Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)

Jul 16, 2025

 Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)
King Key, Lee Seok-hoon, Kim Jae-joong, Jayric, Lim Han-byeol, Baek Gu-young, Justice, PD Ko Jung-kyung, PD Jung Woo-young, CP Kim Shin-young, Xiaoting, Hyorin, and Kani (clockwise from top left). Photo courtesy = Mnet



The journey to the '2nd Zero Base One' begins again. However, even before the departure, various noises such as the composition concentrated in China, the change of the structure of the debut group, the controversy over supporting subsidiaries, and concerns about the amount of broadcasting have been raised, and expectations and controversy are intersecting.

On the 16th, a production presentation for Mnet 'Boyz2 Planet was held at the St. in Guro, Seoul. CP Kim Shin-young, PD Jung Woo-young, PD Ko Jung-kyung, PD K Master (Lee Seok-hoon, Kingki, Carney), C Master (Kim Jae-joong, Xiaoting, Jerrick), and Common Master (Im Han-byeol, Hyorin, Baek Gu-young, Judith) attended the production presentation.

Mnet has established itself as an audition master by producing global K-pop groups such as IOI, Wanna One, Iz*One, Kepler, and Zero Base One through the `Produce 101' series, as well as 'Girls Planet 999' and 'Boyz Planet'. This 'Boyz2 Planet' is an extension of the 'K-pop World Scale Debut Project' and contains a narrative that K Planet (Korean-speaking) and C Planet (Chinese-speaking) boys merge into one team.




Producer Jung Woo-young said, "Recently, the mood and posture of audition program participants have changed a lot"Especially this season, there are many participants with individuality and potential, and those with 'K-pop DNA' were named 'alpha boys'."

 Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)
김신영 CP. Photo courtesy=Mnet
Regarding the dualization of K and C Planet, CP Kim Shin-young replied, `If we divided it into K and G last season, this time we separated the language and production environment and clearly divided it into Korean (K) and Chinese (C)."

Above all, why is it in the Greater China. "The proportion of Chinese participants was quite large, but it was regrettable that they did not fully show the charm and potential they felt at the time of the screening as it was conducted in a Korean program," CP Kim said. "This time, I hoped to better convey their charm." Jang Ha-oh, who actually won the first place in season 1, was also a friend from China. From the time it was planned as a twin project, I started Planet C first with the Greater China in mind"We also have plans to expand to more diverse areas in the future."," he added.




The way of broadcasting has also changed. This is because it will be presented separately as K and C. Producer Ko Jung-kyung "In the process of combining the two programs into one, we put a lot of thought into adding unexpected developments and fun to the composition. It will be a device that viewers can immerse themselves in."

 Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)
Kmaster Kingie, Lee Seok-hoon, and Carney (from left). Photo courtesy = Mnet
The master lineup is also a hot topic. Lee Seok-hoon, Kingki, Carney, Kim Jae-joong, Xiaoting, and Jerrick will be in the K Master, and Lim Han-byeol, Hyorin, Baek Gu-young and Justis will be in the Common Master.

Lee Seok-hoon said, `It is surprising that the participants' skill levels continue to level up"As it is an era where their own identity is more important than anything else, they are sending a message to the participants to believe in themselves." he said. Kingkey "It was a valuable experience to watch the participants' dreams closely"I wanted to help them discover their unique charms in terms of technology and express them confidently" Carney said, "It was an honor to be able to confirm the enthusiasm and potential of the participants as a dance master. I hope this feeling will be conveyed to the viewers as well."




 Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)
Cmasters Jerrick, Jaejoong Kim, and Xiaoting (from left). Photo courtesy = Mnet
Kim Jae-joong said "C Planet had many participants who lacked stage experience. Most of them were friends who developed their skills through self-study, so there were cases where they did not know their strengths or possibilities"I tried to bring out that part." Then, during filming, he deliberately asked to turn off the camera, so he had a Q&A time. Even if it wasn't this opportunity, he said that there must be someone who recognizes his charm through the program, and advised him not to forget his dreams.

Xiaoting said, "As I also debuted through 'Girls Planet', it was meaningful to participate as a master on the same stage. I tried to help based on my experience."

 Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)
Common masters Lim Han-byul, Hyorin, Baek Gu-young, Justis (from left). Photo courtesy = Mnet
Lim Han-byeol said "The two planets are so different that it is fun to compare them. In particular, participants in the Greater China Region are very frank and free," said Judith "Participants are becoming more and more attractive." There will be a firearm," he said gleefully.

Baek Gu-young also said, "It doesn't make sense for these friends to grow up in such a short period of time, but they achieve a lot in 'Boyz 2 Planet'", and Hyorin said, "It's my first time to judge, so I felt complex emotions." I was proud to see the participants' desperation and growth process, and I am happy to be with them on such a journey. "

 Boyz 2 Planet, why was it in China...Change of debut group → Suspicion of supporting subsidiaries, departure amid noise (Roundup)
King Key, Lee Seok-hoon, Kim Jae-joong, Jayric, Lim Han-byeol, Baek Gu-young, Justice, PD Ko Jung-kyung, PD Jung Woo-young, CP Kim Shin-young, Xiaoting, Hyorin, and Kani (clockwise from top left). Photo courtesy = Mnet
Prior to the full-fledged voyage, 'Boyz 2 Planet' unveiled various personal contents of 160 boys from K and C Planet, including the signal song 'HOLA SOLAR', raising expectations for K-pop fandom around the world.

On the other hand, some are raising concerns. First, change the composition of the debut group. Initially, the debut group was scheduled to be selected from K and C, but it changed to a way to integrate into a boy group debut group. "The participants of the two Planet had different personalities and potential," said Kim. I changed my plan because I have high expectations for synergy that will come out when they come together."

Regarding the number of final debutants and the duration of their activities, "We are in internal discussions over a number of options, and we will officially announce it when it is confirmed at a later date."

In addition, as the participants' narratives are contained, the difference in fandom varies depending on the amount of them. As a result, controversy over equity is also following. Regarding the broadcasting volume standard, CP Kim said "There is something I always ask participants to say about the broadcasting volume. "If you have overwhelming talent, charm, or skills, or if your character shines, you're more likely to be on the air."

"Nevertheless, the amount of broadcasting is limited, so we always prepare a variety of marketing and PR contents and try to introduce each and every one of them. We are also making efforts to make several participants illuminated and attractive by releasing stage fancams.

On top of that, there are also talks about the controversy over transparency and support of certain agencies in relation to Wake One, a subsidiary of CJ ENM. CP Kim said "WakeOne is a subsidiary, but there are so many people involved in this project"Since viewers feel that well, they are not willing to force a narrative or highlight a particular attraction. I think that's the way you lose more than you get. I wouldn't even choose it that way because I think the 'Planet' series is one of the series that's going to continue."

I also wonder about K Planet and C Planet's 'Balance'. CP Kim said "We are trying to have an evaluation standard so that there is no disadvantage in the process of combining the two planets."

Amid this noise, 'Boyz2 Planet' is predicting a voyage to the second Zero Base One by joining hands with Greater China. Attention is focusing on Mnet's challenge to see what name will be named at the end of the voyage, once again putting the pride of an audition master.

Mnet 'Boyz 2 Planet' will premiere at 9:20 p.m. on the 17th with 'Boyz 2 Planet K' and 9:20 p.m. on the 18th with 'Boyz 2 Planet C'.





rightlight@sportschosun.com