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Recapping Episode 1 of QUEENDOM2 (with Twitter Crumbs & YouTubed Videos)







And so Episode 1 of QUEENDOM 2 aired March 31st, 2022, with it being live-streamed on Mnet's YouTube channel (which alas I am unable to view here in Singapore, no doubt due to the scheduled "April 3" airing on tvN this Sunday) - which essentially aired a huge part of "Episode 0" (previously previewed here, but as well was pulled no doubt due to Sunday's airing) PLUS more - which via crumbs left on Twitter (I missed a large part of a mirrored live-stream on my end too gggrrrrr) - saw the teams choosing their "rivals", which essentially led to TWO performances before credits rolled for Ep.1 - featuring stage performances from HYOLYN and VIVIZ.



Their full stage performances has since been uploaded on YouTube for folks to stream, which in turn will act as "VOTES". Click on both videos below to watch them on YT, if you so please.

FYI#1: The videos uploaded here are of the full stage-only performances, and does not include the other team's reactions (seen in Episode One).

FYI#2: Folks have 4 days until April 4th to stream their performance on Queendom2, and likely this timeline would be factored in for other teams as well.

With countries like Singapore / Bangkok / Jakarta whose Episode One will only air the evening of "April 3", the voting window will be shortened, no doubt similar timelines might happen for subsequent episodes as well, so either (A) Folks watch the YT uploads immediately after the program airs, and/or (B) Keep track of both Twitter for updates of your fav teams, AND subscribe to Mnet's YT for video uploads.



The theme of this stage was "Signature Songs / Representative Songs" (or variation thereof, I'm paraphrasing here based on spotty memory, sorry :p), and both participants evoked their iconic tracks from before their current status. VIVIZ did a combo of "Time for the Moon Night" and "Rough" (ABOVE), while HYOLYN ended the episode performing "Touch My Body" (from SISTAR, 2014 / BELOW), in a glorious KPOP-Anthem/Festival spirit!



VIVIZ was an emotional journey - one that was told via the show and folks' reactions (to which I am foreign to them, alas), while Hyolyn's was such a spectacular booster of positivity to end the show with! I'd felt it was such a crafted journey the show gave us - from tears to fist-pumping triumph = Good Job, Mnet!



The stage performances were preceded with edited behind-the-scenes featurettes which showed the performers discussing their song choice, and preparing for the show (Hyolyn went props purchasing herself), as well behind the scenes after the performance. And this aspect mirrored the first season, which truly showcased the efforts into the "final" showcase we - the audience - see on stage, worthy of our collective streaming efforts of the YouTube videos (which necessitates the voting process). The "popularity contest" is given more depth and ammo for your continued viewing considerations.






A huge aspect of VIVIZ's previous group (the since disbanded) "GFRIEND" was referenced heavily, as was Hyolyn's past with SISTAR and her solo outing, and I am glad we were (re)introduced to the artists this way as well, and can only imagine their respective fandoms' joy and tears.

Admittedly I am into QUEENDOM 2 now because of LOONA, but am appreciating being able to be swept up into the wave of nostalgia, and cannot wait to see all the groups, and of course seeing LOONA get their recognition and due!



On the note of "nostalgia", I immediately remembered Kep1er's Cho Yujin - formerly of the disbanded "CLC" - and hope she'll get her due as well (unless she'd insisted otherwise, keeping focus on Kep1er themselves).

It is also a exceedingly "weird" feeling, rewatching Season 1 of Queendom and posting about them (leading up to Queendom 2), and seeing G-IDLE performing with SooJin, seeing AOA as a group, as was LOVELYZ ... and of the girls' triumph and sorrows that the "general" viewer (beyond their fandom) might take for granted, even though nobody needs to shed tears they have no stakes for (except for their respective fans and fandoms), but still "recognition" or even "acknowledgement" is the least we can afford...? Yes, I am naive, and I a puddle of sop :p




Recognizing if this is the "trend", which included a look at LOONA's past woes, and their COVID-19 situation which costed them their filming alongside everyone else (which they did resume few days before March 31st airing), and Hyolyn's inclusion of LOONA on the call sheet left my lips quivering, I will not lie. "Fact" or "scripted fiction" is one thing I will not question this time around, and embrace the emotions and performances ... this season of QUEENDOM will not only be about "performances", but more likely will tug at our heart-strings, and I hold my breathe and protect my heart, looking forward to subsequent episodes.

I know I am not able to fully articulate what I had wanted to say , but I thought to at least try and put words to blog, for the time being, cheers :)





One thing to note, there were English subtitles provided for "Episode 1" - which I am unsure of it was from Mnet themselves (I was unable to watch on YT) or from the blessed mirror streamers ... at least I'll have English subs this coming Sunday April 3rd when I can attempt to rewatch it on the telly...!

Meanwhile, here are what other folks are talking about "Ep1"...


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