If you're reading this not knowing what 'Road to Kingdom' is all about, basically, it's a Kpop boy-group competition show that involves 7 groups, for them to claim the 'King' title. It's a boy-group version of Mnet's 'Queendom'. You can Google the rest.

So, as you all might know, Pentagon is participating in the show as the oldest group. You might know that despite being the oldest group, Pentagon had never gotten any Music Show wins ever since debut, even though other participating junior groups had. For example, Golden Child with 'WANNABE' and The Boyz with 'Bloom Bloom'.

Despite having to compete with other junior groups, Pentagon still joined because they believed that it will be a good opportunity to get their names out there. They got most recognition through the song 'Shine' but it was almost like a one-hit wonder (which I personally disagree) because E-Dawn's scandal broke out soon after. As a fan, I believe it wasn't E-Dawn's fault nor it was Pentagon's or Cube's. It was just bound to happen. Even before their debut, we can see E-Dawn and HyunA already seemed to have smtg going on through their debut program - 'Pentagon Maker'. It wasn't a shocking news to some, but I guess what had to happen just eventually did - E-Dawn left.

I stanned them during this chaotic period of their career.

I fell in love with their stage performances the more I watch them. If you're new to Pentagon, what RTK had shown so far is really the Pentagon that I (even the fandom) know them as. They're very hands-on with their music, choreography and performances. They aren't a dance-heavy team like the other groups, so ofc their style would differ to accommodate that. Each member are bright and talented that they could all equally contribute to their music. On top of that, their love for each other is HUGE.

Now, I'm gonna start talking about Episode 3 of RTK in specific.

They performed for 2 rounds in the 3rd episode. Being the last and the first performer in between 2 of them.

They chose a song by Block B. Why? Because they view themselves as free-spirited, and Block B's song portrays exactly that, since they can get a little crazy. So, with that in mind, Pentagon wanted to be bold yet cheeky. The rock-and-roll stage idea from the movie 'Mad Max' was cooler because it tells another profound story. To me, it was very much like them. They sticked to their own colours with what they do best - vocals and stage acting.

In RTK, Hui made that rearrangements himself. Kino lead in choreographing the dance. It's actually their routine for all their comebacks so far. They can be that independent and it shows through this show.

Their off-stage self are very genuine too. They give supportive remarks and back it up with their actions. They don't "fake it til they make it", instead they're very transparent with their thoughts til the point it's embarrassing to watch all of them like that lol. Which is the reason they are very entertaining to watch. Like how they kept saying they needed the number 1 spot for this round so badly. They aren't, even a single bit, shaken out of that thought. I think it is very respectable of them to have such a high determination to win.

Sure other groups DESERVES A LOT too. I actually like GolCha's and The Boyz's Round 1 performances too tbh. I guess, I'm just speaking from the point of view of someone who watch RTK solely for Pentagon in the first place.

Again, Hui rearranged this one too. Combining their most well-known song - 'Shine' and with what I like to believe as "'Shine' part 2" - 'Spring Snow'. These two songs are VERY VERY meaningful to both Pentagon and Universe (fandom name). 'Spring Snow' came about when they were filming 'Shine' because it snowed even though it was already late spring at the time which was rare. It made that moment special for them. Kino wrote that song. It's a song made during one of the best moments of their career - when 'Shine' peaked in charts and Pentagon was OT10.

There's a lyric that says, "Will the spring snow come again?" as if meaning to say, "Will success come again?". And in the end of this performance, they changed the lyrics and Jinho sanged it singing, "Spring snow will come to us too". As if to say, "While I'm in the army, don't lose that hope and even when I'm gone for now, things will get better"... But will it get better when he's around or not is another question.

This performance combines happiness and sadness - everything Pentagon felt at that time and even now, when the first member is enlisting in the military. They never had the recognition they deserved, they never had the first win they deserved, but they are still going strong. I think non-fans should know that.

Pentagon members cried hard during this performance. And you know what? The last time I saw them crying that hard was in 'Pentagon Maker'. And you know why? They were reading each other's heart-felt letters back then. That is how much they meant to each other.

Hui cried the most. If you wondered why, besides being a leader, Hui is closest to Jinho. Jinho is a hyung to him and a best friend. Hui depended A LOT on Jinho. If you want me to compare with some of the other groups, Jinho and Hui are like Hanbin and Bobby (iKON), JB and Jinyoung (GOT7) and Jun and Donghun (A.C.E)... I'm sorry I only know these bunch well enough to compare them with. Bottom-line is their bond are like brothers' and considering this was their last performance together, made things just 100x sadder. I haven't even mentioned the kind of angel Jinho is. It was a no-doubt for them to do something special for him before he left. Honestly, people who were saying they were tryna seek people's empathy should shut up. You have no idea what they've been through and the disappointments they were showered upon.

Even if you aren't a fan, you can tell that this performance gave a strong emotional impact. I'm very thankful I get to watch it as a fan and understand the true meaning it gives.

In conclusion, I'm proud of their 2 performances so far. They've showed me that they are stronger that what people see and will continue to thrive. Honestly, even if they don't win, I believe they won't be losing anything too. It would be a lie to say I didn't want them to win, but with all the disappointments they've previously had, I too don't want them to be even more disappointed because of this. RTK, pls be kind to them, ok?

Dropping by,

Melynn.