February 15 (2023-02-15) – April 19, 2023 (2023-04-19)
Peak Time (Korean: 피크타임) is a 2023 South Korean reality competition show. It aired on JTBC from February 15 to April 19, 2023, every Wednesday at 20:50 (KST) for the first two episodes before it changed to 22:30 (KST) from the third episode onwards.[5][6] It was simultaneously broadcast through TV Asahi and Abema in Japan, and TikTok in other parts of the world, and is also available for streaming on TVING in South Korea and on Viki in selected regions.[4][7]
Hosted by Lee Seung-gi, the program provided a stage for already debuted K-popboy bands to once again prove their skills to audiences outside of South Korea and compete for the "Worldwide Idol" title. The final Top 6 teams got the special benefit of having their names disclosed while performing on the show and held a concert.[8] The winning team, Vanner received a monetary prize of ₩300million, an album release, and a global showcase.[9]
Background and production
Development
JTBC released a teaser video for Peak Time on June 20, 2022, in hopes of recruiting already debuted K-pop boy bands to participate in the show.[1] Under the supervision of JTBC chief producer Yoon Hyun-joon and production director Ma Geon-young, who were both also involved in the production of the successful reality singing competition show Sing Again, the program aims to revitalize the careers of lesser-known Korean idols, regardless of their debut year.[1][10] Ma commented that he "wanted to provide a platform" to those "who didn't have a chance to make themselves known to the public."[11]
Lee Seung-gi, who also hosted both seasons of Sing Again, was recruited as Peak Time's host. In regards to choosing Lee, the production team noted his excellent wit and hosting skills during Sing Again, as well as his ability to sympathize well with the contestants, often providing musical advice, being a musician himself.[12][13]
The panel of judges, consisting of eight people, was announced on December 20, 2022.[14] The production team had enlisted former Sing Again judges Kyuhyun and Mino to be part of the panel, with the former being assigned as the lead judge of the show.[15][16] The panel also includes Jay Park, Kim Sung-kyu, Lee Gi-kwang, Tiffany Young, SM Entertainment performance director Shim Jae-won, as well as prominent songwriter and producer Ryan S. Jhun.[14][15][16] Regarding their roles as judges, Jhun aims to instill the importance of teamwork in the contestants,[17] while Young hopes to impart the skills that she has learned through her experiences as a K-pop idol.[11]Moonbyul joined the panel starting from the second round after Mino stepped down to fulfill his mandatory military service.[18]
The official website and Naver NOW app are the primary platforms to vote for the contestants.[19][20]
The first voting phase was opened to the general public on February 16 after Episode 2 and ended on March 15 after Episode 6. Viewers were allowed to vote for up to eight teams and two individuals daily, regardless of their team membership.[19][21]
The second voting phase was opened to the general public on March 23 after Episode 7 and will end on April 6 at 09:00 (KST). Viewers were allowed to vote for up to four teams and two individuals daily, regardless of their team membership.[22][23]
Contestants
The show's contestants make up 24 teams, each representing an "hour" of the day, following the 24-hour clock notation (e.g. Team 01:00, Team 02:00, etc. until Team 24:00). With the exception of Team 24:00, each team represents a K-pop boy band that has already debuted or is at the cusp of debuting. Team 24:00 was created by the judging panel from a pool of individual applicants or "1-member teams" (Korean: 1인 팀). These ten contestants auditioned for the program without their fellow bandmates, as they were not able to participate due to varying reasons.[24] These individual contestants include Gon from Argon, Heedo from B.I.G, Kim Byung-joo from Xeno-T, Kim Hyun-jae from Black6ix, Kim Shin from Team X, Moon Jongup from B.A.P, Minjae from Spectrum, Minseong from Varsity, Taeseon from TRCNG, and Wontak from Rainz. Applicants that were not chosen by the judges were eliminated.[25]
On March 6, 2023, bullying allegations against Kim Hyun-jae of Team 24:00 surfaced from within a popular South Korean online community, leading to his removal from the show on March 13.[26][27] In a press release from March 9, the producers of Peak Time condemned school bullying and violence and stated that they are leading a "careful investigation" on the allegations to "clearly understand what [had] happened".[28] But as this was not something that could be "concluded in a short amount of time", they ultimately decided to remove Kim.[26]
On April 7, the production team announced that Team 23:00 decided to leave the show before the second elimination round.[29] This was after photos of Karam partying with Japanese AV actors had been published on various South Korean online communities.[30][31]
Color key
Winning team
Contestants eliminated during the final round
Contestants eliminated during the second phase of eliminations
Contestants eliminated during the first phase of eliminations
Episodes 1 and 2, which were both broadcast on February 15, 2023, encompassed the entirety of the survival round.[24] The results for this round were based solely on the judges' decision. The judges voted for any team whose performance piqued their interest by pressing a "PICK" button. Teams that received between six and eight PICKs automatically advanced to the next round, with a full eight PICKs being called "All PICK", and teams that received three or fewer PICKs were automatically eliminated. Any teams that received between four and five were put on hold until the judges had reached a consensus through further discussions.[25][32] Full versions of the team performances were uploaded to the official Peak Time YouTube channel, regardless of whether they were previously broadcast or not.[33]
For this round, the 23 teams were divided into three sections: the "Rookie" section, the "Booster" section, and the "Suspended Activity" section. Instead of using their official group names, the teams performed using new names assigned to them through lottery before the start of the survival round.[25] Each team name represents an hour of the day according to the 24-hour clock notation. The teams are forbidden from disclosing their official group names until they either get eliminated or reach the final Top 6.[24]
Towards the end of the survival round, the 1-member teams (Korean: 1인 팀) were introduced and performed on stage.[24] After seeing all ten performances, the judges chose the contestants whom they wanted to form Team 24:00.[25]
The first round, entitled "rival match" (Korean: 라이벌 매치), took place during Episode 3 and 4, which were aired on February 22 and March 1, 2023, respectively.[34][35] The judges matched up the remaining 16 teams into eight rival pairs, which were each assigned to either the blue or red corner. Furthermore, each pair received a specific performance theme. The teams were given three weeks to prepare for their performances with the help of experts, which were provided by the show.[36]
The winners were decided by the judging panel. Each judge had a blue and red PICK button, through which they voted for who should win each match. Whenever a tie occurred, which happened between Team 13:00 and Team 14:00, the winning team was decided after a discussion between the judges. The winning team of each pair was awarded a benefit, wherein the cumulative number of votes was doubled at the end of the first voting phase.[34][36]
Introduced during the latter half of Episode 4, the second round was announced to be a "union match" (Korean: 연합 매치), or a competition between alliances consisting of four teams. Each alliance was tasked to form three smaller units that would represent their unified team in a four-way battle for the rap, vocal, and dance positions. The rap unit had to have a maximum number of five members, while the vocal unit had to have six members at most. Only the dance unit had no member limit.[37][38]
The winning unit from each battle was determined by the judges. Each winning unit earned 2% of the total cumulative votes that had accumulated by the end of the first phase of voting. These additional votes were awarded to the entirety of the alliance that the winning unit was associated with.[37][38] An MVP was also chosen from each battle. Determined by 25 guest judges, the MVPs earned 5% of the total cumulative votes, which was added to their respective team's total number of votes.[39]
During the formation of the alliances, Teams 09:00, 20:00, and 11:00 were given the chance to select three teams to join them, forming Alliances A, B, and C, respectively. Teams that were not chosen in the end–namely, Teams 01:00, 04:00, 07:00, and 21:00–formed the last alliance, Alliance D. However, Team 11:00 was given the ability to switch Team 14:00 from Alliance B with Team 21:00 from Alliance D after being chosen by the majority of the 16 teams as the overall winner of the first round.[37]
All alliances had three days and two nights to prepare for their performances. In each unit, members picked their leader and center, who would showcase the highlight of their performance. The performances aired during Episodes 5 and 6, which broadcast on March 8 and 15, respectively.[41][42]
The third round was revealed to be an "originals match" (Korean: 신곡 매치) in Episode 7, which broadcast on March 22.[40] All 16 teams were assigned an original song based on the number of the ball they had drawn after the union match performances. However, only the ten teams that survived the first elimination round performed during the third round performances.[43] The remaining teams were divided into two leagues: League A and League B. Being the teams that ranked first and second during the first elimination round, respectively, teams 13:00 and 11:00 designated the teams' leagues and their order of performance. In each league, a winning team will be determined by the judges and the audience. A PICK vote from a judge is equivalent to 100 points, while a PICK vote from an audience member is equals to 10 points. The winners will earn 3% of the total cumulative votes that will accumulate by the end of the second phase of voting.[44]
Peak Time has become one of the "most viral TV show[s] in South Korea" after three episodes. Viewers noted that what sets the show apart from other competition series is "the cast's sincerity and passion for music".[57][58]
Ratings
After the broadcast of the first three episodes, Peak Time reached Rakuten Viki's top 10 most watched shows in 14 countries, including United States, Canada, Bulgaria, Norway, and Australia.[7][57]
In this table, blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and red numbers represent the highest ratings.
N/A denotes ratings that were not published.
NR denotes that the show did not rank in the top 10 daily programs on that date.
This show aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).
^ abLee Shin and Prince were not present during the survival round due to contracting COVID-19 a day before the shoot.[24] After recovering, they resumed their activities on the show.
^Performances by Minjae and Minseong were neither broadcast nor uploaded to the Peak Time official YouTube channel.
^Credited as former member of Topp-Dogg instead of Xeno-T
^This average rating is calculated based on the published ratings, the exact average ratings is unknown due to multiple ratings not published.
References
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^ abHwang Hye-jin (December 20, 2022). MC 이승기→심사위원장 규현, JTBC 서바이벌 '피크타임' 라인업 완성[공식] [MC Lee Seung-gi → Judge Kyu-hyun, JTBC survival 'Peak Time' lineup complete [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
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^Park Ah-reum (February 20, 2023). '싱어게인' 이어 '피크타임'도..착한 오디션의 매운맛(ft.이승기) [Following 'Singer Again', 'Peak Time' also...the spiciness of a good audition (ft. Lee Seung-gi)]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023 – via Naver.
^ abcdefLee, Ha-na (February 16, 2022). B.A.P 문종업, 1인 참가자로 깜짝 등장→'프듀' 출신 대거 도전(피크타임)[어제TV] [BAP Moon Jong-up, a surprise appearance as a solo contestant→A large number of challenges from 'Produce' (Peak Time) [Yesterday TV]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
^ abcdPark, Sang-hoo (February 16, 2022). [리뷰] '피크타임' 간절함 빛나는 무대의 연속... 16개팀 1라운드 진출 [[Review] 'Peak Time' A series of stages that shine with earnestness... 16 teams advanced to the 1st round]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
^Jo, Eun-ae (February 16, 2023). '피크타임' 첫방, 생존 경쟁→'팀 24시' 반전 무대까지 [First broadcast of 'Peak Time', competition for survival→'Team 24 Hours' unexpected performance]. Sports Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
^ abcSon, Bong-seok (February 16, 2023). '피크타임' 화제곡 '여보세요'→'멋' 라이브 음원 9곡 정식 발매 ['Peak Time' hit songs 'Hello'→'The Real' 9 live versions officially released]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
^ abcJi, Min-kyung (February 23, 2023). '피크타임' 치열한 라이벌 매치 대결..팀 11시 글로벌 투표 현재 1위 [종합] ['Peak Time' Fierce Rival Match Showdown...Team 11:00 Global Voting Current 1st Place [Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
^ abKang, Seo-jeong (March 2, 2023). 박재범 "솔직히 너무 심각..해결책 찾았으면 좋겠다" 매운맛 일침('피크타임')[종합] [Jay Park "Honestly, it's too serious.. I wish I could find a solution" Spicy hint ('Peak Time')[Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
^ ab박재범 "'피크타임' 생겨 다행...몰랐으면 아까울 뻔" [Jay Park "I'm glad there was a 'Peak Time'...It would have been a waste if I didn't know"]. JTBC (in Korean). February 23, 2023. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
^ ab'피크타임' 살벌한 '합숙 훈련' 포착 "우리 지금 큰일 났어" ['Peak time' bloody 'training camp' caught "We're in big trouble now"]. JTBC (in Korean). March 1, 2023. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
^Kim, Han-bin (March 8, 2023). '피크타임' 불꽃 튀는 2라운드 연합 매치의 승자는? [Who is the winner of the 'Peak Time' sparkling round 2 union match?]. Onews (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
^Park, Sang-hoo (March 9, 2023). [리뷰] '피크타임' 2라운드 포문 열었다... 랩 유닛 대결 승자는 B 연합 [[Review] 'Peak Time' 2nd round opened... The winner of the rap unit battle is Union B]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 12, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
^Kang, Seo-jeong (March 30, 2023). 박재범 "곡이 팀 8시 효과 받아" 파워청량 '코코 콜라다'로 올픽('피크타임')[종합] [Jay Park "The song received the effect of the team's 8 o'clock" All-pick ('Peak Time') with the power refreshing 'Coco Colada'[Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
^'피크타임' 3R 신곡 매치, 팀 11시X팀 8시 1위! 베네핏 획득 ['Peak Time' 3R new song match, team 11 o'clock X team 8 o'clock 1st place! Acquiring Benefits]. JTBC News (in Korean). April 6, 2023. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
^Jang, Woo-young (April 6, 2023). 비투비 이민혁·몬스타엑스 주헌→박재범, '피크타임' 결승전 신곡 프로듀싱 [BTOB Lee Min-hyuk · MONSTA X Jooheon → Park Jae-beom, 'Peak Time' Final New Song Producer] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved April 6, 2023 – via Naver.
^1차 글로벌 투표 결과 [1st Global Voting Results]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
^2차 글로벌 투표 결과 [2nd Global Voting Results]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
^생방 투표 최종 결과 [Live Vote Final Results]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
Ep. 1-2: Park, Seo-yeon (February 16, 2023). '피크타임', 간절함이 通했다...첫방부터 '승기' 잡고 호평세례 [MD포커스] ['Peak time', desperation...'Winning' from the first show and giving positive reviews. [MD Focus]]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023 – via Naver. [The ratings of the 'Peak Time' metropolitan area recorded 1.6% in the first episode and 1.5% in the second episode (based on Nielsen Korea, paid households).]
Ep. 3: Yeon, Hee-seon (February 23, 2023). "기권해도 되나" 이승기·박재범도 패닉 온 라이벌 매치...'피크타임' 화제성 1위 ["Can I give up?" Lee Seung-gi and Park Jae-beom are also Panic on Rival Match...'Peak Time' is the talk of the town] (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved February 24, 2023 – via Naver. [The ratings for the third episode were 1.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area (based on Nielsen Korea, paid households).]
^Choi, Ha-na (July 6, 2023). "'피크타임' 우승팀 배너, 첫 단독 예능 '피크닉 타임' 예고 공개" ['Peak Time' winning team Vanner unveils first solo entertainment 'Picnic Time']. TV Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
