Hello everyone, so if you’re aware of all things Kpop then you probably heard of the latest idol competition show Peak Time.
Peak Time 피크타임 is a South Korean competition show, giving struggling Kpop groups (who have already debuted) a second chance. This show is from JTBC. I absolutely love the premise of this show. I think unknown groups are hidden gems. It breaks my heart seeing talented artists not get the recognition (or the financial stability) they deserve.
Here’s a few quick facts to know about this show:
The MC is the wonderful Lee SeungGi.
The judges, who will determine if the group will proceed to the next round, are:
- Kyuhyun from SUPER JUNIOR
- Tiffany Young from Girls’ Generation.
- Jay Park, singer, rapper, producer.
- Lee Gikwang from Highlight (BEAST).
- Kim Sungkyu from INFINITE.
- Moonbyul from MAMAMOO.
- Jaewon Shim performance director in SM Entertainment.
- Ryan Jhun kpop producer.
Mino from Winner, was also a judge for the first couple of episodes. But he will be enlisting in the military – so Moonbyul from MAMAMOO will take his place as judge.
Each group chooses a random time of day and that is the name they will compete under. Example: 2PM or 2AM (I will mention 2PM every chance I get…I love them) 😉
The group’s compete under a number so they are judged without bias.
So throughout episode 1 and 2 I definitely recognized some groups. I think the performances were great. But the most heartbreaking part is hearing the stories from these groups struggling to make it. Team 11:00 (aka VANNER), they shared their story how it’s only the members and their CEO. They don’t have a big team or the finances like other groups to fully succeed. The members of VANNER each have regular jobs on the side – while trying to keep the group going.
This is the reason why I love Peak Time already. It’s giving these groups a second chance and it helps them put themselves in front of a new audience.
Here’s my full review / recap of episode 1. There are spoilers (for episode 1).
Personally I think Kyuhyun is a great lead judge, he’s funny and honest. I think he brings a nice balance to the rest of the judges. I realized I agreed with most of what Jay Park said in his evaluation of these groups and their performances.
All in all, episode 1 is a solid start to this series.
If you want to rewatch all the performances from episode 1 with me, make sure to check out my Peak Time After Show! There’s additional commentary and a few rants too 😉
