Universe League Episode 3 Review

This post contains spoilers. Unless you don't really care, I suggest you watch the episode before stuff hits the fan.

Personal note: I just finished watching 4. Been holding this post for so long. T_T

Anyways, here we go!

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I have a lot to talk about this episode. It was rather...stressful and intense, but I enjoyed it.

From the previous episode, we saw how the starter teams performed, and it was really interesting.

They were all good, but Rhythm and Groove were really strong and I am glad Rhythm took the lead. Beat was good, but they fell off. In the end, Rhythm took the lead, then Groove, then Beat.

Did Rhythm win the entire match though? Let's find out.

Funny enough, we get to see Rhythm bench team perform first. Let's talk about each performance.

Rhythm Team - Baggy Jeans (Originally by NCT U)

I have heard that the performance was below expectations according to the Naver article I found. This is due to Ayumu and Eito's mistakes.

Watching this performance, it wasn't as bad as a lot of people made it to be. It did got a bit messy and unsynchronized during the middle of the song, but it got better at the end. The beginning was good too.

I get the vibe that the team were really nervous, hence why the mistakes, mostly on the two that I mentioned. Not only that, but there was communication issues since almost the entire team consists of foreigners. Kwon Heejun is the only pure Korean in the team, and there are a small number of members in the bench team that are fluent in Korean. In fact, Heejun really did his best to lead the team.

Baggy Jeans is a difficult song, but even with some moments, I think the team did a decent job.

Some points:

• The dancing is good, although this is a more dance-focused song, but the vocals could use some work. It's a bit squeaky and breathy. The people that did well in that aspect are Xie Yuxin and Mac. Yuxin because it was clean and for a foreigner, it was clear. Mac for the same reason.

• I personally liked the remix of the song. It's got an old school feel. However, I find it odd that they had to increase like an octave or a few keys higher. I know that Eito is sick hence why he couldn't practice as much, but this remix was out of his range. He was fine in S-Class, but he sounded way off for this one. I feel bad for him, because I too have to sing songs out of my range, especially with lower notes.

• Speaking of which, the fact that it is in a minor key is a bit weird, hence why the vocals seemed a bit off. That is beyond the guys' control. If this was in the original key, everyone would be okay, especially for Eito.

• A lot of people think Eito didn't do well, but as I mentioned, he was sick and the remix didn't do justice for his vocal range.

• Some people give Jin Ziming flack for not doing anything and having a selfish attitude. Yes, he did say he wanted to go back to China for not getting the killing part. Also, people are saying that Ziming swore at Ten right after he gave him some criticism even though it doesn't seem like the case. Sure, he could've handled things better, but I don't think he is upset at Ten. He's just upset at the fact he didn't get the killing part. However, Ziming actually chose to practice after Heejun encouraged him. I am not a huge fan of him, but he actually did decently in the performance.

• Li Zhinzuo was charismatic in this performance and I really like his dance and his stage presence. He did good in Siren, so this was not a surprise.

• Ayumu looks really adorable, especially with the gold accessory on his head. Regarding his performance, he did good. Yes, he misstep, but he did good in the end.

• You can tell Heejun really led the team and I appreciate his confidence. However, I am not a huge fan of his rap even though this is a cover. It does have character, so I will give him that.

• Mac moves are clean and smooth. Same applies to Xie Yuxin.

• While the overall dance is good, there are some parts that are unsyncronized. This is most apparent during the middle of the performance.

• I dig the group dance break. Everyone pulled it off so well.

The MVP for this performance is Kwon Heejun. I will say he did deserve that, and seeing him cry really broke me. He mentioned that he had it hard, and to be honest, I agree with him, but he really helped shaped the performance. To see his team members coming to him and telling him he did a great job is wholesome.

To rank each member for this performance and why:

1. Kwon Heejun - He did really well in this performance. Despite some mishaps, you can tell he has shown tremendous leadership for this group. I am really happy that he got the MVP award. I hope he continues to make it far.

2. Xie Yuxin - He wasn't talked a lot, but there are some people mentioning him how he did great in this performance, and I happen to agree. As I mentioned before, he is probably the most vocally strongest member in this group next to Mac. Not only that, he has a pretty good stage presence and dance. I hope he gets more votes because he is really good.

3. Ayumu - He did great. His one misstep doesn't degrade much of the performance, though I get the vibe he got nervous considering this is his actual first performance. Still, he did great, and I love how smooth he dances in the dance break.

4. Mac - He did well in this performance and arguably the most cleanest moves. He's not only a dancer, but a good singer. It may sound a bit squeaky, but his vocals are not obnoxious as is pretty nice to hear. I think he is 2nd to Yuxin in terms of vocals.

5. Li Zhinzuo - He has a pretty charismatic performance. I believe he fits this concept best compared to the others, but it's probably he because he suits so well in Siren. His dance is good too. Overall, he is pretty good.

6. Jin Ziming - He actually was pretty decent. I see no problem with his performance. However, I think others stood out to me more than him. Sorry Ziming...

7. Eito - Me putting him here isn't me saying he is bad or anything. In fact, I think he did okay in this performance. He did really good in dancing. However, the other members just happen to perform better overall. Vocally, the song was out of his control. He did okay singing his first verse, but then his voice got higher during the middle of the song, and went beyond his range. I hope in the next performance, the song would suit him better.

Overall, there are some things that can be improved, but it is not a bad performance. For a difficult song, they did a decent job.

Beat Team - Hard Carry (Originally by GOT7)

Despite the starter team not having a good start (though they did their best), bench team actually carried with a pretty stellar performance. I think there are a lot of things that stood out and everyone did an amazing job!

I think in this one, the group seem to understand each other well, and the synergy seems to good for this one.

I think the issue for this one is that half of the members seem to fit this concept well, and arguably, Kairi, Hanseo, Yuito, and Hyotae seems to fit the best. Everyone else would be better at a different concept, but that's out of their control. I still think everyone did great.

Some points:

• The intro was pretty cool. I dig the dance too.

• Speaking of dance, everyone is in sync with the dancing, and it is so satisfying to watch them do it well.

• Koo Hanseo really led this song, but he also really stood out in this performance. He is a good leader.

• I really like Yeonjun's rap, although I think he could have used a bit more facial expressions. Perhaps he went with some subtlety, which is fine too.

• I really like Kairi in this performance, and he has been under my radar lately. To see him slay in this performance tells me he needs to debut.

• Yuito has the best facial expressions. I really like the part where the group transitions to the 2nd chorus, and I find the way he expresses that part iconic.

• Not vocally strong overall, but Junhyuk and Hyotae really carried this performance in terms of vocals. Otherwise, the performance may not be nice to hear. Well, maybe Kairi, but the two I mentioned earlier are just stronger.

• Hyotae had a voice crack in the bridge, which is cute, but definitely took a tiny effect on the performance. However, I think he can get away with that one, as the crack doesn't sound obnoxious.

• The dance break was pretty cool. Kairi added a lot of swagger (don't really like using this term) to this one.

• Doyoon is adorable, but he could use a bit more energy.

The MVP for this performance is Kairi. I happen to agree with this. He really added a lot to this performance, although I can be a bit biased because I have been voting for him a bit more. However, I am also fine with Hanseo being the MVP because he also did a lot for this performance and really led the team.

To rank each member for this performance and why:

1. Kairi - I mean, he is MVP for a reason. He suited the concept but also executed it well. He was really cool on stage and I admired his charisma.

2. Koo Hanseo - He also did well in this one too. I like his rap and his dance. Also appreciated his leadership on this one.

3. Yuito - At first, I wasn't sure about him, but looking at this performance, he did good. I think he is okay vocally, but his dance seems stronger at least for this one. (Also he is wearing a cross teehee, not that it matters because nowadays the cross necklace is only used as a cosmetic sadly. That's not on Yuito, but that is something I noticed on what he wore.)

4. Kim Hyotae - This guy is underrated. He did so well in this performance overall despite that one voice crack in which he can get away with. He did vocally the best in Siren, so hearing his vocals here is nice. Not only that, but he did great at dancing. He and Junhyuk are the only ones who can carry Hard Carry vocally well, and that team couldn't do it without them.

5. Kang Junhyuk - Like Hyotae, Junhyuk did good in this performance despite not fitting this concept well. He seems to have a good range and is able to hit the higher notes well without straining it. As I mentioned earlier, without him and/or Hyotae, the Beat bench team wouldn't perform vocally well.

6. Park Yeonjun - Yeonjun did pretty well, and I liked his rap. I do wish he could improve his facial expressions a bit more, but subtlety is nice too. His outfit is meh, but that is beyond his control. He deserves a better outfit.

7. Nam Doyoon - He did decently in this performance. However, I think he lacked energy compared to his teammates, hence, even with a solo, he didn't really stood out to me.

   
   

Overall, this is a well done performance.

Groove Team - 2nd Confession (Originally by BTOB)

The previews and someone's live reaction assessment lied to me, because this performance turned out better than I expected, but that is the twist of survival shows hahaha.

Anyways, this is a nice change of pace after the previous performances that show a cool concept. Everyone looked so adorable, but they all did so good. They also are vocally the best compared to the other two bench teams, which is not surprising, because Changsub is the mentor. Not only that, everyone also had a fair share of screentime.

Some points:

• I really like Daeyun in this performance compared to his draft one. He improved a lot and actually put a lot of character and effort when it is his turn to sing. In the draft, it felt like he is just singing it without emotion, but this one, he is so much better.

• Everyone's voice is unique in this performance, yet they compliment well together without any of them standing out.

• Gangdong is really adorable. It was cute when he did his one part in the middle.

• Li Zhiwei's voice is so beautiful yet powerful. I was surprised he wasn't picked during the draft stage, but his voice suits well in this performance.

• I think everyone fits the concept well. To me, Gijoong and Junjin fits the best.

• I really like the power in Jaeho's vocals. He's already good in S-Class, but I really like the way he sings in 2nd Confession.

The MVP for this one is Kim Gijoong. I think he deserve this because aside from that unstable pitch on one of his parts, he improved a lot from his Boomerang performance (which we will not talk about much).

To rank each member for this performance and why:

1. Bae Jaeho - I think compared to everyone else in the bench team, I think Jaeho had the strongest performance. His vocals really delivered this performance, and it was powerful without sounding obnoxious or irritating. It was rather soothing, and I hope he continues to develop his vocals.

2. Li Zhiwei - Once again, Zhiwei's vocals delivered. It even suits the concept well. He is also a good performer, although I think he could improve his facial expressions more. Nevertheless, he did great.

3. Kim Gijoong - Aside from that one part, Gijoong did a great job in this song. Not only his vocals, but his overall performance. I think he is getting back to his roots during his time as an idol prior to military service.

4. Yeo Gangdong - Honestly, Gangdong is adorable in this performance. He has such a unique voice and character. Honestly, he really suited this concept and did a great job.

5. He Junjin - I like his soft voice. He seems fairly balanced and did a good job at this performance overall. What else can I say?

6. Hiroto - Hiroto has some nice vocals, and it's pretty. However, that is all I can say other than he is a decent performer.

7. Kim Daeyun - As I mentioned before, he has improved quite a lot from his previous performance. I placed him last not because he is last. If anything, he is not far off from anyone else. I placed him below because I still think he could improve a lot of things such as presence and facial expressions, but I can see his progress. For someone who has little to zero experience as an idol, Daeyun is doing well.

Overall, this is such an adorable performance, and probably one of my favorites. All thanks to Changsub!

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So all bench teams have performed. And the winner goes to...

...TEAM GROOVE!

Congrats to team Groove for winning the performance! All I can say, it was close, but fairly deserved.

And Changsub being Changsub as usual hahaha!

Honestly, Groove is consistent with their performances, hence why they ranked high, so I am happy for them. After all, their vocals really carried the stage.

Then Rhythm is placed 2nd, and Beat 3rd. They all did great, but then there is a twist.

That's right. As I mention from my previous post, any teams not placed at 1st will receive a certain amount of yellow cards. In this case, Rhythm receives 3 yellow cards, and Beat gets 6 (yikes).

So here are the rankings of each team. These rankings in this mission are based on on-site votes, and indeed a controversial one from a lot of people's view, because...well, this is on-site. However, I am not gonna attack the audience because I am sure everyone there has their own point of view.

Anyways, regarding the ranks, top 7 will be in starter, and the bottom half will be in bench.

So for team Groove:

In starter:

1. Seo Jeongwoo

2. Kim Gijoong

3. Kenta

4. Hiroto

5. Yeo Gangdong

6. Park Han

7. Bae Jaeho

In bench:

1. He Junjin

2. Jang Kyungho

3. Kim Daeyun

4. Kim Jooyoung

5. James

6. Zen Zen

7. Li Zhiwei

For team Rhythm:

In starter:

1. Park Juwon

2. Kwon Heejun

3. Zhang Shuaibo

4. JL

5. Steven

6. Daisuke

7. Ayumu

   
   

In bench:

1. Xie Yuxin

2. Jin Ziming

3. Sirin

4. Eito (tied with Sirin)

5. Li Zhinzuo

6. Mac

7. Royce

   
   

Last, but not least, team Beat:

The scores here are abysmal for Beat. Regardless...

In starter:

1. Cha Woongki

2. Chih En

3. An Yul

4. Kairi

5. Yuito

6. Nam Doyoon

7. Koo Hanseo

   
   

In bench:

1. Keum Jinho

2. Park Yeonjun

3. Kim Hyotae

4. Jiang Fan

5. Kim Dongyun

6. Kang Junhyuk

7. Park Jihun

   
   

So the following contestants received one yellow card:

• Li Zhinzuo

• Mac

• Royce

• Park Yeonjun

• Kim Hyotae

• Jiang Fan

• Kim Dongyun

• Kang Junhyuk

• Park Jihun

So this is how cruel the system is rip haha. Really feel bad for all of them, honestly. If anything, some of the people I want to debut got yellow cards.

Now there is the trade. The top two teams will trade with the lower ranks. They will trade their own players with another from the other teams. Just like in actual sports!

In this case, since team Groove won 1st, Changsub can trade two of his players. Ten from Rhythm can trade 1 only with Beat, and Beat has nothing.

Here are the trades:

• Li Zhiwei from Groove is traded to Beat with Koo Hanseo

• Hiroto from Groove is traded to Rhythm with Kwon Heejun

• Royce from Rhythm is traded to Beat with Chih En

So now here are the new teams (sorta):

Back to the rankings, I don't know who shared this, but thanks to them for posting it. Here are the overall rankings based on on-site voting:

Let me say, the results are quite unexpected. Some I am not surprised, but some I did not anticipate. So let me say these things out loud:

• I feel sad for Kairi, because he is the only MVP that isn't in the top 2. In

• Groove's placements surprise me. I know this team had several strong players (like, over half of them), but dang, this was wild. I expected Kyungho and Jooyoung to be at the starter, but that happened.

• There are a lot of players who received a yellow card that I don't think should have. If anything, none of them should have, but this is a survival show after all. Eliminations have to happen somehow. T_T

  • Speaking of which, Jiang, Hyotae, Junhyuk, and everyone in team Rhythm are least deserving.

• Juwon deserved the top. He is great.

• A lot of people are upset that JL isn't placed high, but for a foreigner, placing 9th overall among 42 contestants (4th in Rhythm) isn't that bad. If anything, JL got a lot of recognition from the on-site, so we should be happy for him.

• Speaking about JL again, people are blaming Changsub for not taking him. Honestly, I am not sure what the big deal is, and I think we should be grateful. I think Changsub is a smart mentor, and I believe he wants his group to be balanced, with vocals being a main factor. So him picking Hanseo and Heejun is smart because he needed rappers.

  • Also, JL is happy to be in Rhythm. He did mention that Ten is his role model after all. If anything, I would be sad if he gets traded haha.

• I feel bad for Royce. I hope that he gets recognition because he has a lot of potential, especially for vocals.

• Someone mentioned that Sirin got upset and started to cry after the rankings were announced. I feel sad for him, too. He is one of the strongest vocalists in the Rhythm starter team along with JL, and arguably Royce, Steven, and Shuaibo. Since he got moved to bench, Rhythm starter isn't going too strong on vocals except for JL.

That is all I have to say.

My thoughts

This episode was really stressful to watch. I admit, I too, am not happy with the results, but that is beyond the contestant's and the mentor's control. At the same time, I am not going to jump on the train and blame the on-site audience simply because they are Korean or they prefer visuals over talent. All 42 contestants are talented in their own way, though it is heartbreaking. Regardless, this was an enjoyable episode.

Alas, we will see contestants perform one more time, and it's only getting intense from here. We will see the teams perform original songs in the next episode, yay!

I finally found a top 7, but this is due to change because of potential eliminations, but I will slowly be voting these guys. Just, there are a lot of trainees that deserve my vote haha.

Anyways, here is my top 7:

1. Zhang Shuaibo

2. Steven

3. JL

4. Kairi

5. Cha Woongki

6. Park Han

7. Kim Hyotae

   
   

Honorable mentions (no particular order):

• Chih En

• Royce

• Xie Yuxin

• Mac

• Kim Gijoong

• Kim Jooyoung

• Jang Kyungho

• Li Zhiwei

• Li Zhinzuo

• Seo Jeongwoo

• Kwon Heejun

• Park Juwon

• Jiang Fan

To be transparent, I have been doing a lot of rotation when it comes to these votes, but I realized there are several contestants I want to stay, and that is the current top 7 I have.

Admittedly, I have voted for underage contestants previously, and I am not gonna name who, but I decided to refrain from voting them anymore since I think the ideal group should do any concept without age interference. I already don't feel comfortable with Sirin doing that one part even though he did well, but he is 16.

As I mentioned, this will change depending on the eliminations. However, my first four will always be the same, and gradually Woongki and Han. I kept Hyotae as one of my top picks despite him getting an undeserving yellow card, but I don't feel confident for some reason. Still, I hope he makes it because I love his vocals.

Anyways, that is all I have for today! See you on the next episode!