The 35 contestants for KBS' new survival audition show "MA1" pose during a press conference at KBS Wedding Hall in southern Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of KBS

A group of 35 boys from different parts of the world and backgrounds, all with a shared goal of becoming K-pop stars, gathered Wednesday at KBS to compete for fame in the network's latest survival audition show, "MA1."

"MA1" marks KBS' return to the idol group audition genre since the 2017 show, "The Unit." The title "MA1," short for "Make Mate 1," conveys the show is about the collaborative journey of friends coming together as one to make their dream a reality.

What sets this program apart is its focus on 35 contestants who are not already part of the trainee system, unlike other survival shows dominated by trainees from entertainment agencies. Originally slated to have 36 participants, one contestant withdrew due to personal reasons.

The diverse pool of contestants promises intriguing collaborations, with the roster including a former child actor, a renowned Japanese TikToker and even a defector from North Korea.

At Wednesday's press conference at KBS Wedding Hall in southern Seoul's Yeouido, "MA1" producers Hwang Min-gyu and Ra Hyun-woong lauded the participants' "natural and approachable charm."

"Our program aims to depict auditions featuring boys we've all encountered in everyday lives ... While idols often project a manufactured image from their agencies, our contestants feel refreshingly genuine ... From our show, viewers can expect the traditional allure of audition shows coupled with the natural and approachable charms of these unconventional boys," Hwang said.

Ra chimed in, emphasizing the growth potential he observed in the contestants.

"What we focused on in selecting the contestants was their growth potential. While there are numerous audition programs out there, we aimed to highlight raw talent, moving away from the typical polished idol archetype," Ra said. "Initially, seeing their unfamiliar and unpolished appearance might raise doubts, but our goal is to depict the journey of these boys growing together into idols."

From left, singers Kim Sung-eun, Onestar, dancer Ingyu, Mamamoo member Solar, dancer Vata and rapper Hanhae pose during a press conference for "MA1" at the KBS Wedding Hall in southern Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of KBS

Xiumin from EXO poses during a press conference of "MA1" at KBS Wedding Hall in southern Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of KBS

Guiding the contestants throughout the show are singers Onestar and Kim Sung-eun, dancers Vata and Ingyu from the famous crew WE DEM BOYZ, and rapper Hanhae.

Girl group Mamamoo's Solar is also set to lend her help.

Drawing on her extensive experience as an idol herself, Solar underscored her intention to assess contestants based mainly on their skills.

"Raw talent matters, but in my view, the true test lies in competing against already-established idols. That's why having solid foundational skills is important, along with embracing one's unique persona, which I believe is essential for success in the idol industry," she said.

Hosting the program is Xiumin from K-pop sensation EXO.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, he said, "I've longed to venture into regular entertainment shows, so I'm thrilled to be part of this. Like the participants, I'm not a flawless host, but I aim to evolve alongside them."

"MA1" will air every Wednesday starting next week at 10:10 p.m. on KBS2.