It is easy to criticize the contestant on the show from the audience side. This time, let’s take a look at it from the contestant’s perspective.

Bantering with the contestants, it was easy to understand their take on the whole event. They are all really nice and friendly guys with attractive personalities. Most of them seem to realize the relative impermanence of their fame, and are glad just to have this opportunity. Given the criticism they receive from some people and media, I think they themselves are aware that that they may not be the most talented people, but are grateful to have such an opportunity.

In contrast, the backup dancers, especially the female ones seem to all have quite a big head. They give the impression of “I am a superstar, I am so special”, which was quite the opposite of the main contestants. I have found this throughout my experience that the main stars are usually the humble ones.

There exists a condition that seems overly prevalent in entertainment. Once a person is in front of the camera, they are on a higher level than normal people. This is one of the reasons the marketing for shows like this works so well. Get a reasonably good looking guy or girl, package them up in marketing, and they will be an idol, talent or not.

One way or another these boys got very lucky and are riding the giant marketing train of Dragon TV until such time as they are discarded for the next packaged idol. At that time, I think most of them will be happy to go back to their hometown and return to a normal life.

Here are some more behind the scenes shots: