5 “R U Next?” Fan Favorites Whose Eliminations Left Fans Heartbroken
R U Next? recently wrapped up its series finale, announcing the winning trainees as members of the soon-to-debut group I’LL-IT. While the results overjoyed many fans, many were heartbroken to see some of their favorites not debut.
Here are five trainees from the past season who fans hope will see debut soon!
1. Chanelle
From the show’s start, Chanelle was among the most popular trainees globally, often ranking high in that vote category.
[INFO] 230825
<R U Next?> 3rd Global Voting Ranking
🏆 1st Place — YOUNGSEO
🏆 2nd Place — JEEMIN
🏆 3rd Place — MINJU
🏆 4th Place — JIWOO
🏆 5th Place — YUNAH
🏆 6th Place — CHANELLE#RUNext #알유넥스트 @RUNext_official pic.twitter.com/QaWXNtQ5tc— I’LL-IT UPDATES (@illitupdates) August 25, 2023
With her proven pre-trainee experience and outstanding vocal skills, fans assumed she was almost guaranteed to make the final line-up. Many were shocked when she missed the show’s finale by one place.
Ru next lost a great vocalist, an incredible dancer, with a very good stage presence, a really talented girl, that show never deserved to have chanelle.#BringBackChanelle
pic.twitter.com/8OtWVggoWw— chanelle pics (@pichanelle) August 25, 2023
2. Ruka
Ruka first gained attention after it was revealed that she was the trainee eliminated from LE SSERAFIM’s pre-debut line-up. Many hoped the experienced trainee would get her second chance in this group.
Though she was eliminated from the program a few episodes before the finale, her absence has been noticed.
3. Jeongeun
Jeongeun impressed many with her ability to perform any concept throughout the show’s challenges.
#JEONGEUN Aim High CUT#RUNext #최정은 #알유넥스트 pic.twitter.com/8HBeNd2HZO
— ru aubs? (@gfjeongeun) September 1, 2023
Due to the suddenly announced change in how the line-up would be selected — two members chosen by votes, four chosen by the agency — Jeongeun did not make the final line-up even though she ranked 6th.
R U NEXT? Final Live Voting Results
1. #WONHEE
2. #YOUNGSEO
3. #MINJU
4. #JEEMIN
5. #IROHA
6. #JEONGEUN
7. #YUNAH
8. #MOKA
9. #JIWOO
10. #HIMENARUNEXT FINAL RUN#RUNextEpisode10 #RUNext #알유넥스트 pic.twitter.com/VjTysbStbG
— I’LL-IT PICS (@picsillit) September 1, 2023
4. Jeemin
It seemed like Jeemin would be another sure admission to I’LL-IT as the judges consistently complimented her performances during the season.
Thread of compliments jeemin got in R U NEXT:
"in the case of JEEMIN, you maintained good balance in the group, and it made me think that you're not number 1 for nothing."#RUNext #알유넥스트 #RUNEXT_Jeemin #방지민 pic.twitter.com/J5lyGe9kXe
— ? (@httprunext) August 26, 2023
Another victim of the announced line-up selection process, Jeemin ranked 4th but was not picked by the agency for debut.
5. Jiwoo
As the oldest contestant, Jiwoo stood out from the show’s start and impressed many viewers with her strong vocal skills.
THE ICONIC JIWOO HIGH NOTE OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/NI6aVqeVdS
— RU zal? (@RUjiwooz) September 1, 2023
Many fans feared Jiwoo being targeted for elimination before the finale, citing her low judges’ scores and the apparent lack of screen time. These fears were confirmed when she was not announced for the final line-up, surprising many fans of the trainee.