JYP Entertainment responds to controversies following the final lineup of new girl group TWICE which was revealed on the last episode of the show “Sixteen”.
Criticisms from the viewers have surfaced after Momo, a trainee that was eliminated in the third episode mission, was added to the final lineup of the group. Viewers were confused as to why Momo was added to the lineup despite her elimination.
The show’s producer and JYP Entertainment CEO Park Jin Young added Tzuyu and Momo to the official lineup of TWICE. Tzuyu had the most audience votes prior to the episode. While on Momo’s addition, JYP reveals, “I have chosen someone who would bring what the other girls do not have. I choose Momo who would bring great dance skills and vocals.”
On July 8, a representative from JYP Entertainment further explained Momo’s addition to the press, “Momo is excellent in dance and performance. We believe that she would be a great addition to the really complete TWICE.” The representative added, “Park Jin Young decided to include Momo yesterday after he thought of the best member for the group. We only went to the show knowing only the seven members.”
A representative from Mnet also explained, “The formation of TWICE is entirely up to JYP Entertainment. The production team of the show did not know who the final members would be until Park Jin Young’s announcement.”
Thus, TWICE’s final members are revealed to be Jihyo, Chaeyoung, Nayeon, Sana, Jungyeon, Mina, Dahyun, Tzuyu and Momo. They are also revealed to be debuting this year.