K-Pop Idol Who Lost Two Survival Shows Finally Gets His First Music Show Win

Good karma is here for a certain K-Pop idol!

After toiling for several years, Japanese rapper Keita has finally received the recognition he deserved. He made his first public appearance as a member of YG Treasure Box, the survival show that eventually formed TREASURE.

He was eliminated in the second to last episode which aired on January 11, 2019.

Keita left YG Entertainment soon afterwards and joined the company of soloist Rain. He debuted as a member of CIIPHER on March 15, 2021 with their first mini album I Like You.

Though talented, the group unfortunately did not gain much traction over the years. They did not win any music show awards and their highest album sales was just 24,264 with Blind.

This was a factor that led Keita to join the Mnet survival program Boys Planet despite being one of the few contestants who had already debuted. He quickly earned the respect of the other trainees and the support of the general public.

He often placed in the top ranks throughout the show…until the final episode where he ranked 12th, missing his debut in ZEROBASEONE by three spots.

Despite going through what was effectively three losses, Keita did not give up. On August 3, 2023, he was announced as a member of EVNNE, a group made up of contestants from Boys Planet. They made their debut on September 19, 2023 with “TROUBLE.”

Finally, on January 31, 2024, EVNNE earned their first ever music show win. Their comeback track “UGLY” beating four other songs, giving the former the coveted Show Champion trophy.

ENNVE congratulations, we did it 🥹🎉

Our EVNNE won 1st place on Show Champion today, rewarding both EVNNE & ENNVE for their hard work 😭#EVNNE1stWin #UGLY1stWin

Thank you again for your participation on the pre-vote💖#EVNNE #이븐 #UGLY pic.twitter.com/kycVLcNTJZ

— EVNNE GLOBAL FANBASE (@GlobalEVNNE) January 31, 2024

Fans took to social media to congratulate the group. They were noticeably emotional, knowing how meaningful it was especially for Keita.

my dearest keita boy, u went through so much and gave it your all in this industry for over 10 years and i’m so happy u are finally getting ur flowers as u deserve 💖 i’m so proud of u and congrats to evnne!!! #EVNNE1stWin #Ugly1stWin pic.twitter.com/PDFN2mmLUg

— 건욱맘 (@bbopul) January 31, 2024

and i thank you for believing in & trusting yourself these past years, keita :( you won't be right there standing in front of many people winning a trophy if it also weren't for your determination to reach this big milestone. I'M CRYING I CAN'T CONTINUE 😭pic.twitter.com/WDzmQXKGR1

— zea (@keitaracha) January 31, 2024

KEITA YOU DID IT!! YOUR FIRST EVER 1ST WIN 👏🏻👏🏻 😭😭 CONGRATULATIONS EVNNE & ENNVE!! #EVNNE #이븐 @EVNNE_official #UGLY1stWin #EVNNE1stWin pic.twitter.com/xsvK23fLVj

— 사라🌟 (@1andkeita) January 31, 2024

KEITA'S EFFORTS ARE FINALLY BEEN REWARDED 😭😭😭😭😭 10 WYEARS OF SACRIFICE WERE FINALLY WORTH IT, I'M GLAD FR FR

IMM SO PROUD OF YOU MY DEAREST KEITA 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

#EVNNE1stWin #UGLY1stWin pic.twitter.com/Q3iTp58G1y

— mar💌 (@itathinkr) January 31, 2024

After all these years, he really made it!