BOYS PLANET: A first outing in public
First outing of the competitors of the BOYS PLANET survival.
CJ ENM music channel Mnet is making every effort to successfully launch the new boy group survival program “BOYS PLANET” and avoid controversy.
According to a report by E-Daily, on January 5, the production team of “BOYS PLANET” notified each agency not to promote its trainees participating in the program by airing YouTube advertisements or advertisements on their own electronic display. It is not yet known whether there was an agency that actually committed fraudulent acts.
A Kpop agency manager said, “The production team recently sent out a notice saying. If the agency releases an advertisement to promote its trainees and increase the number of video views related to the program unfairly, it there will be a disadvantage for the trainee.”
The producer shows a willingness not to follow in the footsteps of the “Produce 101” and “Idol School” series, which have been criticized for various controversies such as vote manipulation. Previously, “BOYS PLANET” had underlined the sincerity of the program, announcing that it had entrusted the verification of the vote count to Sangil PwC, a specialized external body.
Mnet not only tries to avoid controversy, but also promotes its programs in advance. On the 29th of last month, the music show “M Countdown” released the hit song “Here I am” for the first time, and the profiles of the 95 contestants, excluding the three expelled boys, were posted on the official site.
A day later, on the 30th of the same month, the preview episode “BOYS PLANET: Star Is Born” featuring pre-audition videos of the contestants aired. The show even featured stars from Mnet audition programs such as Yoon Jisung, Kim Jaehwan, Kwon Eunbi, Choi Yena,…
In addition, Mnet posted a personal fancam of the launch song on its YouTube channel and said that participants will receive mission benefits based on the number of video views, raising excitement for participation. Official voting hasn’t started yet, but since fierce competition is already taking place, it looks like it started early to avoid controversy.
An offline event called “Attractive Presentation” was also held at DMC Culture Park in Sangam-dong, Seoul in the afternoon. It was the first event where attendees and fans met for the first time, so a large crowd gathered to realize their strong interest in “BOYS PLANET.”
A Kpop agency manager said, “Even if our trainees fail to reach the final group, securing a strong fandom through the program will greatly help future activities, so we have hired additional song and dance trainers. to improve trainees’ skills before filming. The debut time of the group preparing to launch is also set for the end of “BOYS PLANET.“
“BOYS PLANET” will premiere on February 2 at 8 p.m. KST on Mnet and will select its first group to create a project group with votes from viewers. The number of people in the first group has not yet been revealed.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Mnet, CJENM