The Top 11 winners in the Korean survival TV program "Produce 101" Season 2 may end up competing with eliminated contestants who are in talks to form their own boy band.
It was reported on Wednesday that the agencies of former "Produce 101" contestants Takada Kenta, Kim Yong Guk, Kim Sang Gyun, Kim Dong Han, Noh Tae Hyun, Kim Tae Dong and Kwon Hyun Bin are discussing on how to proceed with the debut.
The seven contestants are collectively called by fans as JBJ, or Just Be Joyful. Fans named them as such as they were often seen or photographed together.
According to the report, the contestants' agencies met with Fave Entertainment, a record label under Loen Entertainment, regarding forming the group that is tentatively scheduled to debut in September.
"We have been in talks with most of the agencies, and it is true that the discussions have been leaning positive. However, there are still problems that need to be settled in order for the debut to occur," said Fave Entertainment, according to Soompi.
It is not yet decided if Kwon Hyun Bin, who belongs to YG K Plus, a modeling agency of YG Entertainment, will join the group.
He previously expressed his positive opinion on forming JBJ. "On the day of the live show, I learned about [JBJ] because the other guys told me. I was really amazed," Kwon Hyun Bin said. "If there is a situation [where we could promote together], it would be really great, We're all friends and we're a very close group where we know what each other is thinking."
On the other hand, Noh Tae Hyun's agency expressed support for the trainee's impending dual roles as comebacking member of boy band Hotshot and JBJ.
Hotshot is scheduled to release a single on July 15. "The new song for HOTSHOT is scheduled for release on July 15, which is why many of you question if this comeback is rushed, or if it reflected the opinions of the group's members. As mentioned earlier, HOTSHOT had been diligently preparing for a domestic comeback after promotions in Japan by recording new songs and creating choreography during their spare time," explained Star Crew Ent.
It added, "Furthermore, it is planned that Noh Tae Hyun will concurrently also be doing activities with JBJ, along with fellow members who were loved by the nation's producers through 'Produce 101 Season 2.' We promise full support for them as well."
