Here are 4 Aspects in the First Episode of I-Land that Successfully Caught the Viewers' Attention

Kapanlagi.com - The latest survival show from Mnet, I-Land, started airing on June 26, 2020. This observational reality show features 23 trainees who compete to secure their positions for debut in a new K-Pop boy group under the management of BELIF+, a collaboration between CJ ENM and Big Hit Entertainment.

As reported by Soompi, the premiere of I-Land gives an overview of what this show offers and of course, its trainees. Here are the promising and attention-grabbing aspects of the I-Land survival show:

1. Training Location

© Mnet

The most prominent thing during the first episode of I-LAND is definitely its training location. The entire production venue of this show is designed remarkably like a film shooting location. As mentioned by Rain, this training place looks very expensive.

This impressive building is specifically designed to meet the needs of the trainees. Even the training location is equipped with a fitness center and a medical room. Everything in this location is high-tech, there is a moving floor in the performance area, an 'egg door' which is the entrance to I-LAND, and so on.

From the producers to the trainees, everyone is amazed by the grandeur of this location. Surely, this location looks much more impressive in real life.

2. The Producers

© Mnet

The survival show I-LAND is labeled as an 'observational' reality show. This term was revealed in the first episode. Bang Si Hyuk, Rain, and Zico as the producers truly observe the trainees from the 'production room'. This room looks like a CCTV control room with monitor screens on the wall.

These three producers observe the contestants from the moment they arrive until the end of their entrance exam without any interaction at all. However, viewers can hear their reactions to the trainees' performances, which provide insights into their thoughts and expectations. These three producers can see the unedited versions of the trainees' performances, giving them a better perspective than what is shown to the viewers.

In addition, the trio of Bang Si Hyuk, Rain, and Zico is an interesting combination to watch, considering their different backgrounds and levels of experience in this industry.

3. Concept

© Mnet

The I-Land program implements a voting system. During the entrance test, 23 trainees go on stage to perform, either solo or in groups. Then, the other 22 trainees decide whether the participants on stage will officially enter I-LAND, which only has 12 slots.

This system is quite complicated considering that each trainee has different standards of what is good and what is not. This uncertain aspect provides entertainment factor and adds tension to the show.

But there's no need to worry, because the trainees who are not chosen are not actually expelled, they just move to a different location called 'Ground'. However, this system is mentally exhausting, especially for these young teenagers. In addition, the red light under the trainees' feet after being eliminated will constantly remind them of the failures they have experienced.

4. Trainee

The last important aspect is the trainees. In this I-Land program, there are 23 trainees with various nationalities, training periods, and backgrounds. In the first episode, the trainees had to demonstrate their abilities both individually and in groups.

They performed hit songs by top K-Pop idol groups, such as EXO, NCT, and TXT. Although they are still trainees, some of them successfully captured attention like idols who have already debuted.

What about KLovers? Have you watched the first episode of I-Land? If so, who is your favorite trainee?

(soo/rsp)