Fan narrows 'Produce 101' girls to his top five

By Ko Dong-hwan

When Mnet’s TV audition show “Produce 101” first aired in late January, the show raised nationwide attentions ― mixed with interest and criticism ― as it urged viewers to vote for their favorite among 101 girls to select one of the final 11 winners who will debut as a K-pop girl band.

Some curious fans kept track of the program to check who got eliminated and who survived while some said it was inappropriate and made aspiring singers desperate. However, the show has enjoyed high publicity and viewership, and established many fans.

While it was nearly impossible to become familiar with all the contestants, an anonymous netizen tried to help out by posting his personal pick of five contestants he says must be on fans’ radar.

Kim So-hee, left, and Ku Hye-sun

They include Kim So-hee from Busan, who introduced herself on the show as having a resemblance to actress and director Ku Hye-sun.

Yoon Chae-kyung

Another candidate is Yoon Chae-kyung. She became popular after she told the program she had owed debts. She cried when the producer told her she had to pay for studio camera equipment worth 30 million won ($26,000) during a hidden-camera gig to surprise her with a fictitious situation.

Lee Soo-hyun

Lee Soo-hyun, the third pick, grabbed viewers’ attention when she frequently burst into laughter, spreading what fans dubbed a “happy virus.”

Lee Hae-in and HyunA (circle)

Lee Hae-in is in the spotlight for being K-pop sex symbol HyunA’s look-alike.

Jeong Chae-yeon

Finally, Jeong Chae-yeon earned fame with her not-so-smart and extravagant character, often being criticized by fellow competitors for wrong choreographic moves.