Mnet’s ‘BOYS II PLANET’ aims to create more global stars
Producers and mentors of Mnet’s global K-pop debut project "BOYS II PLANET" pose for photos during a press conference at The Saint in D-Cube City in Guro District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Mnet
160 trainees featured in largest lineup of channel’s survival show history
Mnet, the channel that brought the world some of K-pop’s most popular acts, is returning with a bigger, more ambitious reality survival show this week, featuring its biggest lineup yet and a revamped format aimed at global audiences.
Titled “BOYS II PLANET,” the second season of the hit 2023 series “Boys Planet,” kicks off this week in two parts — “Planet K” premiering Thursday and “Planet C” on Friday. A total of 160 trainees from across the globe, the most in Mnet's survival show history, will vie for a spot in a new global K-pop boy group.
At a press conference held Tuesday in southern Seoul, chief producer Kim Shin-young — the creative mind behind the shows that launched the careers of boy groups ENHYPEN and ZeroBaseOne (ZB1) and girl groups Kep1er and Izna — introduced the season’s dual-language format as a key upgrade.
Trainees from Mnet’s global K-pop debut project "BOYS II PLANET" attend their first offline event, “Planet Day: Open Stage,” held at Sangam DMC Park in Mapo District, Seoul, June 14. Courtesy of Mnet
“Planet K” is filmed in Korean, featuring participants from underdog K-pop boy bands and well-known trainees from established K-pop companies. “Planet C” will feature more industry newbies and trainees primarily speaking in the Chinese language.
Kim said the revamp was intentional.
“In previous seasons, some Chinese-speaking contestants struggled to show their full potential. This time, we’re giving them a platform that better fits their voice and story,” he said.
He cited last season’s Zhang Hao, who hails from China and is now a member of ZB1, as an example.
“He debuted at No. 1 and that was even with limited exposure. Imagine what could happen when that spotlight is there from the start.”
As the show progresses, the two Planets will eventually merge, combining trainees from diverse backgrounds. Producer Ko Jong-pyo noted the idea was to explore cultural similarities and differences.
“Through the Planet system, we want to explore what unites Asian cultures and discover new stories,” Ko said.
"BOYS II PLANET" chief producer Kim Shin-young speaks during a press conference for Mnet’s global K-pop debut project at The Saint in D-Cube City, Guro District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Mnet
‘Star creators’
Viewers, dubbed “star creators,” will vote for and decide the members who will ultimately debut. This season’s theme is “Alpha” — drawing from new beginnings. The 160 “Alpha Boys” are described as fully equipped with so-called “K-pop DNA,” trained across vocals, rap and dance.
Chief producer Kim said final details for the upcoming debut group, including the number of trainees to be included in the lineup, are yet to be decided.
“With so many talented contestants, the decision may be made during the course of the show,” he explained.
The show’s producers also addressed issues of fairness, a recurring concern in large-scale audition programs.
“Those with overwhelming talent, skill, charm and unique character are more likely to make it on screen. Otherwise, it won’t be easy,” they said. “We have limited airtime, but we’re doing our best to highlight them all through content like individual fancams.”
“BOYS II PLANET” will also feature 10 K-pop industry mainstays who will mentor the trainees.
“The boys are more refined than ever,” seasoned judge and vocal mentor Lee Seok-hoon said. “Every season, they improve. Some of them are so young, but I genuinely respect their discipline.”
When asked what advice he gave trainees, Lee said, “In this industry, identity is everything. You can rise fast but fall just as quickly. I want them to understand that without a sense of self, it’s easy to get lost.”
Dance mentor Kinky, who also starred in the Mnet show “Street Man Fighter,” said his approach focused less on technique and more on individuality.
“Rather than drilling choreography, I try to help them discover their unique charm,” he said.
From left, choreographer Jrick, K-pop legend Jaejoong and girl group Kep1er's Xiaoting, mentors from Mnet's global K-pop debut project "BOYS II PLANET," pose for photos during a press conference at The Saint in D-Cube City, Guro District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Mnet
K-pop legend Jaejoong, who leads “Planet C,” said many of the trainees were unfamiliar with Korea’s hardcore K-pop training culture.
“They’re incredibly talented, but often nervous. Some don’t even realize their own hidden strengths,” he said. “I’d sometimes sit with them off-camera to help them open up about what they’re going through.”
Girl group Kep1er’s Xiaoting, a former contestant of the show’s predecessor “Girls Planet 999,” now comes back as a dance mentor.
“I know how nervous they feel. I’ve been there. I just want to help them shine,” she said.
“BOYS II PLANET” airs Thursdays and Fridays at 9:20 p.m. on Mnet.
Youn Ye-jin is a Korea Times intern.