[2017] Mix Nine | Episode 1

● I had to add this in my playlist to reminisce my unexpected journey to following Ateez and Treasure 💙● Concept: Mix Nine was a collaboration project between director Han Dong-chul, producer Yang Hyun-suk, and JTBC. Han Dong-chul, who was the executive producer of the first two seasons of Mnet's Produce 101 originally came with the concept for the show's third season. The show had 400 auditions from more than 70 agencies which Yang and the guest judges personally visited. Contestants included both trainees and lesser known K-pop idols looking to seek further attention. According to Yang, good looks and have pleasing personalities are some of his preference in choosing the trainees, although not a requirement. 170 trainees were chosen by Yang Hyun-suk and guest judges CL, Zion.T, Seungri, and Taeyang. After the agency tour concluded, the trainees were divided into four classes (Debut team, A, B, and C) to train and compete in ranking missions that were judged by a combination of judge evaluations and viewer voting. For the participants' training, several artists were recruited for the show. Vocal trainer and singer Ha Dong-kyun and singer Suran were in charge of the vocal training. In addition, rapper Swings was their rap mentor, while YG Entertainment dancers Kwon Young-deuk and Kwon Young-don were responsible for training. With nine members each, the remaining male team would go against the remaining female team. The final group would promote for seven months.