TA-KI (Hangul: 타키) is a Japanese artist under HYBE Labels Japan and a member of the Japanese boy group, &TEAM, along with fellow former I-LAND contestants, K, Nicholas and EJ. He was eliminated in the eighth episode after ranking last in 11th place.
He made his debut on December 7, 2022.
History
Pre-debut
2020: Participation in I-LAND.
I-LAND Overview
Missions
Entry Test
The Entry Test was the first test that Taki was tested upon. After months of practice and training, Taki's hard effort recieved a 22/22 score (100%), resulting in him moving in to I-Land. Taki was the 9th competitor to compete, dancing to the song Monster by EXO.
During episode 5, Taki had claimed that the title and vibe of the song "Monster", had an impact on the way he danced. He made sure that his dance was scary, thrilling and intimidating. He had also mentioned that he had a talent with his facial expressions, giving him an advantage to excel on his test.
Teamwork
Teamwork was the third test given to the competers, but the second test given to Taki as he was recentely in Ground, but had a sudden move up to I-Land. In this test, the I-Lander's were tested on their "Teamwork".
The catches this test had was that the person with the highest individual score got a Dropout Exemption Card. This motivated Taki to try his best within the six days he was given to prove his amazing ability to dance. To add on that, Taki had to make sure that him and his team did well so there would be no dropouts, and the Grounders had no chance of replacing him.
Unfortunetly, to Taki's disatvantage, he was given the 12th position, which limited his chance to be seen and get a higher score. But that didn't stop Taki. He worked hard for the next six days to try his best, and prove his ability, until the time came.
Taki performed a remix of Fire, by BTS, with his team while he shone through the stage. Unfortunetly, Taki's team did not get an exceding score, and had to watch the Grounders perform.
After the performance, it was decided that four members had to be sent down to Grounders, 4 too many for Taki's liking. As every dropout was announced, Taki's heart pounded faster and faster, sure and unsure of whether he would end up as a dropout once again. In the end, Yoonwon, Taeyoung, Sunoo, and Jungwon were voted to be dropouts. Taki felt a huge relief, and an epmatheitc feeling towards his friend. But sadly, the game didn't stop there.
Before the dropouts left, it had been anounced that K had gotten the higghest score; therefore recieviing Dropout Exemption Card. After some thought, K decided to use it on Jungwon who he thought deserved to stay in I-Land.
Taki who had a huge relief came to the astonishing news that he was going to be replaced instead of Jungwon. Taki and Jungwon received the same amount of votes (5), but Taki recieved a higher individual score.
To Taki's big disappointment that hit him harder than he could've expected, he had to leave to Ground once again. Not noticing K, who was in regret and shock for Taki to be replaced, he burst into tears at the last second of holding them, feeling total sadness and disappointment.
K who couldn't handle the regret hugged him tightely and apologised deeply. K had promised Taki that he would've used it on him anyday, but his mistake let the oposite happen. K made Taki promise to come back to I-Land before Taki continued his journey on to Ground.
Representatives
For the second-to-last test, every group had to pick 5 contestents to represent their team. 2 Vocalists, and 3 dancers. The goal was to be able to sing or dance to three different songs and moods, but be able to master it as well, showing the different vibe every song gives.
The dances were very hiphop themed and many people recommended Ni-ki and Nicholos. Taki was starting to lose confidence when the third dancer came and started dancing the way Taki does, including locking. Everyone immediatly started recommending Taki should be the third representatative and Taki was overflowing with relief and happiness.
While working out the final representatives, Jaeho recommeneded himself saying he was good at locking as well, that he was very confident in himself, and that he could guarantee a win. After some debate and voting, Taki was once again disappointed when his spot was taken.
In the end, the Grounders lost and Taki didn't get his chance to return back to I-Land.
Final Test
The Final Test was the last test where all competers would be judged individually. Taki was really looking forward to this test, putting his all in it and not wasting a second.
Fortunetly, Ta-Ki was given the 5th position, the part that impacted the whole dance. In his excitment and responsibility, Taki took ownership to his role and treated it right. He practiced hard, using every single thing he learned. From dancing, to locking, to singing, to feeling the vibe, and to facial expressions.
When getting feedback from their mentor Rain, Taki was given execllent feedback and advice, boosting his motivation and confidence to space.
Taki did an amazing job while performing, being as perfect as possible.
Since he is a Grounder, Taki's fate relies on global voting to see whether or not he will make it and debut or not. Until today, Taki is waiting for his result to see where destiny leads him.
Part Two
BTS Test
For this test, Taki was the leader of the Fake Love team. During the midpoint feedback, Son Sung Deuk evaluated them. Before evaluating, he asked the leaders if their teams were doing well. Taki replied that he was nervous because he had never been a leader before. When they danced, Sung-Deuk said that their team was doing horrible, especially Taki. At the end of the evaluation, Taki cried. Heesung went to comfort Taki, and kindly said that it was okay to be nervous, that he would do great.
At the test, their team received 306 points, and was in first place; therefore safe from elimination. When the judges gave the contestants their individual scores, Taki was 12th. When he spoke, he said that he would work harder to do better, and was very sorry to the contestant who ranked 11th, who would have to be eliminated. The contestant who placed 11th was Lee Geonu; therefore he was eliminated.
Gallery
Videos
Trivia
- He has been training for 10 months.
- He was revealed in the 3rd batch of applicants on June 3rd, 2020 KST.
- His MBTI personality type is ESFP.
- His Chinese zodiac sign is Rooster.
- If he could listen to only 1 song in his entire life it’d be ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ by BTS .
- His personality in 1 word is joy/fun.
References
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