Mnet’s survival show “Queendom Puzzle” sparked controversy as they assigned active female idols into 4 ranks.
The pre-release video of “Queendom Puzzle”, which was released on June 6th, introduced MC Taeyeon and active female idols who joined the survival show as contestants.
In the video, Taeyeon told the contestants, “In the music world, there exists the kind of classification called ‘rank’”, adding “These ranks represent the grades you have received after carrying out K-pop activities until now. We’ve divided you all into different ranks according to the standards of ‘Queendom Puzzle’”. She then revealed the contestants from Rank 1 to Rank 4.
Upon hearing Taeyeon’s words, the contestants were very shocked. They reacted, “It’s so cruel”, “What rank are we in?”, etc.
Based on the total number of music broadcasts and first-week sales of released albums, “Queendom Puzzle” selected JooE, Chaeyeon, Yeoreum, Dohwa and Kei for Rank 1.
Jihan, Choa, Soeun, Sujin, Yeeun, Haein and Yuki were named in Rank 2. Rank 3 consists of Seoyeon, Jiwoo, Yeonhee, Suyoon, Juri, Chaerin, Bora, and Jiwon. Lastly, Elly, Sangah, Miru, Fye, Hwiseo, Nana, and Wooyeon were announced in Rank 4.
Netizens who watched the pre-release video commented, “Taeyeon hates it the most”, “Taeyeon must have felt very upset about the ranks”, “It’s hurt seeing the kids that I like coming out on that show”, “Their fans must be hurt a lot”, “Will there be a male version? It will be a war then”, “The production team, reflect on your fault”, “Why are they openly dividing ranks on the broadcast?”, etc.
Meanwhile, “Queendom Puzzle”, which is scheduled to air on the 13th, is a program to create a new project girl group by letting existing girl group members compete with each other.
Source: Wikitree
