DLE’s “Oh My God” or NCT 127’s “Limitless”). Regardless, it’s a fun song to bop to and I like the music video.

*Rankings (by K): NINETEEN - (4)

May 8

LUCY - “Dear”

Tek - I think I literally made heart eyes at that violin. Is that possible? Can you make heart eyes in real life?

Kas - Who are they to make the intro sound like Pirates of the Caribben x Disney Fairies? Also I love “Flowering” :) Seriously. What a wonderful song. I can’t remember the last time I heard a violin in music, much less in k-pop. I love how you can hear it dancing as it makes the melody.

*Rankings (by K): INTRO - (5); Flowering (5)

May 9

Roya - “Butterfly”

Kas - I really like this song. Her voice doesn’t sound as cutesy/pure as every other solo artist out there. She brings a little something new to the table while not straying from the norm too much. Taeyeon vibes?? *Ranking (by K): Butterfly - (4) Tek - sing it girl! *holds lighter*

May 15

Woo!ah! - “Exclamation”

Tek - ‘Woo!ah!’ is a fun song, but how is it that I’ve never heard this before and yet it sounds like it ripped each of it’s lines from a different song? The lyrics are just so generic. I’ve heard them a thousand times before. I like the B-side a lot better.

Kas - It’s fun for sure but not my favorite, nor does it stand out too much. Points for bop-ness, though.

*Rankings (by K): Woo!ah! - (4); Payday - (3)

May 19

REDSQUARE - “Prequel”

Tek - there’s so much makeup in this MV is feels like an ad. Kinda weird and cool that they won’t let us get a good look at the girls’ faces in the MV too. Seeing if they ever do actually kept me watching more than caring about the song. (They don’t btw)

Kas - Ooh an interesting start to the song. I like it. Thennn they lost me with the “I can be pink, i can be __…” I don’t like the chorus much, either, but they brought me back when we got into the verses. It’s an interesting song, for sure. Truly I mean “interesting”. I’ve never heard anything quite like it. Not from IZ*ONE, not TWICE and certainly not (G)I-DLE. I don’t think they’re exactly my cup of tea but I certainly had fun listening to them. I wonder what they’ll come out with next…

*Rankings (by K): ColorFull - (3.5)

SECRET NUMBER - “Who Dis?”

Tek - Title track is okay, shines in the chorus (and that little post-chorus chant is so catchy). The b-side is fair as well.

Kas - I love the music video for “Who Dis?” but I’m pretty neutral on the song. There are parts I really like and part i do not. For example, the pre-chorus does NOT do it for me. I suppose the song is functional, though. It certainly catches people’s attention which is just what a debut needs to do. “Holiday” is much more enjoyable, for me. It sounds less forced overall. I’d like it more if not for the rap parts.

*Rankings: Who Dis? - (3); Holiday - (3)

May 20

Ken - Greeting

Tek - “With All My Heart” is probably my favorite after my first listen, but I really just think they’re all so pretty!

Kas - Don’t mind me. I’m crying ‘cause pretty voice. When I first started listening to K-pop I thought ballads were boring, but it’s voices like Ken’s that prove me wrong.

*Rankings (by K): Just for a moment - (4); To us who have to endure - (4.5); With all my heart - (5); Meteor Shower - (5); So Romantic - (5); Fingertips - (3)

Ryu Su Jeong - Tiger Eyes

Tek - I don’t have a single bad thing to say about any of the songs on this mini album. Seriously, the ballads weren’t dull; the bops didn’t fall flat; she sounded amazing in each one of them.

Kas - Her voice is so pretty! All the songs hit a bit different so I like them for different reasons. I dont like the cover art too much if I’m being honest, but that’s nothing to judge a group or artist on. *casually clicks “follow” on spotify*

*Rankings (by K): Be Cautious - (5); Tiger Eyes - (5); CALL BACK - (5); Your Name - (5); 42= - (5); NA, NI - (5); Lullaby (zz) - (5); Who Dis? - (3); Holiday - (3)

May 22

Yulia - “White Dream”

Kas - I don’t think it’s a bad song. It knows what it’s doing, but what it’s doing just doesn’t do it for me.*Rankings (by K): White Dream - (2)

Tek - it’s a cute little song and I really enjoyed it

May 24

Like Me - “Like Me”

Tek - okay what is with these groups having the name and song title be the same? Better yet, how is that two in the month of May? The song is fine.

Kas - The chorus is a dumpster-fire disaster but the song is catchy and the verses start to save it. There is too much going on sound wise for it to simultaneously sound so stripped back. They just don’t sound... good. Sorry?

*Rankings (by K): LIKE ME - (2)

May 25

Kim Woo Seok - 1st Desire [Greed]

Kas- “And we all said Kim👏Woo👏Seok👏” A direct quote of what I text Tek when I listened to this. “‘Kim Wooseok is 4th gen Taemin,’ I said it.” Also a direct quote. So that’s my opinion on this… Remind me to do a review of Greed.*Rankings (by K): Intro : Lost - (5); Red Moon - (5); SINphony - (5); Somebody Like You - (5); Do U Like - (5); Beautiful - (5); The Winter - (5)

Tek - you’re right. It’s new Taemin

CASH OR PASS

Hannah Jang//NATTY//LUCY//Roya//Woo!ah!//REDSQUARE//SECRET NUMBER//Ken//Ryu Su Jeong//Yulia//Like Me//Kim Woo Seok

*Rankings Guide:

5 Point Scale

1 - hated it (...what?)

2 - didn’t like it (doesn’t do it for me)

3 - neutral/it was okay (it’s fine. No complaints, no compliments)

4 - really liked it (Might add it to a specific playlist, but chances are I’m not tracking them down)

5 - loved it (adding it to my playlist)

[magzoso-tech]

New Post has been published on https://magzoso.com/tech/steve-jang-kanyi-maqubela-form-or-fund-as-kindred-ventures/

Steve Jang & Kanyi Maqubela form or fund as Kindred Ventures

Venture capitalists often mutter, “I haven’t seen anything I like lately”. Founders frequently complain that “investors are back-seat drivers who won’t get their hands dirty.” A $55 million fund with a fresh approach is aiming to address both those issues.

Steve Jang and Kanye Maquebla are two exceedingly smart and sweet guys who couldn’t help but come up with ideas for startups. Jang co-founded music apps Imeem and Soundtracking, meanwhile serving as an early Uber advisor and angel investor in Coinbase. Maqubela worked in operations at career network Doostang (acquired by Universum Global) and solar startup One Block Off The Grid (acquired by NRG) before becoming a venture partner at Collaborative Fund.

Today the pair officially launch Kindred Ventures to form startups as well as fund them.

“We don’t want to wait for people to come around and solve the problems we think matter” says Jang. “We’d rather proactively assemble an amazing team to go tackle that problem” Maqubela follows up. But Kindred Ventures will also step up and lead seed rounds, then help startups orchestrate their follow-on fundraises.

Kindred Ventures partner and co-founder Steve Jang

“The ethos is empathy — to take a very adaptive coaching and mentorship model” Jang tells me. That means partnering with startups rather than offering arms-length investing. By keeping the portfolio size low, Jang and Maqubela plan to turn concentrated conviction and outsized, hands-on effort into big stakes in tomorrow’s top companies.

“I originally wanted to call the fund Kindred Spirits, but it sounds a little too woo-woo” Jang says with a laugh. From multiple interviews with the team and its portfolio, though, that’s really the vibe Kindred Ventures is going for — to be the first people founders call when they’re in crisis…whether they need answers or just some cheering up.

Techno-Optimism

Beyond the warm smiles, Kindred already has a strong track record from its prototype phase under Jang’s solo operation since 2014. He’d made a reputation for himself as a fixer through his advising work during Uber’s scrappy early years starting in 2009. It began with Jang writing Garrett Camp a check for his side-project. As the company blossomed without full-time employees, Jang pitched in wherever he could.

After Imeem’s sale to Myspace and later Soundtracking’s acquisition by Rhapsody, Jang made about 50 angel investments of around $25,000 to $250,000 in companies like Blue Bottle Coffee, Postmates, and Zymergen under the name Kindred Ventures. Instead of just throwing money around, “I’d help a co-founder — sit down and work with them on product, their presentation for seed funding, hiring their first employees, finding a co-founder — it was quite different from how VCs operate.” Still, he wanted to lead more investments like his favorite seed funds First Round and True Ventures while remaining a thick-or-thin squire to his startups.

But to pour that kind of sweat into the portfolio, Jang needed the help of someone who could dig deep and become an ally to founders in any vertical. He needed someone like Kanyi.

After his stints in operations, Maqubela went on to work at Collaborative Fund for seven years, rising to partner at the firm looking for the intersection of positive impact and profit. He tells me developed a thesis about “what does it mean to be a techno-optimist: to believe that technology is a amoral but can be oriented towards good.”

Maqubela’s super-power is learning. I knew him from Stanford and now the same reputation precedes him through his portfolio of angel investments like Earnest and Buffer. He’ll immerse himself in any topic or industry, read and call people until he truly gets it, and then wedge his entrepreneurial skillset into the cracks to firm up an idea. Still, relatively new to venture, Maqubela was seeking someone with a well-worn process for investing and a big heart for what founders go through. He was looking for Steve.

Kindred Ventures partner and co-founder Kanyi Maqubela

The coincidental co-investors became friends, then deliberately funded startups side by side, and now are taking the leap as Kindred Ventures. Together they want to redefine “What does it mean to invest at t=0?. What do they really need?” Maqubela says.

The plan is to fund about twenty-five companies through pre-seed and seed per fund, which they’ll raise every two to three years. Kindred is vertical agnostic, but it has a soft spot for the future of cities, work, and living. It also keen on marketplaces, material science, food innovation, deep tech, enterprise SAAS, and developer tools.

Get In Formation

So far Kindred Ventures has funded nine startups from its $55 million initial fund. It’s helped form two companies and hopes to do four to eight per fund. But Kindred won’t be taking founder-level equity in those. Instead it just wants the opportunity to lead the seed round and own 10% to 20% by the time of the Series A.

That makes Kindred Ventures distinct from most startup studios like Atomic that aim for bigger ~30% stakes. “The Studios are creating whole platform teams, services teams, only work on their own ideas, and own a considerable amount of equity” Jang notes. By leaving more shares for the real CEO, “We’d be able to work with a stronger profile of founders” while avoiding spending so much time per company that the model becomes unscalable.

Kindred’s two formations come from the disparate medicine and blockchain worlds. Maqubela became an expert in cardiology to help start Heartbeat, which does in-person and remote heart health diagnostics. “I have a clear bullshit meter for when non-healthtech people try to get into it” but Maqubela really figured it out, Heartbeat CEO Jeff Wessler, MD tells me.

On his experience with Kindred, “It’s ‘we’re there for you when you need us’ rather than ‘we’re there for you when we fund you and then we move on’” Wessler says. “Very quickly this evolved into Steve and Kanyi being my absolute numbers 1 and 2.” The investors gave Wessler entrepreneurship 101 coaching, provided Heartbeat’s first funding, and helped it build a team. With their help, the first-time founder has sidestepped common pitfalls and is already turning patients into customers.

Bitski, a blockchain app login platform, has quickly leveraged Kindred’s support with formation into big funding from top investors. “In the early days, Steve would be in the office with us, late night jamming on ideas around the evolution of the blockchain space, fundamental products that needed to exist, early use cases etc. There’s a lot of money available for seed stage projects, but it can be difficult to find an investor willing to grind with the team through the days of pre product-market fit.”

Bitski actually started as collaborative video production app Riff. But Jang and Maqubela’s advice helped it solidy a pivot into developer tools for decentralized apps. It’s since gone on to raise $3.5 million from SV Angel, Coinbase, Galaxy Digital, and the Winklevoss twins. “The collaborative tone of the relationship really stands out” says Dinch of Kindred. “Obviously, operating with a high-touch model can take more of the partners’ time, but we haven’t noticed any drop in availability or support.”

Plenty of funds talk a lot about getting their hands dirty. Often that means hiring big teams they can assign to help founders, though, while the partners focus elsewhere. With just two support staff, Jang and Maqubela don’t have that luxury. They’re in constant contact with their investments by WhatsApp, phone, and email to work through snags directly.

“They’re always super responsive” says Michael Karnjarnaaprakorn, co-founder of collectibles investing startup Otis that was backed by Kindred’s prototype fund. He cites three big value-adds. Strategy: “Anytime I’m thinking through a big decision, I call them to help me think through it” including fundraising and product launches. Network: “They have an extremely strong network and are usually one to two degrees away from anyone.” And “everything else”, from mentorship on founder psychology to company building.

But being high-touch and cooperative doesn’t mean becoming a push-over yes-man. “Founder empathy is not always founder friendly” says Maqubela. “It’s being able to disagree with founders, even very passionately, and still constructively working together. To be able to tell them they’re wrong but come out the other side.”

That means Kindred Ventures isn’t for every founder. Those who want their investors firmly belted in the backseat or locked in the trunk may want to look elsewhere for cash. Smart founders will take all the help they can get, and Kindred strives to give the most per dollar. Jang concludes that “The idea may come from them or come from us, but we want to back amazing founders on a mission. It’s scratching both itches for us.”

[p101recaps]

Broduce 101: Episode 11 (Livestream Recap)

I removed the ‘quick’ in the recap title for the last episode because I saw a comment shading me for that since these are anything but quick lol

This post contains spoilers.

We start off with some old trainee videos from school performances and company auditions (hello lil Samuel!) then move into the first intro vids and interviews. 

This is where we cry about their hardships like Mnet isn’t making billions of won off their dreams and haven’t axed more than half of them on the way here.

Special shoutout to chubby cheeked baby Sewoon!

BoA starts us off with a prelude to the season finale. I’ll miss seeing her on a weekly basis and we’re told to vote for our favourite trainee before last week’s ranks

The live broadcast has the first ever Nayana stage set up too, its beautiful

Last season’s winners, the IOI girls are attending (for the reaction shots ofc) but they all look so pretty!! Look at my girl, solo artist Chungha.

Yes NAYANA LIVE LETS GET HYPE look at these cuties grinning away

Whoa its centre Daniel! He has his babiest baby smile on

Samuel has purple hair for the finale, its a better look than the blond

That hall is full kids. This season has raked in that cash. The CEO can probably buy a small country.

IT’S MY ELIMINATED BOYS! The stage is cramped af 

The group name is Wanna.One 

NOOO RIP BOI

Cut to pre-recorded content for the stage prep, starting off with vocal check in for Super Hot. 

Seokhoon praises Hyungseob’s improvement, Daehwi’s consistency, Byeongari Seonho’s progress.

Centre battle time with the contenders all singing the ‘killing part’. Seonho is unexpectedly not bad, and he says grew taller as his vocal skills did too. Dead.

Sungwoon and Baekho are good, Daehwi takes the key down to hit the notes. Samuel is shaky but fine. Youngmin is also good, and Shin Yumi says he sounds like Jaehwan, prompting Jaehwan to emit a soulless, scornful HA HA before getting up to sing the other team’s song just to show him up

Sewoon is made to sing the line too and he makes up for the little crack in his voice with a funny hand dance

Hands On Me does their check in and then centre competition.

Ong-ssi’s voice wobbles and Jaehwan literally slits his throat because ‘killing part’. Daniel tickles his own chin lol 

Bae Jinyoung is the most surprising because of how clear he is

Jihoon is Centre Jihoon as always (Auntie Jisung is impressed)

Dance check in next! They’ve done their own choreos for the songs for this mission.

Super Hot goes first, and Kahi applauds their effort because its hard to devise formations and choreo 

They all perform the choreo as centre one by one. This looks exhausting, btw but they all do their own little bits to stand out

Hands On Me goes next and their choreo passes muster too.

Next they all try centre choreo. Honestly, all of them have distinct appeals, how do you even pick.

Kahi tells them that centre will be picked based on the vids that were uploaded recently, with every trainee in both groups performing as centre one by one 

They go to pick the centre in the same room that the coaches used for their level evals w/ Nayana performances

Super Hot team goes first, watching every vid. Youngmin’s voice cracks in his vid and Samuel’s eyes widen in response in the background lol

I just realised all of Nu’est but Minhyun is in this group. Baekho falls into a natural leader like role just because he seems to have a lot to say 

They then do an emotional verbal appeal for the centre position, all of them feel like they need it for this last leg of the journey, and then vote.

It comes down to Sungwoon and Samuel, and the live performance reveals who won

IT WAS HA SUNGWOON! Get it, boy!

The actual performance was fine, all of them dressed in red and white. This song is a bit iffy (seriously), but they all perform well. Megaton bomb is the obvious highlight. The choreo is enjoyable, very energetic and gimmicky, the kind that leaves plenty of room for the trainees to insert personal gestures

Lol Cube Chicks do another Troublemaker reference. Jonghyun and Sam do a bit of a dance in between

There’a a bit of choreo that looks vaguely like a Seventeen stage. It’s like a revolving door? I remember seeing it elsewhere. 

Very cute, all in all. The total effect is similar to Oh Little Girl from last mission

They have a lot of cuts to the eliminated kids as the coaches talk to BoA

Sung Hyunwoo’s there, his eyes are glazed over when the camera pans to him lol 

Kwon Hyunbin has dark hair again while Kim Sanggyun has his deep blond slicked back. 

Oh! Kim Taemin is in the stands! He’s lost so much weight!

First reveals are for trainees currently at 11-14. 

This anticipation is the pits. It just drags on and on endlessly. Kenta’s almost crying again

Sewoon, Jisung, Bae Jinyoung, Daehwi are potential trainees. 

I’m losing hope for Auntie.

And then cut to Hands on Me team in the viewing room for centre voting.

Yoon Jisung is jealous of Park Jihoon’s face and expressions lol 

Bae Jinyoung is at peak Sasuke Uchiha levels, coolly and sharply flipping his jacket around. 

Everyone is amazed at how handsome Ong is on screen while Jisung pulls out every bit of his trainee experience in his video. Ong says Jisung’s clever with expressions but expressed it weird lol

Cuts of them working hard and talking about the need to be centre before they vote. It’s down to Ong-ssi and Bae Jinyoung for centre. 

Live performance reveals it to be Bae Jinyoung!

The boys are dressed in sharp suits, which is how you know which one is the stacked team. They all look good, and scrounge up every bit of their charisma for the performance. This song is a lot more enjoyable, and has a choreo that’s more smooth rather than gimmicky, with a lot of jacket flapping. I can hear Minhyun, Ong and Jaehwan’s voices a lot although they all perform well.

There’s a bit of breakdown in between for the rappers’ benefit

Ong-ssi is wearing a pretty choker while Sewoon looks like a boy at his first prom. Bae Jin does the now patent Yoo Hwiseung lip swipe.

There’s a lot of loud yelling for Park Jihoon. It’s so distinct.

THIS ANTICIPATION IS THE FUCKIN WORST

Cut to a large thank you letter the trainees wrote BoA. She’s moved by their sincerity and laughs at the cuteness. It’s really rather sweet, even if it is filler content. She was a phenomenal representative - I watched this season for her, and she was so much more invested in actual training than Jang Keonsuk. That guy annoyed me the most last season.

The trainees also send a video letters to their other coaches, thanking them for their help and for teaching them over the last few months.

Cut to the trainees recording with the composers of the token ballad song this season, called Always 

Check it out if you’re keen, it’s meant to be this season’s Downpour I reckon. The boys perform it under soft white and pink lighting. Minki looks like he’s crying at one point, so does Seonho. Sungwoon, Baekho and Jaehwan hard carry the vocals.

BoA closes live voting. 

That’s of the Seventeen members in the crowd! The leader kid! I might have to confirm this later.

Cut to pre-recorded footage of the trainees all gathering together to talk. 

Ahhh it’s product placement for Naver’s streaming service. They listen to their concept eval songs.

Then they talk about their first appearances on the show, and they play their P101 countdown intro videos to all their embarrassments. Guanlin sings All of Me loudly and increasingly out of tune while Sewoon dances Pick Me. Jaehwan dances Seventeen′s Boom Boom lol. 

...I don’t even know what Emperor Hwang is doing.

Then sad video messages to their families for the tears, with that mournful Nayana intro in the background. Then footage of their families watching the video letters and sending one back.

Yoon Jisung has his mum’s eyes, and Samuel has his mum’s mouth exactly. Youngmin looks startlingly like his dad.

My heart aches, ugh. Mnet, you bastards. 

OH IT’S DAEHWI’S MUM FROM AMERICA! IN PERSON! THEY FLEW HER DOWN!

I wish I could fly down to see my mum too :(

All the ugly tears. Seonho is bawling straight up. 

Haknyeon’s mum is there too! And Guanlin’s dad and sister! 

Aw, his sister knows Ong-slate and Yoonjhumma’s clapping. 

Back at live stage, popular model Kwon Hyunbin gets coerced into filling some air time by BoA, so does Kim Taemin, who had to leave because of his sudden illness. Lee Euiwoong gets some screentime to himself to thank everyone for their support and help.

Dorm footage from their last stay with the kids imitating Hyunbin singing Downpour lol

More of that Nayana piano instrumental as they reminisce about their last few weeks in the dorm with the other trainees. A neat little shot of the set with the chairs, then shots of them practicing. 

Back to live for final rankings.

My heart can’t take this. The eliminated kids are all praying too.

Seriously, how can they waste airtime like this.

Trainee at number 10 is C9 Bae Jinyoung. He looks pale and relieved, thanking his fans, parents, and the Mnet staff. 

Number 9 is Pledis Hwang Minhyun!! 

Pristin Nayoung is thrilled while the Pledis CEO looks unimpressed. Why do they even invite these old bastards. 

It takes Minhyun a bit to start speaking to thank people, his words less smooth than normal because of how overcome (lol) he is. His mum cries constantly, I hope he can buy her something nice soon! 

BoA’s making a lot of tiny mistakes off her script because of the live broadcast burden. It’s cute.

MMO YOON JISUNG MAKES IT AT NUMBER 8 AND I FINALLY START CRYING AS HE WADDLES TO THE CHAIRS

Weird clapping forever! Oh, his dad calls up his family to tell them the good news while the eliminated MMO trainees cry in relief. 

He says in his thank you that he really had given up hope, but he’s so appreciative of all the support he received. It’s so cute that all the trainees are so excited, clapping his weird clap and laughing at him. He starts ugly crying again when he sees his dad, and same tbh. 

Everyone loves him so much!! I love him too! My Auntie! He made it! Yoonjhumma! I’ll actually follow this Wanna.One mess because of you Auntie Jisung! 

CUBE Lai Guanlin makes the final group at number 7!

He and Seonho are going to be able to help Hyuna keep Cube from the shredder!

Sweet Byeongari Lai Guanlin first thanks people in Mandarin (a lot of shots of the Chinese Yuehua kids+Kenta), then in English (it’s so terrible but so cute), and then he thanks everyone in Korean. He keeps saying ‘jinjja’ a lot, and his accented slurring gets worse because of how excited and nervous he is. BoA prompts him to thank his dad, which he does in Mandarin. He also gets to do his awkward audition dance. 

Trainee number 6 is Brand New Music Park Woojin! Good on you my wolf boy! You deserve it!

He starts his thank you with a full waist bow, then thanks his voters, BNM family, Rhymer, the P101 PD-nim (the audience protests this - dead but same tbh) and staff, the teachers and his family. He apologizes for worrying people when he was sick - pls. Like people need to feel more entitled. 

Woojin and Guanlin give each other massive bear hugs when they meet at the chairs. 

Trainee number 5 is Fantagio Ong Sungwoo!!

He’s immediately smothered by hugs, his mum is sobbing and his CEO looks happy. Doyeon gets a solo shot as she claps too.

His voice wavers when he starts his thanks, to the staff, Fantagio people, his parents. He does his really, very hyperbole, dramatic and earnest and promises to work hard before ending it with a waist bow. BoA asks him what position he would like (besides the slate) and he says he’ll try to maintain team balance and spirit and then does his Get Ugly meme face. He’s so excited!!

Ah, with him and Yoonjhumma in, you know the group will do well in variety.

You can see the hope leave Daehwi and Sungwoon’s faces as resignation sinks in :((

Trainee number 4 is Kim Jaehwan!!

He gets body slammed by the trainees and his mum looks visibly relieved. Chaeyeon looks shocked as she claps in genuine appreciation, so clearly surprised that the camera pans to her twice.

Jaehwan mentions that he didn’t have much hope as an independent trainee and thanks his parents for supporting him as he rehearsed alone. He promises to be a hardworking vocal and thanks everyone for their support so he can improve.

At number 3 is Brand New Music Lee Daehwi! 

He instantly collapses in shock, his trainees crowd him. His mum begins to sob, so does Jeon Somi. He jumps up and waves at her as she cries in relief.

Obviously grateful, he thanks his BNM crew, the p101 staff, and the usual, as well as everyone who voted him in as Nayana centre to start with. His mum, who flew in from the USA, gets a personal thank you telling her to not worry and thanking her for his support. 

Sat in his chair, he cries a little. I’m so relieved for him too, he’s so incredibly well rounded and talented for a sixteen year old.

Spots for number 2 and the main centre number 1 are between MMO Kang Daniel and Maroo Park Jihoon.

We’re all surprised, I’m certain. I’m more shook by Nation’s Leader Angel Wartortle GodJonghyun not appearing so far. The vote reset must have shaken his ranking up. 

They walk to centre stage for the announcement, the two issue makers of the season. 

Dead at how SM bought NCT a promo ad slot during P101 airtime

The truly expected yet unknown battle of votes between these two leads brings us MMO Kang Daniel at number 1, with Maroo Park Jihoon behind him at 2.

Daniel takes a while to speak, his throat dry from nervousness, saying he was grateful to be able to be in the top 11, much less be centre . Yoonjhumma is rubbing his arms at the revelation, while Daniel’s mum cries. Little Lee Woojin gets a shot. Daniel can barely speak, satoori slipping out as BoA teases him for becoming GodDaniel. He says he loves his voters in satoori, and even BoA giggles.

Park Jihoon speaks next, poised and polished as ever as he rattles off his list of people to thank. He doesn’t mind losing the spot to Daniel at all, and rounds off by doing his adorable Shugo Chara aegyo with the crowd. 

Daniel does a few full waist bows standing at his number one crown chair before sinking into it, finally.

I suddenly remember the MMO kids sitting on the chair like it was the family couch first episode, just so they could know what it was like. It’s been a whirlwind journey.

Time for final spot number 11, between Baekho, Sungwoon, Sewoon and Jonghyun. 

Sungwoon has no expectations. Baekho isn’t sure what to think. Sewoon is nervous too (not as much as Gwanghyun in the crowds though). Jonghyun thanks everyone and anticipates the results.

BoA looks pained being made to draw this out too. 

Nation’s Leader Angel Wartortle GodJonghyun is 14. Resetting the votes and spooking Pledis voters with Minhyun’s rank probably unsettled him. What a shame, I’d have put my money on him as a sure debut bet what with the edits and his general manga boy personality.

Sungwoon looks like his soul has left his body.

Sexy Bandit Pledis Kang Dongho is number 13. What a shame. The crowd screams in support for him anyway.

Gwanghyun and Taehyun are both increasingly worried in their seats. 

How crazy would it be if it turns out to be Sewoon. It was the same for Yeonjung last season, and they’re both Starship vocal kids.

ARDOR AND ABLE HA SUNGWOON IS NUMBER 11

I cannot believe it but I’M SO HAPPY MY BOYS!! Taehyun is fully ugly sobbing in his seat, the trainees around him are trying to comfort him but he’s truly a softie, poor Scratching Ajhusshi.

Sungwoon thanks everyone after running to the stage in excitement, emotional and grateful for everyone who believed in him, and promising to work hard. 

Sewoon, who was close, gives a very well worded and neat speech at the end, put together even through his disappointment. I look forward to seeing him debut as an idol. He’s going to be great.

Kang Daniel leads the last greeting to the viewers and BoA bows out for the season finale.

Well. This has been emotionally draining and completely unexpected. I never thought I’d have so many of my faves in the final line up, I’m going to have to keep following this group even if they put out crap music because there are so many reliable singers too! They sure showed my pessimism, but I’m not complaining. 

For the final time, below is a comprehensive list of the final ranking for Produce 101 Season’s 2 group, Wanna.One:

Kang Daniel

Park Jihoon 

Lee Daehwi

Kim Jaehwan 

Ong Sungwoo 

Park Woojin

Lai Guan Lin 

Yoon Jisung

Hwang Minhyun 

Bae Jinyoung 

Ha Sungwoon 

It’s been wonderful on this blog with you guys! As always, please let me know you spot in any errors!

[idolizerp]

08.31 RESERVATIONS

kim chungha, solo as wink’s main rap / ext. yook sungjae, btob as atlas’ main vocal.

09.01 RESERVATIONS

chou tzuyu, twice as undecided. jung hoseok (jhope), bts as imperial’s main vocal. park sooyoung (joy), red velvet as cherry bomb!’s main rap. chonnasorn sajakul (sorn), as fantasy’s (+daydream) lead vocal / ext. undecided as jawbreaker’s lead vocal / ext.

09.02 RESERVATIONS

choi jinri (sulli), actress as fantasy’s (+nightmare) main rap / ext.  lee jieun (iu), as undecided / ext. park kyungri, nine muses as wink’s main vocal / ext. seo yuna, aoa as honey’s main dance, lead rap. undecided as cherry bomb!’s main vocal.

09.03 RESERVATIONS

kim minji (jiu), dreamcatcher as fantasy’s (+nightmare) main vocal. lee jongsuk, actor as atlas’ lead vocal.

EXPIRED

lee jongsuk, actor as undecided. park chaeyoung (rose), blackpink.

03 APPLICATIONS, ACCEPTING 09.02

choi hansol (vernon), svt as xlnc’s lead vocal, rap, and guitar (jeon cash/ca$h) –reviewing. im yoona, snsd as honey’s lead vocal (jang haeun) – messaged. park sunyoung (luna), fx as wink’s lead vocal (lee yura) – messaged.

[graysmuse]

muses

❪ life is a dance of love and loss ❫ jace & taro

❪ solo ❫ maddox kang

❪ wildflower waltz ❫ sawyer & eric

❪ solo ❫ sawyer bang

❪ solo ❫ eric suh

❪ solo ❫ juniper ahn

❪ solo ❫ baek chawoon

❪ dev ❫

❪ solo ❫ shiloh heo

❪ solo ❫ roger bae

❪ solo ❫ jung minhan

❪ we have all the power in our hands, but no love to give ❫ minhan & mirae

❪ solo ❫ cash jang

❪ solo ❫ kingston han

❪ solo ❫ connor kwon

❪ it’s just you and me and the world beneath our louboutin heels ❫ piper & lyn

❪ with you- love became prismatic ❫ rome & zen

❪ solo ❫ ian yang

❪ solo ❫ baek ume

❪ sour patch kids and dirty asphalt ❫ atticus & addy

❪ solo ❫ nina kwon

❪ solo ❫ hazel jeon

❪ solo ❫ lauren liang

[graysmuse]

waking up stone-cold sober and hungover to the morning sun, realizing he’d fucked up and overstayed his one-nighter welcome. but they’re sleeping so soundly in his arms that he doesn’t have the heart to move and- fuck, he fucked up.

[idolizerp]

08.30 RESERVATIONS

choi jinri (sulli), actress as fantasy’s (+nightmare) main rap. lee jongsuk, actor as undecided. park chaeyoung (rose), as fantasy’s (+nightmare) main vocal. park kyungri, nine muses as wink’s main vocal. undecided as atlas’ lead vocal.

08.31 RESERVATIONS

kim chungha, solo as wink’s main rap / ext. yook sungjae, btob as atlas’ main vocal.

09.01 RESERVATIONS

chou tzuyu, twice as undecided. jung hoseok (jhope), bts as imperial’s main vocal. park sooyoung (joy), red velvet as cherry bomb!’s main rap. chonnasorn sajakul (sorn), as fantasy’s (+daydream) lead vocal / ext. undecided as jawbreaker’s lead vocal / ext.

09.02 RESERVATIONS

lee jieun (iu), as undecided / ext. seo yuna, aoa as honey’s main dance, lead rap.  undecided as cherry bomb!’s main vocal.

EXPIRED

-- 

02 APPLICATIONS, ACCEPTING 09.02

choi hansol (vernon), svt as xlnc’s lead vocal, rap, and guitar (jeon cash/ca$h) -- reviewing. im yoona, snsd as honey’s lead vocal (jang haeun) – messaged. park sunyoung (luna), fx as wink’s lead vocal (lee yura) – messaged.