Mnet Draws Flak After 'Girls Planet 999' Contestant Kawaguchi Yurina Fails to Debut With Kep1er

On October 22, Mnet aired the finale episode of their hit survival show Girls Planet 999. Following the announcement of the debut line-up for the group, Kep1er, Kawaguchi Yurina, trended online, with people outraged that she was not included in the line-up. Keep on reading for all the details.

Mnet Under Fire After 'Girls Planet 999' Contestant Kawaguchi Yurina Fails to Debut With Kep1er

On October 22, Mnet held a live broadcast for the finale episode of their survival show Girls Planet 999. In this episode, the nine members that would make their debut in the group Kep1er were announced. The results were based on the number of votes, with 50% of the votes coming from Korean viewers and the other 50% coming from international viewers.

Ranking in the first place is Kim Chaehyun, followed by Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yujin, Kim Dayeon, Seo Yeongeun, Kang Yeseo, Ezaki Hikaru, Sakamoto Mashiro, and Shen Xiaoting.

ALSO READ: Introducing Kep1er: These are the 'Girls Planet 999' Contestants Who Will Make Their Debut

Following the announcements, viewers took to social media to ponder how Kawaguchi Yurina failed to make the debut line-up. In the previous elimination rounds, Kawaguchi Yurina never left the top nine but suddenly dropped to rank 14 in the finale. During the first eliminations, Kawaguchi Yurina had even ranked first place among the 99 contestants.

Kawaguchi Yurina had consistently been praised for her performance throughout the show. She initially gained attention for her performance of TWICE's FANCY during the Planet Demo Stage. Her performance here earned her a spot in the first top nine of the show.

Since then, she has received praise for her outstanding skills during BLACKPINK's How You Like That. Kawaguchi Yurina was known for her stable vocals, which she showcased during the Combination Mission. She said BTOB's Missing You.

Many had expected Kawaguchi Yurina to debut, as she was one of the most popular trainees in the show. Many South Korean viewers were rooting for her and showering her with compliments. People were hopeful that the yxy cell, which was formed during the first episode of the show and consists of Seo Yeongeun, Shen Xiaoting, and Kawaguchi Yurina, would debut together.

When she failed to make the line-up, many expressed their disappointment, while some speculated that Mnet rigged the votes to prevent more foreigners from joining the final line-up.

Some of the comments users left include, "I cannot believe Mnet let Yurina go," "She had been consistent throughout, she deserves a spot," and "Yurina not making the debut line-up is the biggest question ever."

Were you supporting Kawaguchi Yurina? Tell us in the comments below!

Who is Kawaguchi Yurina?

Kawaguchi Yurina is a trainee under Oscar Promotion and a former contestant on Mnet's Girls Planet 999. She previously debuted in the Japanese girl group X21 in July 2016. However, the group formally disbanded on November 30, 2018. Kawaguchi Yurina was one of the members that stayed until the disbandment.

Kawaguchi Yruina was seen leaving Japan for South Korea in June 2021. Soon, it was confirmed that she was competing on the show. Unfortunately, she ranked 14th in the finale, making her unable to debut with the group Kep1er.

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Written by Alexa Lewis