"Fantasy Boys" Amps Up The Excitement: Here's What We Know & Expect From The Upcoming Idol Survival Show

Over the last decade, the K-Pop phenomenon has seen an unprecedented transnational expansion to the point that it is now considered one of the most influential music industries in the world. The path paved by previous generations of K-Pop now leads to the global stage, and the 4th generation stands proud at the height of innovation, ambition, and groundbreaking artistry.

With the aim of spearheading this movement, MBC is ready to create a K-Pop boy group that will exceed your wildest imagination. PocketDol Studio, Funky Studio, MBC, and Naver are teaming up for the production of the male version sequel to "My Teenage Girl" - the show that created CLASS:y - one of the best-selling rookie girl groups of 2022. This is "Fantasy Boys", and if fan buzz is anything to go by, it is set to be one of the most highly-anticipated idol competition shows of 2023.

So far, the official teasers for "Fantasy Boys" seem to be giving us quite a few hints, both when it comes to the participants and the concept of the show. You can watch them on Fantasy Boys' YouTube channel. At the time of writing, the recruitment call videos have surpassed 1 million views on YouTube, with the first one sitting at 1.4M views and the second at 1.1M views. Not only does this speak volumes of the overwhelming interest that the show and its cast are receiving even before airing but also stands as testimony to the success of the previous season. It will be interesting to see how the audience's attention is piqued even further as the show nears broadcast.

Before we move on, it is worth an announcement that "Fantasy Boys" is currently accepting applications from aspirants all over the world. Any male candidate 14 years or older is eligible to apply, regardless of their nationality. So, if you dream of becoming a K-Pop idol, now is your chance to show the world your mettle. Apply for "Fantasy Boys" now and stand a chance to make a mark in the K-Pop world. Applications are open until December 31, 2022. Click here to apply!

Whether you're a potential participant or a fan excited to witness the birth of a new global boy group, here's everything we know so far and everything we're expecting from "Fantasy Boys" in 2023!

 

A Unique Format

If you watched "My Teenage Girl", you will remember that the show boasted of a unique training system that evaluated applicants on a weekly basis for three months, after which the qualifying contestants were divided through a school grade system by age: Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. In each grade, 10 worthy participants were selected after an "entrance exam" whereby teams formed autonomously would undergo on-site evaluation followed by the official judges' (or Teachers') individual assessments. Thus began the survival show that created one of the most skilled and versatile 4th generation girl groups - CLASS:y.

Now, "Fantasy Boys" may simply be referred to as the male version of "My Teenage Girl", but our prediction is that it is undoubtedly going to abide by a whole different set of rules while keeping with the authentic nerve of the original. The highly beloved battle format might up the ante to a whole new level with higher stakes and greater rewards.

In another instance, this time around, "Fantasy Boys" is welcoming participants who can fulfill any and all positions, including but not limited to vocal, rap, dance, visual, and charm! (G)I-DLE's Jeon SoYeon, who served as a Homeroom Teacher for "My Teenage Girl", noted in the very first episode that participant Kim YuYeon (now of tripleS) had a natural magnetism that drew people in, which is an important quality for a celebrity. It seems like "Fantasy Boys" has kept this remark in mind as they are now shining the spotlight on the personalities of the participants too.

In addition, just like "My Teenage Girls" was famed for its strict and unyielding judging, resulting in the ace of aces making it through each round, we're expecting "Fantasy Boys" to bring on board a stellar lineup of judges who will not only bring out the diamonds in the rough but will also add value and guidance to the participants' journeys.

Another distinction from "My Teenage Girl" is that the lower age limit for participants has been raised to 14 from 12, which will ensure a more mature and fierce competition. Fans are also pointing out that the overarching theme of "Fantasy Boys", as seen from Fantasy Boys' YouTube (Teaser 1, Teaser 2), seems to align with the existing 4th generation boy group aesthetic of coolness as opposed to cuteness and a refreshing rockstar vibe instead of the pure and innocent concept of "My Teenage Girl".

 

The Participants

"Fantasy Boys" officially opened auditions on November 18, and the deadline, which was initially December 16, has been extended to December 31, 2022. However, since the month of July, the show has also recruited contestants through a global audition where over 1000 applicants hailing from South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, and the US participated.

According to fans' speculations from faces that were spotted on the promotional teasers for "Fantasy Boys", participating contestants include BAE173's J-Min and DoHa, Lee EunSung and Jeong SaGang of Peak & Pitch, "Super Idol" and "We Are Young" contestant Su Er, former TheEastLight member Lee SeokCheol, "LOUD" contestant Jo MinKi, XODIAC's GuoHao, "The Origin - A, B, or What?" contestant Kang DaeHyun, Kanemura Hayato, Kim BeomJun, Hong SeongMin, Kim GyuRae, and Murata Aito.

It is important to note here that this is entirely speculation by fans and unconfirmed information. It has not been revealed yet whether the boys in the teaser will be appearing as competitors on "Fantasy Boys". Nonetheless, fans are more than excited for the big reveal and are already setting up fan accounts to stay updated with each and every detail related to the show.

 

The Homeroom Teachers

"My Teenage Girl" cast an extraordinary panel of judges/mentors for the participants. This included  Girls’ Generation‘s YuRi, (G)I-DLE's SoYeon, Fin.K.L’s Ok JooHyun, and HOOK's Aiki - premier artists in their own respective fields who brought much-needed counseling and instruction to the young contestants. Fans also expressed their satisfaction with this panel, going so far as to dub them the best and most well-rounded board of judges among contemporary survival shows.

As for "Fantasy Boys", fans have a couple of nominees up their sleeves - WOODZ, MONSTA X's JooHoney, NCT's Ten, BTOB's EunKwang, and EXO's Kai, to name a few. Either way, fans are placing their trust in the production team to choose the best of the best when it comes to mentors who will be perfectly suited to help the participants hone their talents and polish their performances.

To stay updated with all the details regarding "Fantasy Boys", you can follow the show's official YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Are you excited for "Fantasy Boys"? Tell us in the comments section down below!