SBS Universe Ticket Episode 9 preview was revealed after the sound conclusion of the last episode that aired on January 3. The trailer has dropped the curtain on some upcoming unexpected twists that will ultimately play a huge role in determining the events of the much anticipated season finale too.
Setting the tone for the final episode, the upcoming entry of the new week is set to be the penultimate round of the ongoing competition that’s set to make room for more K-pop rookies on the younger side. Since only 8 Prism tickets are available for the contestants to debut as K-pop stars, the long arduous journey is about to close its chapters to make room for an unforgettable debut in the days to come.
The Korean reality survival race commenced on November 18, and has been bringing emotional dramas of varying degrees every week, testing the contestants and audiences’ patience. SBS’ debut competition series (유니버스 티켓), originally holding the title, Universe Ticket: The Miracle of 82, has been produced by Lee Hwan-jin, known for yet another survival audition program, Loud (2021), featuring PSY and Park Jin-young (JYP Entertainment), and the variety game show Running Man.
The penultimate episode of the show will take a giant leap before the final episode decides the qualifying members from the lot who’ll be debuting thereafter. Episode 8’s Unit Station round will be followed up by a new unit song on the Road to Prism. Opposing unit participants will be picking the contestants they’d like to see eliminated from the competition. This unexpected turn will participants fill up the ballot boxes with their picks for elimination. The shocking results will lead the audience and the remaining contestants to the final stage.
The 2023 SBS Entertainment Awards were held on December 30, and this event too saw some representatives from Universe Ticket coming up to the stage and performing. Additionally, a Universe Ticket Tour in Seoul has also been slated to kick off at the Jangchung Arena from February 3, at 5 PM KST to February 4, 2024, 5 PM KST. Ticketing process for the same will commence on January 11, 2024, at 8 PM KST.
(EDIT: The Universe Tour in Soul now stands cancelled)
The series originally brought in 82 contestants hailing from global countries like Canada, Australia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Myanmar, France, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, and Italy, all born before the year 2011. The show’s finale will result in the declaration of 8 last-standing contestants as debuting members of a girl group that will be signed under the entertainment label, F&F Entertainment, for 2.5 years. The Universe Ticket audition series has welcomed a star-studded lineup of mentors for the girls. This stellar list of regular judges includes 7 South Korean celebs – Actor/singer Kim Sejeong, Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, Yeji and Chaeryeong of ITZY, K-pop soloist Younha, and choreographer Choi Rian of LACHICA dance crew.
SBS Universe Ticket Episode 9 Release Date
The ninth episode is slated to release on January 10, 2024, Wednesday, at 10:40 PM KST (updated time).
Where to Watch SBS Universe Ticket Episode 9
The next episode will most likely be live-streamed on YouTube, in addition to being broadcasted on the South Korean network SBS TV. International audiences can also view the episodes on streaming platforms Viu or Viki later.
Watch the SBS Universe Ticket Episode 9 Preview / Trailer
Brief Universe Ticket Episode 8 Recap
The Unit Station round divided the girls into three teams as per official position distributions – Visual, Vocal and Performance. The first team performed Orange Caramel’s song Catallena, resulting in Kotoko taking the lead from there. On the other hand, Lim Seowon from the Vocal team clinched the promotion to the next Prism Level after performing Wanna One’s Beautiful. Lastly, Performance team’s presentation of ITZY’s Loco helped Narumi secure a safe spot as the third promoted participant.
Original Full List of Universe Ticket Contestants
The SBS Global Audition 2023 Universe Ticket lineup consists of 82 contestants, and it was revealed in intervals. The first announcement included the following 41 contestants’ profiles – Heo Sunbin, Choi Hyerin (also seen on Girls Planet 999), Choi Yeojin, Choi Sungeun, Cho Chaeyoung, Gehlee Dangca, JAYLA, Jung Jiwon, Jeon Jinyeong, Jang Sua, Jang Subin, Lim Seowon (trot singer), Lee Suan, Lee Soovin, Yoon Sooin, Yu, Oh Daeun, Yang Eugene, Yamaguchi Yuriko, Alyssa, Aya Natsumi, Xiaoyu, Vu Linh Dan, Bang Yunha, Park Yehyeon, Vanesya, Mila, Minari, May, Riel, Laura, Noh Yeonwoo, Nako, Nana (former PRIKIL member), Kim Hyojin, Kim Soobin, Kim Soyul, Kim Seoyeon, Kwon Chaewon (formerly known as Eunchae of DIA), Kwon Eunhyung and Gabi. (Check out their profiles here)
The second announcement revealed the remaining 41 contestants as Goo Gyoryeon, Kwon Yejin, Kim Sumin, Kim Sujin, Kim Yuri, Kim Chaea, Kim Chaewon, Kim Hyemi, Narumi, Natchayathorn, Nizi, Park Yewon (former Hot Issue member), Bae Yeram (former Play With Me Club member), Bae Haram, Ahn Seungbi (former Play With Me Club member), Anxin, Enny, Elisia, Oh Yoona (former Play With Me Club member), Yona, Oukikk, Yuri, Yoo Yena (former member of groups Cookie, Dream Candy and LUNA KIDS).
Completing the list, the last few contestants are, Yukino (former PRIKIL member), Ido Tayui, Lee Sunwoo, Izumi, Lee Jine, Lee Huran, Jang Minju (former Majors member), Zhou Jiaqi, Jeon Jieun (former Busters member), Jeong Huigyeong, Jessica, Cho Minseo, Jin Hyeonju (former Good Day and cignature member), Kotoko, Pia, Honma Yuriko, Hwang Sieun, and Lee Eunchae.
Are you watching the new SBS girl group audition 2023 series these days? Let us know your favourite contestants so far in the comments section below.
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