Music survival shows are very popular within K-Pop, and we can get some great covers and performances from these shows. We can also get some great original songs, and I am sharing my favorites from various shows.
I have to admit I don’t actually watch survival shows. I end up finding these songs as I am almost constantly finding new music, so these picks are strictly for the song and not for the performance associated. There are some spoilers since I do talk about the show and may reference final placements, so keep that in mind.
Doesn’t Matter by MASC (Peak Time)
The premise of Peak Time was bringing lesser-known or struggling boy groups together to compete for a chance at a record deal. This brought not only currently active groups, but ones left to disband after lacking success. One such group, who I had not heard of until listening to the Peak Time songs, is MASC. Two members of the original octet competed, winning second place with this song, and are now re-debuting as the duo SEVENUS.
Doesn’t Matter is just so satisfying to listen to. They both sound great and it is a pleasant song to listen to. I am happy they are getting a second chance.
Snake by Medusa (Girl’s Planet 999)
Girl’s Planet 999 is best known for forming the group Kep1er. But during the show, they would put contestants into different group formations to compete, which led to the creation of this song. This is a popular song from the show, one that Kep1er even covered at a recent concert, and it is deserved. I wish Kep1er’s music when more in this direction.
Skyscraper by Vanner (Peak Time)
Vanner really proved how amazing they are with this song, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they won the whole show at the end. I think they’re talents are highlighted well in this song which is why I enjoy it.
Wolfgang by Stray Kids (Kingdom: Legendary War)
Stray Kids really gave 110% to Kingdom: Legendary War and we were gifted this great song. Some may find it cringey, but I find the play on the composer and the animal grouping clever and the overall song very fitting for the group.
GT by BAE173 (Peak Time)
I listened to BAE173 before Peak Time, and I was happy to see that they did well and got to the finals. This song fits their group well which is what I enjoy most.
I&credible by I-Land (I-Land)
I-Land is the show that created Enhypen, and this song is the finale song for the first part of the show. It is sung by the 12 contestants that reached this portion, with seven of them eventually forming Enhypen. This is the song that actually made me interested in listening to Enhypen in the long run. It has an ethereal and little bit of a mysterious vibe, which actually fits Enhpyen.
This That Shhh by Team 24:00 (Peak Time)
In Peak Time, there were 24 groups and every group hid their actual name and was referred to as Team 1:00, team 2:00, etc. The most interesting was Team 24:00 because they weren’t an already formed group outside of the show. They were a group formed for the show from individual idols who auditioned solo. And this amalgamation of individuals formed a group that made it to the finals.
Over Me by Overdose (Boys Planet)
Boys Planet is the male-focused sequel of Girls Planet 999 which resulted in the upcoming group ZEROBASEONE. They had a few songs created for the show I enjoyed, but this one is my favorite. This song could have been given to an existing group outside of the show and been well-received. And the contestants did a good job singing this track.
SNAP by Athena (Queendom Puzzle)
Queendom puzzle has just barely started and we already have music from them. The premise of Queendom Puzzle is all of the contestants are female idols who have already made their debut and they are competing to form a project global girl group. Their first challenge is they are divided into four groups with two songs to perform, two groups performing each. Of these songs, SNAP is my favorite and Athena’s performance of it is my favorite of the two. This group’s voices fit the overall vibe the best.
The Real by Ateez (Kingdom: Legendary War)
I didn’t actually realize this song was originally created for Kingdom: Legendary War. But when I was looking into the show because of Stray Kids, I discovered that. It’s a really fun and very Ateez song, although I will say that the Heung version that they did after the show is better, but still a great song no matter what.
Do you watch any survival shows? Tell me which ones with a comment!