Queendom 2: Brief summary from the press conference
At the press conference, PD shares that his choice of picks for Queendom 2 were deliberate. He sought for a balance in a mix of talent and global popularity. Through this competition format, all participants can expect to attract the attention and interest of online audiences.
Opening & Round 1 Performances
A summary of performances is provided below in a table.
| Artist | Clip | Song(s) |
|---|---|---|
| VIVIZ | Opening | Intro. |
| Round 1 | ||
| Hyolyn | Opening | 9LIVES + Dally |
| Round 1 | ||
| WJSN | Opening | Secret + Save Me, Save You |
| Round 1 | ||
| LOONA | Opening | Satellite |
| Round 1 | ||
| Kep1er | Opening | See The Light |
| Round 1 | ||
| Brave Girls | Opening | Rollin’ |
| Round 1 |
Chi Mat Ba Ram + Rollin’ (Remix) |
We also provide a quick run-down to describe every performance.
VIVIZ
Opening performance
VIVIZ begins with a short choreography to the intro track from their debut mini album Beam of Prism. The members show an attempt at voguing with their hands and use of full body movements. Additionally, the stage begins with the message “What do you call your self?” before finishing with “Which dreamed it?”, hinting at an intent to incorporate storytelling in future performances.
Round 1
In Round 1 of Queendom 2, VIVIZ performed to a mix of two previous title tracks: Time for the Moon Night (TFOTM) and Rough. Although parts of the choreography have been changed, subtle and major elements from the original are kept. For example, the dance to the second half of the chorus for TFOTM and the clock ending pose in Rough. This is to remind viewers of their time as being members of GFRIEND.
Moreover, the object of interest is the tiara. It is at least worn or held once by each of the members. In the beginning, Eunha places the tiara on her own head. Then, the crown is held by the Umji in the transition between TFOTM and Rough. Finally, SinB wears the tiara for the ending pose.
Throughout the performance, messages are displayed in the background. Specifically, “We will meet in the end. Even though we [are] trapped in the time and [are] lost in the way.” and “01160209”. At the transition, the former message is shown; classical instrumentalists are also shown to be performing in the background. The latter message appears at the very end and refers to the debut dates for the two groups, GFRIEND and VIVIZ. Both messages are shown to continue the storytelling approach introduced in their opening performance.
LOONA
Opening performance
LOONA opens with a remix to one of their previous album tracks, Satellite. Although it is worth noting that the members are dressed only in white outfits, the focus however is on the choreography, which follows a rearranged version of the track. It features instrumentation for the first half of the performance before moving to the first half of the chorus, and then finally repeating the line “I’m talkin’ bout you” until the end.
Round 1
LOONA performed PTT (Paint The Town) for Round 1 of Queendom 2. Changes are heard in the arrangement which integrates musical elements borrowed from traditional Korean culture, such as the use of Pansori. With the second half of the second chorus, that is moved to the end of the song, to make way for a dance break. Otherwise, it follows the same part distribution and lyrics as the original.
The stage is set against the backdrop of a traditional Korean palace. To emphasise its setting, costumes and props used directly relate to traditional Korean culture. For example, objects include a Daegeum, fans and the binyeo.
Back-up dancers are seen widely throughout the performance. In the beginning, they are responsible for holding Kim Lip. They appear throughout and are integral to the dance break which is performed by members Olivia Hye and Yves.
Brave Girls
Opening performance
Brave Girls performed to a remix to Rollin’ with matching outfits and black fedoras. The instrumentation is 90s Eurodance-inspired. Likewise, the choreography is in keeping with that sound. The only lines repeated throughout are “Brave Girls”, “Rollin'” and “you ready?”.
Round 1
In Round 1 of Queendom 2, Brave Girls’ performed to Chi Mat Ba Ram and Rollin’ (Remix). The accompanying music has been rearranged by RedCookie. Changes are applied only to Chi Mat Ba Ram, which features a new introduction with a drum sequence, and additional dance break.
This performance aims to present the keyword of “power”. The line “Attention!” is a direct cue to the audience. That is when all members are shown individually from different areas of the stage before they assemble together to dance as a group.
Simple props are utilized throughout the performance. Sticks, for example, are held at the beginning but seen again during the dance break. There is, however, no object of interest.
Alongside the members, male and female dancers are seen at different sections throughout the two songs. The male dancers are specifically there to enhance the performance of the group. Although, the dancers eventually clear way for the members so they stand alone on stage for the ending pose.
WJSN
Opening performance
The performance begins with a VCR with member Seola; Secret is being played as a BGM. Then, the song changes to Save Me, Save You. The members introduce themselves by dancing until the bridge is played, which is when they start to deliver the verses. Starting from the final chorus, the members are shown to be switching their stage costumes. The song continues until it ends with a symmetrical dance formation and the moon in the background is kept away from view.
Round 1
WJSN performed to As You Wish in Round 1 of Queendom 2. Some changes include making the introduction longer and replacing existing sections. For example, a dance break is introduced in place of the second chorus. Despite different music genres being blended into the mix, the lyrics and part distributions remain unchanged.
Major changes are displayed in the choreography, with most moments captured while the members are standing. However, elements from the original are preserved; for example, in the chorus. Before the end of the song, all members stand together in a line to look at the audience. They stand on elevated LED platforms while the other dancers are shown on the main stage.
The object of interest is the hourglass and is used to represent time. It appears during intense moments of the performance when the stage’s lighting turns red. In some moments, the moon will also appear in the background. Culturally, the moon symbolises good fortune which is granted from making wishes. So with the hourglass, it sends a bigger message: that all wishes can come true by believing in them.
Kep1er
Opening performance
Kep1er starts with a dance break with a matching band concept to introduce themselves. They deliver spoken verses: “Attention! / Now! you know! Who we are! Kep1er!” Once they get into a diagonal formation, they perform See the light starting from the last minute of the track.
Round 1
Kep1er performed Wa Da Da for the first round of Queendom 2. This was rearranged into a remix. A dance break now replaces the first half of the second chorus. However, the lyrics throughout remain unchanged.
The concept of this performance was that of racing. Changes to the choreography are seen; for example, during the “Vroom, like a supersonic” line. The members also coordinate their styles and dress in race car driver-inspired costumes and use checkered flags during their performance.
At the beginning, the stage makes reference to their participation on Girls’ Planet 999 by showing the image of a planet in the background. Since the members were voted in by their audience, there are moments of fanservice. For example, finger hearts.
Hyolyn
Opening performance
Hyolyn begins with singing the second half of the bridge from 9LIVES, before moving quickly to Dally. Once she puts her cap on, the chorus of Dally begins to play and she dances to it. Since she is competing by herself, the camera focuses only on her.
Round 1
Hyolyn performed a relatively faithful reinterpretation to one of Sistar’s major summer hits, Touch my body, in Round 1 of Queendom 2. The stage reflects a tropical aesthetic with LED panels showing a waterfall and plants. She confirms this idea in her opening line: “Welcome to paradise”. (It’s also a line taken from her solo song Paradise.)
Viewers will see many familiar aspects in her performance of Touch my body. For instance, in the chorus, the lines and dances closely follow the original. Notable differences, however, are in the delivery of her lines. She is more involved here with belting, especially towards the end. The intent is to show her vocal capabilities and to drive up the energy of the audience.
We see a mix of male and female backup dancers. Sometimes they are shown together, but often they will be in different places at different times. Hyolyn performs mostly with her female dancers during intense choreography moments and with her male dancers during less intense moments.
