
The tension escalated on the July 5 (KST) episode of 'B:MY BOYZ', KBS2’s large-scale global boy group audition program, as the competition entered its second round. Following the conclusion of the first round’s concept battle, where the final TOP PICK contestants and first eliminations were announced, the 13-on-13 team deathmatch began, instantly capturing viewers’ attention.
The top-performing team from the first round featured Kim Jeong Hoon, Li Ziwei, Park Se Chan, Lim Ji Hwan, Kai, and Hyo, who performed 'Fact Check (불가사의; 不可思議)' by NCT. Additional standout performers included Lee Jun Myung with 'Baggy Jeans', Park Jun Hyuk with '90’s Love', Star Chai with 'Love Talk', and William with 'Kick It'. The final combined scores from in-person and online voting placed Lee Yoon Seong from the 'Kick It' team at the top, while Lee Sung In, Didi, and Jang Hee Kwang were eliminated from the show.
As the remaining contestants, known as B:GINNERs, moved into their new team lodging spaces named My House and Boy House, a new challenge awaited them. A VCR message from MC Miyeon introduced the next mission: the team deathmatch, with producers dividing the trainees into two teams. The teams were determined to secure survival for all their members, fueling their competitive drive.
The atmosphere intensified with the appearance of MONSTA X members Shownu, Kihyun, and Hyungwon. The surprise guests were met with loud cheers, as several contestants admitted to being longtime fans. Shownu expressed his gratitude, saying he was honored that the trainees would be performing their songs. Kihyun explained that he would be watching closely to see how the contestants infused their individuality into vocals and choreography.

Round 2 consisted of three parts. First, each team selected nine members to perform 'Love Killa' and 'Shoot Out', two of MONSTA X’s most iconic tracks. Next came a vocal battle, with four members from each team showcasing their singing ability. The final stage was a mega performance match, where all members of each team recreated the choreography and performance of 'Trespass', MONSTA X’s debut song, adding their own creative flair.
Both teams introduced themselves with team names: My Monstaz and MonstaB(13), shouting their names with pride. MC Dex remarked that the team names seemed to be a bold nod to MONSTA X, joking about their lofty ambitions.
To determine performance order and song selection, a mini sports competition was held. Master Hui surprised the trainees with an unannounced visit, and the event kicked off with a five-person relay race. Lee Jun Myung, who has a background in amateur boxing, Jang Won, a military veteran, and Haruto, a former baseball player, quickly drew attention with their physical prowess. My Monstaz won both the relay and a team jump rope challenge, earning the first choice of songs. They picked 'Love Killa' for the performance match and 'Spring Day' by BTS for the vocal round. MonstaB(13) chose 'You Were Beautiful' by DAY6.
In a final game to decide the performance order, a 3-on-3 arm wrestling match took place. Haruto led MonstaB(13) to victory, giving his team the advantage of choosing the second performance slot.
After a competitive day, the trainees relaxed by cooking together and sketching portraits of one another, revealing a softer, more playful side. One contestant even earned the nickname “morning fairy” for waking everyone up the next day.
As the battle intensifies, all eyes are on how the trainees will perform in front of MONSTA X and prove their potential as the next generation of K-pop idols.
'B:MY BOYZ' airs every Saturday at 5:20 p.m. (KST) on KBS2 and is also available on Netflix, ABEMA, WeTV, and Rakuten Viki for global audiences.
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