R U Next Episode 8 Reactions: “HYBE Does Not Deserve” Chanelle and More Fuming Responses Follow After Unprecedented Eliminations

Every week the craze of the new South Korean girl group reality competition is hyped up and the same can be witnessed again in the R U Next Episode 8 reactions (알유넥스트) on X (formerly Twitter). Netizens are flaring up the SNS platform with their takes on the novel performances delivered on August 18, 2023, for this joint venture between entertainment companies JTBC and HYBE Corporation.

More eliminations have stirred the pot hot with differing takes from the audience tuning into the weekly broadcasts of the BELIFT girl group audition survival competition hosted by Choi Soo-young aka SNSD Sooyoung. With the ultimate goal of debuting as members of the new HYBE Labels’ K-pop girl group alongside fellow label mates – LE SSERAFIM and NewJeans – the trainees are eager to be chosen as the finalists of the music survival show. And though the latest episode has released the new rankings, not everyone’s dreams are going to take flight through this series.

Episode 8 marked the end of Round 5: Concept Game, which initially commenced with the Colour mission in the previous weeks. Giving the contestants a chance to showcase their artistry by testing how well they work with different concepts, these episodes focussed on three performances, that of 2NE1’s I Don’t Care, Oh My Girl’s SSFWL and Red Velvet Irene and Seulgi’s Monster. Thereafter, for today’s episode, a representative was picked from each of the three teams, who would then perform for the Black Mission. The total score depended on the 50% weightage gained from each of these missions.

The second mission of Round 5 was performed by Youngseo, Iroha and Himena, who danced together to BLACKPINK’s Shut Down. Ultimately, the top 6 contestants moving ahead to the ‘NEXT ZONE’ announced were Iroha, Jiwoo, Minju, Yunah, Youngseo and Wonhee (as per their descending rankings), while Wonhee also earned the first place in global voting.

The semi final team members (6 each) were also announced for Round 6 who’ll be performing on the songs Scrum and Pride. The former team will include Jeongeun taking the centre position, Wonhee as the main vocalist, Jiwoo as the lead vocalist and Iroha, Minju and Moka as the sub vocalists. For the latter team, Jeemin will be the centre, Chanelle the main vocalist, Yunah the lead vocalist, and Jihyun, Youngseo and Himena the sub vocalists.

The eighth episode further cut short debuting dreams for three contestants – Hyewon, Seoyeon and Funa. Many viewers were found fuming at this “unfair” result and even took to Twitter and YouTube comments to express their vehement opposition against these results, while also calling out the judges for “playing favourites”. Quite a few regular watchers of the show even questioned what the point of audience voting poll was anymore if their favourites were to be eliminated this easily. In turn, this even resulted in people’s slipping interest in the reality show as they voiced out their heartbroken thoughts.

Also read: “RM Apologise to Muslims” Trends on X; Here’s What Caused This Outrage Against Kim Namjoon

Moreover, they even noticed how Chanelle’s moral was being brought down due to constant negative comments directed at her. While some hoped for her to leave the show, others hoped that she’d come back with a positive outlook next week. More reactions addressing netizens’ favourites are listed below.

R U Next Episode 8 Eliminations

Check Out the R U Next Episode 8 Reactions

YouTube Comments

R U Next Episode 8 Reactions -youtube
R U Next Episode 8 Reactions -youtube 2

X / Twitter

R U Next Episode 8 Performances

Black Mission: Shut Down Performed by YOUNGSEO (formerly in the Green ‘I Don’t Care’ Team), IROHA (from the former Red ‘Monster’ Team) and HIMENA (from the former Purple ‘SSFWL’ team)

Watch the R U Next Episode 9 Trailer

The next episode of the R U Next HYBE girl group debut project competition series will air on JTBC on August 25, 2023, at 8:50PM KST. It will also be live streamed on YouTube.

Do your reactions also match with the ones listed above? Who all are you rooting for to debut in the end? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Also read: Kpop Songs of the Day: JIHYO Killin Me Good, aespa Better Things, EVERGLOW Slay and More Girl Group Releases Take the Lead


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Ashima Grover
Ashima Grover
Ashima Grover is a Sub-Editor at Leisure Byte with 3 years of writing experience. She holds a post graduate degree in English, and is passionate about looking at the changing trends in Hallyu content with the ever-rising piles of K-pop and K-drama releases.

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