Scouting Mission: Itaewon (Fan Requests)
May 3, 2023 4:14:04 GMT -6
girlsfriday, Lookout! Boxing, and 1 more like this
Post by caspian on May 3, 2023 4:14:04 GMT -6
Scouting Mission: Itaewon (Fan Requests)
(Results: Lookout, Words: Caspian)
1. Jang Won-young vs Nakamura Kazuha (FCBA Debuts)
Won-young:
(18, 5’8, FCBA Debut, Free Agent, IVE)
Kazuha:
(19, 5’7, FCBA Debut, Free Agent, LE SSERAFIM)
BEFORE:
The competitive and cutthroat nature of the K-pop idol business is a well-known fact, and this fight is a testament to the immense pressure that these girls face in their already hectic and stressful lives. Behind the public image of glamor and fame lies a world of intense training, strict diets, and constant pressure to be the best.
So too for these next suite of idols making their boxing debuts.
These idols are not only expected to be talented singers and dancers, but also to maintain a certain image of perfection and grace at all times. This includes their behavior both on and off stage, as well as their appearance and the way they carry themselves. The slightest mistake or misstep can lead to a loss of fans and a damaged reputation.
In this high-stakes environment, it's no wonder that tensions run high and rivalries form between different groups and individuals. The pressure to succeed can turn even the closest of friends into bitter enemies, as everyone strives to come out on top.
For our opening match tonight in this special K-pop Wars series, Jang Won-young, the 18-year-old free agent from IVE, will face off against Nakamura Kazuha, the 19-year-old free agent from LE SSERAFIM. Both fighters are making their FCBA debut, and fans are excited to see what they'll bring to the ring after years of dance and musical conditioning.
Won-young arrives at the press conference in a white lace dress that matches her long dark hair. She giggles and strikes cute poses for the cameras, giving off a cutesy aura that has always delighted her fans. Her demure behavior was fitting for her innocent image, and she maintains a graceful posture throughout the conference.
In contrast, Kazuha has opted for a more casual outfit, wearing a pair of black jeans and a simple white crop top. Her long black hair is styled in a sleek bob, and she exudes confidence and determination in her demeanor. She sits calmly during the conference, answering questions with a composed and articulate tone that impresses the audience.
Throughout, Won-young frequently giggles and makes childlike gestures, a wave of the hand here, batting of eyelids there, whereas Kazuha remains stoic and focused. When asked about their strategies for the upcoming match, Won-young expresses her intention to rely on her training and strength, while Kazuha emphasizes her agility and quickness.
"I will give my all in this match and I hope to come out on top," says Kazuha, speaking through a translator. "I know Won-young is a tough opponent, but I have confidence in my speed and agility."
Won-young, speaking in broken English, responds, "I will fight hard for my fans and for my country. I will try to win for IVE."
Won-young and Kazuha stand face to face, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down. However, both women know better than to create any drama in public, and they shake hands before stepping back.
Before they break the stare-down, however, Won-young leans in close to Kazuha, her voice barely above a whisper. "You better watch your back in there, because I'm coming for you," she taunts.
Kazuha responds with a small smile, her own voice equally low. "Don't worry about me, Princess. I'll be ready for anything you bring to the table," she retorts, before turning to leave the stage.
The match is set to take place in the Tokyo Skydome the following day, and fans are already clamoring for tickets. It promises to be a thrilling matchup between two rising stars in the boxing world.
In the arena, as the crowd roars with excitement, Won-young and Kazuha make their way to the ring, each with their own unique attire. Won-young enters the arena in a glamorous and elegant gown, befitting of her princess-like persona. The dress is white and adorned with sequins and feathers, shimmering under the bright lights of the arena. However, as she approaches the ring, she quickly removes it to reveal her actual boxing attire: a sleek black and white crop top and short trunks that is both elegant and practical.
On the other hand, Kazuha has opted for a more athletic look, wearing a blue fitted sports bra and black shorts. Her outfit allows for greater mobility and agility, a nod to her background in professional ballet.
The referee signals for the opening bell for this opening match in the K-pop Wars series! HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Bantamweight action!
ROUND 1:
The opening bell rings out and the two fighters step out of their corners, eyeing each other warily. Won-young and Kazuha are both clearly nervous, their movements cautious and measured. They circle each other, throwing tentative jabs and feints, trying to get a feel for their opponent's undocumented style. Both fighters are clearly aware of the risks involved in taking punches to the face and are being careful to avoid those jabs. Won-young's bulkier hips and powerful punches give her a slight edge, but Kazuha's lean frame and quick movements allow her to dodge and weave around her opponent. Despite the cautious start, Won-young manages to take control after landing several well-placed punches on Kazuha's torso and arms. Kazuha tries to move out of the way, but she’s too slow, and a few of the punches still connect solidly. Each hit sends a jolt of pain through Kazuha's body, but she refuses to show any sign of weakness or hesitation, gritting her teeth. At the end, the judges score the round in Jang’s favor by a wide margin. After the round, both fighters are seen glancing nervously at each other, still trying to figure out each other's game plan. They both know that one mistake could cost them the match!
ROUND 2:
In the second round, Kazuha focuses her attacks on Won-young's face, in an effort to land a knockout punch and finish the fight early. Despite her nervousness, Kazuha's training as a ballerina allows her to move with grace and agility around the ring, evading most of Won-young's attacks and landing several quick jabs and hooks to her opponent's face instead. Each punch is thrown with precision, Kazuha using her speed and footwork to create openings in Won-young's defense. Won-young's initial frustration at Kazuha's targeting of her face quickly turns to anger, and the Princess begins to swing her fists wildly in an attempt to land a powerful punch on her opponent. However, Kazuha continues to dance around her, her movements fluid and graceful. The Japanese fighter's strategy of focusing on the face proves successful, as Won-young's wild swings leave her open for counterpunches. Won-young definitely doesn’t want to get scarred by that leather, and as the round wears on, Kazuha's confidence grows, and she begins to taunt Won-young with subtle gestures and playful smirks. The Princess, however, remains focused on the fight, determined to regain control and prove her superiority. With just seconds left in the round, Won-young manages to land a solid punch to Kazuha's stomach, momentarily stunning the Japanese fighter and earning the applause of the crowd. Despite this, Kazuha has clearly won the round on points, and the fight is now tied at one round each.
ROUND 3:
Won-young comes out with more aggression, determined to regain control of the fight. She lunges forward with powerful hooks aimed at Kazuha's midsection, but the Japanese idol is quick to dodge and counter with swift jabs to the face. Despite Won-young's relentless pressure, Kazuha holds her own and lands several hard punches to the body and face. Her movements are fluid and graceful, her footwork quick and precise, as she weaves and bobs to evade Won-young's attacks and deliver her own. One particularly well-placed punch lands on Won-young's porcelain jaw, causing the Princess to stagger back momentarily. In the final seconds of the round, both fighters are visibly tired and breathing heavily, but they refuse to back down. Won-young throws left-right combos to the head, but Kazuha manages to slip away and deliver a hard hook of her own to the ribs, causing the Princess to wince in pain. As the round ends, the judges' scorecards are tallied and Kazuha has won the round by a close margin. The two fighters return to their corners, breathing heavily and covered in sweat, as they prepare for the next round in what has become an intense and closely-fought battle.
ROUND 4:
Won-young starts off strong, coming out swinging and relentlessly targeting Kazuha's body with hard, lunging hooks. Kazuha is forced to backpedal, trying to keep her distance and dodge her punches. But Won-young is not letting up, moving quickly and trying to cut her off. Once she’s created an opening, Won-young steps in to unleash a flurry on Kazuha's body and arms. Each blow visibly impacts Kazuha's body, causing her torso to shake and her arms to strain under the force of the attack. Kazuha tries to stay on the move and avoid getting pinned down, but Won-young is unrelenting. She has identified Kazuha's weak spots and is using it to her advantage. By the end of the round, it's clear that Won-young has taken control with her constant pressure and hard shots to the body.
ROUND 5:
Won-young comes out with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. She seems to have found her rhythm and is throwing more punches with ferocity. Kazuha, on the other hand, looks a bit slower and less agile, and is struggling to keep up with Won-young's pace. Won-young manages to back Kazuha into the ropes and unleashes a barrage of punches on her abs. Each punch lands with a sickening thud, and you can see the pain etched on Kazuha's face. Won-young seems to be enjoying herself as she lands each blow, and there's a tinge of jealousy in each of her swings. She wants to prove that she's not only the superior fighter but also the superior K-pop idol. Kazuha tries to fight back, but her punches lack the power and accuracy of Won-young's. She tries to create some distance but the latter girl keeps pressing her, landing powerful blows to her arms and torso. The Japanese singer’s movements become more sluggish, and her punches lack the power and accuracy to land on Won-young's face or body. As the round comes to a close, Won-young looks confident and assured, while Kazuha looks beaten and battered on the ropes. It's clear that Won-young has taken the round by a wide margin!
ROUND 6:
The sixth round begins with Won-young quickly taking the center of the ring, trying to assert her dominance early. She throws a quick jab to Kazuha's face, but Kazuha ducks it and counters with a swift hook to her body. Won-young responds with a barrage of swings, again backing Kazuha into the ropes and landing a series of vicious hooks to her stomach, causing Kazuha to wince forward in pain. As Won-young presses forward, she unleashes more powerful punches, each one slamming into Kazuha's midsection with a sickening thud. The impact of each blow can be heard ringing out through the arena, and the crowd collectively winces with sympathy pains for the hapless K-pop star on the receiving end. The audience can see the fire in Won-young's eyes, the intense determination to prove herself as superior. Despite the pain, Kazuha refuses to give up, digging deep to find the strength to fight back. She grits her teeth and tries to tighten her abdominal muscles, hoping to absorb some of the punishment, then backpedal to the side, trying to create some space between herself and her attacker. Then, she manages to land a couple of clean shots to Won-young's face that seem to faze the Princess. As Won-young grows more reckless and aggressive in her chasing Kazuha starts to use her speed and agility to counterstrike. She moves fluidly, evading Won-young's lunges and landing quick jabs and hooks to her tiring opponent's face and torso. Kazuha's movements are almost like a dancer weaving through the ring. As Kazuha starts to gain momentum, the crowd begins to roar in approval. Won-young, meanwhile, grows more and more frustrated by her inability to land any significant blows. She starts to leave herself open more often, giving Kazuha even more opportunities to strike, and with each landed punch, Kazuha's confidence grows, and the once-dominant Won-young starts to look increasingly vulnerable. Then, in a split second, Kazuha sees an opening. Won-young's guard is down and her chin is exposed. Kazuha takes a step forward and unleashes a powerful uppercut that lands flush on the bottom! There's a sickening THUD as the punch connects, and time seems to stand still for a moment. Won-young's head snaps back from the impact, and she staggers backwards, her arms flailing wildly as she tries to regain her balance. Her eyes are wide, and there's a look of disbelief on her face as she sheds her cutesy Princess persona for one of pain and shock. For a moment, the entire arena is silent as the spectators try to process what they just witnessed. Then, as Won-young falls to the canvas, the crowd erupts in a deafening roar. Kazuha stands in the center of the ring, her arms raised in victory, as the referee begins the count! Won-young looks up at the lights, breathing hard. Her eyes are squeezed shut, and she seems to be dazed! As the referee begins the count, Won-young tries to shake off the effects of the punch and pull herself back to her feet. But the damage has been done, and she can’t make it up before the count of ten! It’s OVER!
Official Result: Nakamura Kazuha defeats Jang Won-young via KO6!
AFTER:
Kazuha's fellow K-pop idols rush into the ring to lift her up on their shoulders, celebrating their victory. Chaewon (who has her own upcoming fight), pats Kazuha’s battered abs, remarking on their strength, but this time, the Japanese fighter winces in pain.
Meanwhile, Won-young lays on the mat, looking up at the ceiling with a mixture of embarrassment and rage. She can't believe she lost to her rival, and in such a public and humiliating way.
Later, Kazuha approaches her defeated opponent, offering a hand to help her up. Won-young glares at her for a moment, but begrudgingly takes it pulling herself up to her feet. The two girls stare each other down for a moment, with clear animosity building. But then, they are again forced to put on their public-facing façade, shaking hands and congratulating each other on a hard-fought battle.
As the two fighters exit the ring, Won-young pulls Kazuha aside, her eyes burning with intensity. "We're doing this again," she hisses, in her native Korean. "But next time, there won't be any cameras, or cheering fans. Just me and you. Behind closed doors."
Kazuha smirks in response. "Bring it on," she says. "I'll be ready for you."
After the fight, both idols are left with a deep hunger for more. They both know they have more to prove, and more to show the world. And both believe they belong in the upper echelons of the K-pop world.
(Results: Lookout, Words: Caspian)
1. Jang Won-young vs Nakamura Kazuha (FCBA Debuts)
Won-young:
(18, 5’8, FCBA Debut, Free Agent, IVE)
Kazuha:
(19, 5’7, FCBA Debut, Free Agent, LE SSERAFIM)
BEFORE:
The competitive and cutthroat nature of the K-pop idol business is a well-known fact, and this fight is a testament to the immense pressure that these girls face in their already hectic and stressful lives. Behind the public image of glamor and fame lies a world of intense training, strict diets, and constant pressure to be the best.
So too for these next suite of idols making their boxing debuts.
These idols are not only expected to be talented singers and dancers, but also to maintain a certain image of perfection and grace at all times. This includes their behavior both on and off stage, as well as their appearance and the way they carry themselves. The slightest mistake or misstep can lead to a loss of fans and a damaged reputation.
In this high-stakes environment, it's no wonder that tensions run high and rivalries form between different groups and individuals. The pressure to succeed can turn even the closest of friends into bitter enemies, as everyone strives to come out on top.
For our opening match tonight in this special K-pop Wars series, Jang Won-young, the 18-year-old free agent from IVE, will face off against Nakamura Kazuha, the 19-year-old free agent from LE SSERAFIM. Both fighters are making their FCBA debut, and fans are excited to see what they'll bring to the ring after years of dance and musical conditioning.
Won-young arrives at the press conference in a white lace dress that matches her long dark hair. She giggles and strikes cute poses for the cameras, giving off a cutesy aura that has always delighted her fans. Her demure behavior was fitting for her innocent image, and she maintains a graceful posture throughout the conference.
In contrast, Kazuha has opted for a more casual outfit, wearing a pair of black jeans and a simple white crop top. Her long black hair is styled in a sleek bob, and she exudes confidence and determination in her demeanor. She sits calmly during the conference, answering questions with a composed and articulate tone that impresses the audience.
Throughout, Won-young frequently giggles and makes childlike gestures, a wave of the hand here, batting of eyelids there, whereas Kazuha remains stoic and focused. When asked about their strategies for the upcoming match, Won-young expresses her intention to rely on her training and strength, while Kazuha emphasizes her agility and quickness.
"I will give my all in this match and I hope to come out on top," says Kazuha, speaking through a translator. "I know Won-young is a tough opponent, but I have confidence in my speed and agility."
Won-young, speaking in broken English, responds, "I will fight hard for my fans and for my country. I will try to win for IVE."
Won-young and Kazuha stand face to face, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down. However, both women know better than to create any drama in public, and they shake hands before stepping back.
Before they break the stare-down, however, Won-young leans in close to Kazuha, her voice barely above a whisper. "You better watch your back in there, because I'm coming for you," she taunts.
Kazuha responds with a small smile, her own voice equally low. "Don't worry about me, Princess. I'll be ready for anything you bring to the table," she retorts, before turning to leave the stage.
The match is set to take place in the Tokyo Skydome the following day, and fans are already clamoring for tickets. It promises to be a thrilling matchup between two rising stars in the boxing world.
In the arena, as the crowd roars with excitement, Won-young and Kazuha make their way to the ring, each with their own unique attire. Won-young enters the arena in a glamorous and elegant gown, befitting of her princess-like persona. The dress is white and adorned with sequins and feathers, shimmering under the bright lights of the arena. However, as she approaches the ring, she quickly removes it to reveal her actual boxing attire: a sleek black and white crop top and short trunks that is both elegant and practical.
On the other hand, Kazuha has opted for a more athletic look, wearing a blue fitted sports bra and black shorts. Her outfit allows for greater mobility and agility, a nod to her background in professional ballet.
The referee signals for the opening bell for this opening match in the K-pop Wars series! HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Bantamweight action!
ROUND 1:
The opening bell rings out and the two fighters step out of their corners, eyeing each other warily. Won-young and Kazuha are both clearly nervous, their movements cautious and measured. They circle each other, throwing tentative jabs and feints, trying to get a feel for their opponent's undocumented style. Both fighters are clearly aware of the risks involved in taking punches to the face and are being careful to avoid those jabs. Won-young's bulkier hips and powerful punches give her a slight edge, but Kazuha's lean frame and quick movements allow her to dodge and weave around her opponent. Despite the cautious start, Won-young manages to take control after landing several well-placed punches on Kazuha's torso and arms. Kazuha tries to move out of the way, but she’s too slow, and a few of the punches still connect solidly. Each hit sends a jolt of pain through Kazuha's body, but she refuses to show any sign of weakness or hesitation, gritting her teeth. At the end, the judges score the round in Jang’s favor by a wide margin. After the round, both fighters are seen glancing nervously at each other, still trying to figure out each other's game plan. They both know that one mistake could cost them the match!
ROUND 2:
In the second round, Kazuha focuses her attacks on Won-young's face, in an effort to land a knockout punch and finish the fight early. Despite her nervousness, Kazuha's training as a ballerina allows her to move with grace and agility around the ring, evading most of Won-young's attacks and landing several quick jabs and hooks to her opponent's face instead. Each punch is thrown with precision, Kazuha using her speed and footwork to create openings in Won-young's defense. Won-young's initial frustration at Kazuha's targeting of her face quickly turns to anger, and the Princess begins to swing her fists wildly in an attempt to land a powerful punch on her opponent. However, Kazuha continues to dance around her, her movements fluid and graceful. The Japanese fighter's strategy of focusing on the face proves successful, as Won-young's wild swings leave her open for counterpunches. Won-young definitely doesn’t want to get scarred by that leather, and as the round wears on, Kazuha's confidence grows, and she begins to taunt Won-young with subtle gestures and playful smirks. The Princess, however, remains focused on the fight, determined to regain control and prove her superiority. With just seconds left in the round, Won-young manages to land a solid punch to Kazuha's stomach, momentarily stunning the Japanese fighter and earning the applause of the crowd. Despite this, Kazuha has clearly won the round on points, and the fight is now tied at one round each.
ROUND 3:
Won-young comes out with more aggression, determined to regain control of the fight. She lunges forward with powerful hooks aimed at Kazuha's midsection, but the Japanese idol is quick to dodge and counter with swift jabs to the face. Despite Won-young's relentless pressure, Kazuha holds her own and lands several hard punches to the body and face. Her movements are fluid and graceful, her footwork quick and precise, as she weaves and bobs to evade Won-young's attacks and deliver her own. One particularly well-placed punch lands on Won-young's porcelain jaw, causing the Princess to stagger back momentarily. In the final seconds of the round, both fighters are visibly tired and breathing heavily, but they refuse to back down. Won-young throws left-right combos to the head, but Kazuha manages to slip away and deliver a hard hook of her own to the ribs, causing the Princess to wince in pain. As the round ends, the judges' scorecards are tallied and Kazuha has won the round by a close margin. The two fighters return to their corners, breathing heavily and covered in sweat, as they prepare for the next round in what has become an intense and closely-fought battle.
ROUND 4:
Won-young starts off strong, coming out swinging and relentlessly targeting Kazuha's body with hard, lunging hooks. Kazuha is forced to backpedal, trying to keep her distance and dodge her punches. But Won-young is not letting up, moving quickly and trying to cut her off. Once she’s created an opening, Won-young steps in to unleash a flurry on Kazuha's body and arms. Each blow visibly impacts Kazuha's body, causing her torso to shake and her arms to strain under the force of the attack. Kazuha tries to stay on the move and avoid getting pinned down, but Won-young is unrelenting. She has identified Kazuha's weak spots and is using it to her advantage. By the end of the round, it's clear that Won-young has taken control with her constant pressure and hard shots to the body.
ROUND 5:
Won-young comes out with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. She seems to have found her rhythm and is throwing more punches with ferocity. Kazuha, on the other hand, looks a bit slower and less agile, and is struggling to keep up with Won-young's pace. Won-young manages to back Kazuha into the ropes and unleashes a barrage of punches on her abs. Each punch lands with a sickening thud, and you can see the pain etched on Kazuha's face. Won-young seems to be enjoying herself as she lands each blow, and there's a tinge of jealousy in each of her swings. She wants to prove that she's not only the superior fighter but also the superior K-pop idol. Kazuha tries to fight back, but her punches lack the power and accuracy of Won-young's. She tries to create some distance but the latter girl keeps pressing her, landing powerful blows to her arms and torso. The Japanese singer’s movements become more sluggish, and her punches lack the power and accuracy to land on Won-young's face or body. As the round comes to a close, Won-young looks confident and assured, while Kazuha looks beaten and battered on the ropes. It's clear that Won-young has taken the round by a wide margin!
ROUND 6:
The sixth round begins with Won-young quickly taking the center of the ring, trying to assert her dominance early. She throws a quick jab to Kazuha's face, but Kazuha ducks it and counters with a swift hook to her body. Won-young responds with a barrage of swings, again backing Kazuha into the ropes and landing a series of vicious hooks to her stomach, causing Kazuha to wince forward in pain. As Won-young presses forward, she unleashes more powerful punches, each one slamming into Kazuha's midsection with a sickening thud. The impact of each blow can be heard ringing out through the arena, and the crowd collectively winces with sympathy pains for the hapless K-pop star on the receiving end. The audience can see the fire in Won-young's eyes, the intense determination to prove herself as superior. Despite the pain, Kazuha refuses to give up, digging deep to find the strength to fight back. She grits her teeth and tries to tighten her abdominal muscles, hoping to absorb some of the punishment, then backpedal to the side, trying to create some space between herself and her attacker. Then, she manages to land a couple of clean shots to Won-young's face that seem to faze the Princess. As Won-young grows more reckless and aggressive in her chasing Kazuha starts to use her speed and agility to counterstrike. She moves fluidly, evading Won-young's lunges and landing quick jabs and hooks to her tiring opponent's face and torso. Kazuha's movements are almost like a dancer weaving through the ring. As Kazuha starts to gain momentum, the crowd begins to roar in approval. Won-young, meanwhile, grows more and more frustrated by her inability to land any significant blows. She starts to leave herself open more often, giving Kazuha even more opportunities to strike, and with each landed punch, Kazuha's confidence grows, and the once-dominant Won-young starts to look increasingly vulnerable. Then, in a split second, Kazuha sees an opening. Won-young's guard is down and her chin is exposed. Kazuha takes a step forward and unleashes a powerful uppercut that lands flush on the bottom! There's a sickening THUD as the punch connects, and time seems to stand still for a moment. Won-young's head snaps back from the impact, and she staggers backwards, her arms flailing wildly as she tries to regain her balance. Her eyes are wide, and there's a look of disbelief on her face as she sheds her cutesy Princess persona for one of pain and shock. For a moment, the entire arena is silent as the spectators try to process what they just witnessed. Then, as Won-young falls to the canvas, the crowd erupts in a deafening roar. Kazuha stands in the center of the ring, her arms raised in victory, as the referee begins the count! Won-young looks up at the lights, breathing hard. Her eyes are squeezed shut, and she seems to be dazed! As the referee begins the count, Won-young tries to shake off the effects of the punch and pull herself back to her feet. But the damage has been done, and she can’t make it up before the count of ten! It’s OVER!
Official Result: Nakamura Kazuha defeats Jang Won-young via KO6!
AFTER:
Kazuha's fellow K-pop idols rush into the ring to lift her up on their shoulders, celebrating their victory. Chaewon (who has her own upcoming fight), pats Kazuha’s battered abs, remarking on their strength, but this time, the Japanese fighter winces in pain.
Meanwhile, Won-young lays on the mat, looking up at the ceiling with a mixture of embarrassment and rage. She can't believe she lost to her rival, and in such a public and humiliating way.
Later, Kazuha approaches her defeated opponent, offering a hand to help her up. Won-young glares at her for a moment, but begrudgingly takes it pulling herself up to her feet. The two girls stare each other down for a moment, with clear animosity building. But then, they are again forced to put on their public-facing façade, shaking hands and congratulating each other on a hard-fought battle.
As the two fighters exit the ring, Won-young pulls Kazuha aside, her eyes burning with intensity. "We're doing this again," she hisses, in her native Korean. "But next time, there won't be any cameras, or cheering fans. Just me and you. Behind closed doors."
Kazuha smirks in response. "Bring it on," she says. "I'll be ready for you."
After the fight, both idols are left with a deep hunger for more. They both know they have more to prove, and more to show the world. And both believe they belong in the upper echelons of the K-pop world.