Mnet’s much-anticipated boy group survival program “BOYS II PLANET” has officially begun filming its first episode and is already making headlines with a significant format change.
Originally planned to feature two parallel audition tracks—“BOYS II PLANET K” and “BOYS II PLANET C”—each leading to the debut of separate groups, the show has now pivoted to a single-group debut format.
This major restructuring aims to create a more cohesive and emotionally engaging narrative, allowing viewers to follow all contestants on a unified journey toward forming one global K-pop boy group.
According to Mnet’s official announcement on May 23, filming for the premiere episode has been successfully completed.
The change in structure is not merely logistical but also narrative-driven, designed to intensify the dramatic arc and increase viewer immersion by uniting the once-separate competition tracks.
Initially, the show will maintain the distinction between contestants from “BOYS II PLANET K” and “BOYS II PLANET C,” focusing on their backgrounds and early interactions within their respective teams.
However, as the competition advances, the format will converge, and the individual stories will gradually weave into one overarching journey toward a singular group debut.
Mnet emphasized that all participants and their agencies have been fully briefed on the change and have expressed their understanding and support for the new direction.
A representative from the program also underscored the show’s commitment to showcasing the contestants’ personal growth, talent, and charisma through high-quality production and storytelling.
In addition to the new format, Mnet is reportedly in discussions with global partners, including collaborators in Greater China, to explore future musical and entertainment opportunities for the contestants.
This suggests that, while only one group will debut from the show, there may be additional paths for talented trainees to continue their careers through international collaborations and post-show projects.
The staggered premiere dates remain intact, with “BOYS II PLANET K” set to launch on July 17 and “BOYS II PLANET C” following on July 18.
These initial episodes are expected to build the foundation for the show’s newly unified storyline, introducing viewers to a diverse cast of aspiring idols from different cultural backgrounds.
The bold move to merge the two original concepts into one cohesive debut process reflects Mnet’s responsiveness to both creative considerations and viewer engagement trends.
As anticipation builds, fans around the world are eager to see how this revised format will play out, what dynamics will unfold among the contestants, and which trainees will rise to the top to become part of K-pop’s next major global boy group.
