Understanding the Final Rankings of The Kingdom
Do You Agree with the Final Group Rankings for The Kingdom?
Many viewers have expressed that the "winner had already been decided" throughout the show. However, I strongly believe that the true purpose of the show is to promote the growth and fame of smaller groups. The addition of both popular and less popular groups ensured that all participants had a fair opportunity to shine and gain recognition. Although SKZ had the largest fanbase, their performances were unparalleled, and it is evident that their success isn't solely attributed to their existing fanbase but their hard work and talent as well.
Rankings Reflect Merit and Opportunity
Despite the claims of pre-decided winners, the final rankings reflect the merit of each group's performances and dedication to the show. SKZ was undoubtedly in first place, but the rankings for ITzy and BOYEX seem to be a testament to their growth and hard work. As someone who knew the final rankings to be accurate even before the popularity vote, I agree wholeheartedly with the outcome. While I understand that there may be some disagreement, I believe that the winner is set based on the hard-fought performances and not just the existing popularity.
Even groups like Ikon and SF9, who finished in the lower rankings, deserve recognition for their performances. In any competition, there must be a first and a last, and this placement highlights the growth and improvement of these smaller groups. However, the method of ranking and how those rankings were reached have sparked several criticisms, particularly in the previous episodes and the final episode.
Ranking Method: Fairness and Criticism
Previous Episodes: Lack of Transparency
The previous episodes were marred by a lack of transparency. The identities of the 'experts' who provided 25% of the scores were not disclosed, leaving the public in the dark about the calculation. Furthermore, the reasons behind the scores given by panelists were vague, particularly after the first round. The high weightage of 40% for global voting also placed smaller groups at a significant disadvantage, as they struggled to reach the necessary global fanbases.
Final Episode: Bias and Disadvantage
The final episode of The Kingdom faced similar criticisms. Dating apps, which are crucial for fan engagement, only offered rankings from Apple Music, which severely disadvantaged groups with smaller local fanbases. Additionally, Whosfan consistently blocked international fans from voting, leading to fewer votes and potentially lower rankings for IKON and SF9. The result was that groups with fewer fans still managed to perform well, highlighting the inherent biases in the ranking system.
Final Thoughts and Future Support
Despite the criticisms and challenges faced by the show, I am personally delighted with the outcome. SKZ's victory is well-deserved, and all the groups have gained significant exposure from their participation. I hope that, following the conclusion of The Kingdom, all the groups have a chance to rest, process the experience, and move forward with their careers in a positive manner.
Lastly, I call on everyone to continue supporting the six groups, as their journey and success are worth celebrating. The show may have had its fair share of issues, but it also provided a unique platform for smaller groups to shine and achieve great success.