I-LAND" finally came to an end with a splendid finale!
The Mnet show finale was broadcasted live on September 18. The show decided which of the Top 9 would take spots in the show's new boy group. The episode kicked off with the remaining nine contestants unveiling their determination to grab a place in the show's new group.
Bang Si Hyuk, the founder of Big Hit Entertainment, shared his encouragement for the contestants and expressed his gratitude to the producers, rookie development team, staff, and the trainees.
Also present for the finale are the members of Big Hit's boy groups BTS and TXT. TXT's leader Soobin told the contestants that he's nervous too, and he shared his hope that the contestants won't be scared, and they will be able to show everything they've got and got a good result.
ENHYPEN was announced as the new group's name, which was described as meaning, "Just like hyphens connect different words to make new meanings, members of ENHYPEN will be connecting, discovering each other, and will be growing together."
RM, the BTS leader, shared that he had a painful memory about their own group's name (which means "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" in Korean), saying that for three years, they hadn't told anyone except their parents and friends about their name. He said that he thinks ENHYPEN is much cooler and prettier than theirs. "We will be cheering on ENHYPEN's beginning."
Moreover, the final test for "I-LAND" was a performance of the nine remaining contestants (Sunoo, Ni-ki, Daniel, Sunghoon, Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and K) for the original song "Calling (Run to You)."
Here's the contestants' performance below!
Bang Si Hyuk, after the contestants' performance, said that they made an excellent performance. "I hope that even if you will develop more in the future and become a big group, you won't forget the excitement and emotions you've felt in these moments."
BTS's J-Hope told the contestants that he enjoyed their performance, and it was amazing to see it in person. The singer also encouraged the hopefuls by saying they will shine even brighter in the future if they continue to maintain their love for music and their passion and hard work when it comes to performing.
Jimin told the contestants that they would achieve success if they don't forget the people who support them and love their fellow members and their work. Jungkook said that if they also don't forget how they're feeling at the moment, then they will discover and grow, just like the meaning of their name.
Later on, it was then announced that Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Ni-ki, Heeseung, Sunghoon, and Sunoo would be composing the new group ENHYPEN.
Twenty-two of the show's trainees reunited on stage during the show to perform the theme song "Into the I-LAND." Watch their exceptional performance below!