It seems like survival shows are quickly becoming the new norm in the idol group member selection process.
Starship Entertainment are joining forces with Mnet to launch their very own boy group reality competition, aptly titled No.MERCY. In a similar vein to YG’s cruelly heart-wrenching Who is Next:WIN and Mix & Match, or Jellyfish Entertainment’s Mydol, the show will follow 12 trainees who will compete against one another as they fight for a spot in the agency’s new hip-hop group.
The programme will demonstrate the tough training experience the boys go through as they vie for the chance to debut. However, in the spirit of keeping things fresh, the formatting of the show is set to be a little different to what we’ve seen so far. PD Yoo Il-han stated,
“Different from other survival [shows], we plan to show a new format of trainees collaborating with top artists for special stages as part of the survival element. Through the collaboration stages, [viewers] will fall for the talent and charms of the 12 trainees.”
The competitors will be working alongside various 
established artists including San E, Rhymer, and Genius No-chang, whilst receiving mentoring through industry professionals and senior labelmates. They will be put through a series of survival tests, collaboration stages and receive regular training in order to ultimately receive a ranking each week, where the individuals with the lowest scores will be eliminated from the show.
With Starship being home to some of the top acts in K-pop, fans can take delight in knowing the boys will be mentored throughout their journey by none other than SISTAR’s Hyorin and Bora, JunggiGo, Giriboy, Mad Clown and the one and only K.Will.
Check out the teaser with Hyorin below.
The show is set to premiere on December 10th at 11pm KST for a total of ten episodes. Will you be watching?
(Youtube, Mnet America, Images via Starship Entertainment, Mnet)
