Starship Entertainment’s ‘Debut’s Plan’ Takes Intense Turn with Semi-Final Live Elimination
Starship Entertainment’s upcoming global boy group survival project ‘Debut’s Plan’ is heading into its most dramatic moment yet. On May 25 at 8 PM (KST), the official YouTube channel ‘NewKids on the Starship’ will stream Episode 8 live, revealing both the aspiring idols who will move on to the final debut stage – and the first contestants to be eliminated.
The highly anticipated sixth mission, the ‘Pre-Debut Evaluation’, allows the project’s executive board to choose finalists alongside voting from over 1,000 global K-pop fans. In an unexpected twist, one previously eliminated contestant will also have a chance to move forward via a surprise twist called the ‘Debut’s Super Pass’.
The newly released teaser for the semi-final episode showcases three dynamic stages – ‘STEP UP’, ‘STICKY BOMB’, and ‘PASSWORD’ – prepared by divided teams of NewKids, adding intensity as the young idols train relentlessly during their final rehearsals. The members voiced their determination: “We’ll make it to the final round no matter what,” and, “Please keep your eyes on us.”
Ahead of the semi-final live broadcast, a mid-term evaluation took place featuring mentors, trainers, and members of Starship’s major groups: WJSN (Cosmic Girls), CRAVITY, and IVE. Their feedback – a mix of heartfelt praise and pointed critique – raised the stakes for the trainees.
The suspense reaches new heights as the NewKids engage in final music recordings for their live performance, with visible signs of pressure beginning to crack even the most promising contestants. Some voiced emotional distress, saying, “I don’t want to do this anymore,” and, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”
This emotional turning point paints a challenging picture heading into the semi-finals, but for those on the brink of elimination, the ‘Super Pass’ remains a potential beacon of hope.
As tension builds, global K-pop fans are tuning in live to witness history unfold — with the first official eliminations of ‘Debut’s Plan’ set to be revealed in real-time, along with the surprising comeback of one NewKid chosen to return from elimination.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the project’s third global vote — closed on May 24 at 10 AM KST — will also be announced during the live broadcast. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the results to see who will remain, who will face defeat, and who might get a second chance at stardom.
