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Sandara Park, known affectionately as Dara of K-Pop girl group 2NE1, returns to the Philippines to host "Be The Next: 9 Dreamers," the newest talent survival show premiering on Feb. 8 on TV5.
Sandara 1 - Sandara Park PR PHOTOS FROM TV5
In a media conference, Park expressed her excitement about reconnecting with her "second home" and taking on the role of main host for the first time.
"I'm really excited and nervous at the same time because it's a new challenge for me. I've done a lot on stage — acting, doing a musical show — but this is my first time being the main host. So I'm really excited. I don't know how I'll do because, you know, 'krung krung' ako (I'm quirky)," Park enthused.
Sandara 2 - Mentors (from left) Bullseye, Park Woojin, Hye-bin, host Sandara Park, Bang Yedam, Hori7on Vinci and Bae Wan Hee.
"But although I'm not a mentor, I'll be like an older sister to them and a friend. If they cry, I can be there to help them and remind them that they can do it," she continued.
Despite her jam-packed schedule — including 2NE1's ongoing "Welcome Back" tour and solo projects — Park is still determined to give her best.
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"No more friends for now, no alcohol, no rest, no vacation, just focus. I'm really focusing on my work. If I have time, of course I go to massage. It's still important to stay healthy so I can do all the schedules in my best condition," shared the 40-year-old global star.
The show, produced by TV5 and MLD Entertainment PH, brings together 75 aspirants selected from global auditions in 2024. These contestants will compete for nine coveted spots in a new boy group, undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of a stellar panel of mentors.
The mentors include AB6IX's Park Woojin, Bang Ye-dam, Hori7on's Vinci, Hyebin (formerly of Momoland), choreographer Bae Wan Hee, producer Bullseye and Exo's Chen.
These mentors bring a wealth of experience to the show, each with unique perspectives on what makes an ideal idol.
One of them, Bae Wan Hee emphasized the importance of hard work saying, "It will be very tough to choose, but for me, I would like to see how hard and diligent they work."
For Vinci, leader of P-Pop group Hori7on, confidence is the key.
"I am very honored to be part of a very unreal panel of mentors because Hori7on is very new to the industry so it's a big responsibility for me. But as a young artist myself, I think I also have insight on how to navigate towards their dreams. I hope I can give insights on how I navigated through mine," Vinci said.
"I think it's very useful to be using my leadership skills kasi I can also look at my trainees as my members as well and see how they can do well as a group as well. As for the qualities I look for, I think members with confidence and passion show through their performances," he added.
Bullseye highlighted the balance between talent and visual appeal, saying, "The first thing I would look at is the tone of their voice. Second will be the visuals because K-Pop and P-Pop is not only just for the singing; visuals also play a very important role."
Witness the rise of global pop idols in Be the Next: 9 Dreamers, premiering Feb. 8. The show airs Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. and Sundays at 8:15 p.m., with weekday catch-ups at 11:30 p.m.
