If you are a fan of Korean audition programs, you should have followed Mnet’s audition programs, such as the Produce and Planet series. Since Produce 101 in 2016, these programs have created many globally successful K-pop groups, such as I.O.I, Wanna One, and ZEROBASEONE. One of the trademark components of Mnet’s audition shows is concept evaluation, in which the demos of 4 to 5 new songs with different concepts will be released before the competition, and audiences can decide which song each contestant will be performing.
Some of the concept evaluation songs, such as “Never” from Produce 101 Season 2 and “Rumor” from Produce 48, received lots of attention and even boosted the popularity of several contestants. However, there are also many other concept evaluation songs performed by less popular contestants that deserve more love from K-pop fans. Here are six underrated concept evaluation songs from the Produce and Planet series worth checking out!
Supercharger – Boys Planet (2023)
“Supercharger” is a powerful EDM track that declares the contestants’ ambition to fill themselves with energy and achieve high. Although the team was the first to perform, Ollie injured his hand before the show. He was still wearing a bandage during the actual performance; they managed to hype up the atmosphere with their electrifying performance as the audience sang along the addictive line “Super charger super super charger.” The members also challenged themselves by taking up positions they had never tried. Cha Woonggi, originally a vocalist, showcased his potential in rapping by being the team’s main rapper. Seowon took up the position of main vocalist for the first time, impressing the crowd with his silky vocals. The punchy music, intense choreography, and the fire effect toward the end make the performance look like the opening of a concert.
Utopia – Girls Planet 999 (2021)
“Utopia” is a bright concept track that invites listeners to the utopia that they have been dreaming of for a long time. Although this group had fewer members than the other groups, the line-up consisted of Kim Bora and Kim Chaewon, two of the best main vocalists in the program. Both showcased their refreshing and powerful vocals in the song, and Bora’s high note before the last chorus was truly impressive. Many also complimented Kang Yeseo’s lovely facial expressions, saying she deserved the center position as she perfectly delivered the song’s hopeful message. In addition, the girls’ stage outfits were stunning – they looked like angels descending from heaven in white dresses!
Super Special Girl – Produce X 101 (2019)
“Super Special Girl” is an upbeat, funky disco-pop that describes the members’ fluttering feeling of falling in love with their crush and wanting to know more about her. The choreography of this song contained the most intense and complex moves among the five concept evaluation songs, with many quick and detailed steps. However, the members danced in absolute synchronization while delivering stable vocals and rap. The team’s main vocalist, Song Yuvin, pulled off the high notes effortlessly, and Kim Sihun and Kuem Donghyun’s dynamic rap parts depicted the fluttering feeling of meeting their crush in a fun way.
I AM – Produce 48 (2018)
“I AM” is a tropical house song about the girls declaring self-love, singing that they enjoy being who they are while embracing their imperfections. Although some members, such as Huh Yunjin and An Yujin, were underage back then, they nicely presented this song’s mature, feel-good concept. They all demonstrated confidence and powerful stage presence unmatched by their age in the performance as they mesmerized the audience with their powerful yet elegant choreography. It is interesting to see An Yujin doing this kind of concept, which is entirely different from her sweet image in IVE currently. Huh Yunjin’s powerful vocals brought out the message of being confident in oneself, and her ad-libs were always a blessing to the audience’s ears.
I Know You Know – Produce 101 Season 2 (2017)
“I Know You Know” is an easy-listening funk-pop track that describes the complicated feeling of being in a situationship. The members ask their crush not to hide her feelings towards them, as they know she also has a crush on them. Although all the members were eliminated after this performance, they successfully performed the clapping feet point choreography while singing with stable vocals. Apart from the vocalists, the performance of the rappers was also promising. Kwon Hanbin took up rap lines for the first time, which paved the way for his debut as a rapper in JBJ. Jang Moonbok also tried doing melodic rap for the first time, which harmonized surprisingly well with the refreshing vocals of his teammates. The cherry blossom with pink and purple balloons on the live stage looks ethereal, highlighting this love song’s dreamy vibe.
Don’t Matter – Produce 101 (2016)
“Don’t Matter” is a hip-hop song about the members criticizing people who are judging them behind their backs, singing that they don’t care about how others think of them. Jeon Soyeon singing the opening lines with her bright voice was very catchy, and Kim Juna’s husky and powerful vocals matched perfectly with the girl crush theme of the song, not to mention that she looked stunning in blonde! All the members also showed their top-notch dancing skills at the dance break, which drove the audience into a frenzy at the live performance and accentuated the hip-hop soul of the song. Kwon Eunbi saying the line “저기요, 저 아세요?” (Excuse me, do you know me?) As she turned around, it remained one of the most legendary scenes in the program.
Which of the above concept evaluation songs is your favorite? Are there any other audition program songs that you believe are hidden gems? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter!
Featured Image Credits: Daniela Partida for POP TOKKI
