Xikers’ Minjae and FLARE U’s Chuei Li Yu Revealed as New Hosts of “The Show”

Minjae of xikers and Chuei Liyu of FLARE U have been officially announced as Special MCs for Episode 394 of the music program “The Show,” airing on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:00 pm KST. The pairing marks a significant moment for the newly debuted FLARE U, bringing together an established K-pop group member with a rising artist fresh from a major survival show competition. The announcement was made via the show’s official social media channels, generating immediate viewer enthusiasm for the episode.

A Strategic MC Pairing for Rising and Established Acts

The selection of Minjae and Chuei Liyu as Special MCs represents a deliberate strategy to bridge fanbases and amplify visibility for both artists. Minjae brings the credibility of xikers, an established K-pop group, while Chuei Liyu represents the fresh energy of FLARE U, a global K-pop duo that only recently entered the industry. This combination creates cross-generational appeal within the K-pop community, positioning Episode 394 as a must-watch broadcast for fans of both emerging and established acts.

The timing of this MC announcement aligns perfectly with FLARE U’s rapid ascent in the K-pop landscape. FLARE U, under FNC Entertainment, officially debuted on May 13, 2026, with their first mini-album titled “YOUTH ERROR.” Chuei Liyu performed the song “Hyper” under FLARE U during the Episode 394 broadcast, marking one of the duo’s first major broadcast appearances on a musical program. This live performance opportunity elevates the episode’s significance as a critical promotional platform for the new group’s debut season.

FLARE U’s Journey from Competition to Debut

Read also: Jennie Reveals Release Date for Highly Anticipated Single “Less Than a Lover” · WayV Reveals August Comeback Date: First Look at “Vision Wings” Teaser · July’s Most Controversial Brands: The Month’s Biggest Reputation Battles Revealed

The formation of FLARE U represents a convergence of talent scouted through Mnet’s high-stakes survival competition environment. Both Chuei Liyu and his duo partner Kang Woojin participated in “Boys II Planet,” the reality competition that aired from July 17 to September 25, 2025. The show’s grueling format tested contestants across multiple rounds, ultimately shaping the trajectory of both members who would later unite under FNC Entertainment’s roster.

Chuei Liyu’s path to FLARE U began before the official duo formation. Born on January 2, 2004, the Taiwanese singer made his solo debut on December 3, 2025, with the single album “Sweet Dream,” establishing himself as a solo artist before transitioning to group work. On March 10, 2026, FNC Entertainment officially confirmed that Chuei Liyu and Kang Woojin would debut as a duo following thorough discussion, with a targeted May debut date. The confirmation ended months of speculation about the pair’s future following their appearance on “Boys II Planet,” setting the stage for their rapid rise in the industry.

Building Momentum Through Strategic Announcements

FLARE U’s pre-debut promotion strategy demonstrated careful planning and audience engagement. On April 24, 2026, FNC Entertainment officially announced the group’s name as FLARE U (플레어유), accompanied by the unveiling of a logo trailer and teaser images across social media platforms. This naming announcement served as a pivotal moment in their pre-debut campaign, positioning the duo for their first major international stage appearance at KCON Japan 2026 on May 9, just days before their official debut.

The announcement of Minjae and Chuei Liyu as Special MCs for “The Show” Episode 394 extends this momentum-building strategy into the broadcast realm. By featuring FLARE U on a major music program with a recognizable co-host from xikers, FNC Entertainment leveraged established fan networks to introduce the new duo to a broader audience. The episode became a focal point for K-pop viewers interested in both established acts and emerging talent, creating multiple entry points for viewership engagement.

The Survival Show Effect on K-Pop Industry Dynamics

The prominence of “Boys II Planet” alumni in mainstream K-pop programming reflects the growing influence of survival show contestants on industry trends. Chuei Liyu’s recognition among fans through his charismatic stage presence—including signature gestures like mouthing his name—transferred directly from the competition format to professional K-pop activities. This transition from contestant to broadcast personality and performer demonstrates how modern survival shows function as talent pipelines that extend far beyond the competition itself.

The selection of Chuei Liyu as a Special MC represents an acceleration of this pipeline effect. Rather than requiring years of group establishment before obtaining broadcast hosting opportunities, new artists emerging from high-profile competitions now secure such positions within weeks of their official debuts. This shift reflects the K-pop industry’s recognition that survival show participants carry established fan engagement and media recognition that translates directly to program ratings and audience interest.

What Comes Next for FLARE U and Broadcast Visibility

FLARE U’s appearance on “The Show” marks a critical juncture in their debut phase, providing a major platform for their music and stage presence during their initial weeks as an official group. The episode’s broadcast on June 2, 2026, occurred at a moment when the duo was still establishing their identity in the competitive K-pop landscape, making the visibility provided by a major music program invaluable for audience building. Subsequent broadcast appearances and promotional activities will determine whether FLARE U sustains this momentum into sustained chart performance and fanbase growth.

The pairing of Minjae and Chuei Liyu as co-hosts established a template for how music programs can simultaneously promote emerging acts while maintaining engagement from established fandoms. This Episode 394 appearance serves as a benchmark for FLARE U’s trajectory in K-pop, with the group’s ability to capitalize on this broadcast exposure directly influencing their long-term industry positioning. As FLARE U continues to perform and promote “YOUTH ERROR” across additional platforms, the foundation established through this major music program appearance will likely shape their path forward in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.