The Next K-pop Juggernaut? ‘Boys II Planet’ Thinks So
Step aside, traditional debuts—Mnet’s global-scale K-pop project ‘Boys II Planet’ is rewriting the rules. In its third episode, the show ignited fan excitement with intense 1-on-1 battles and the first appearance of celebrity guest Ong Seongwu as a special master. Turns out, this isn’t just a debut—it’s survival with sparkle.
One Battlefield, Two Worlds: K vs. C Planet Go Head-to-Head
Episode 3 showcased high-stakes matchups pitting Korean (K) and Chinese (C) planet trainees in fierce 1v1 ranking battles. Rankings were made public, putting pride on the line, and contestants came armed with talent and tenacity. The face-offs were electric, with trainees itching to climb their way up the star-powered ladder. Ong Seongwu, a former idol and now host, joined the scene to offer heartfelt encouragement.
Real-Time Dominance: 80% Share and Tens of Millions Watching
‘Boys II Planet’ nearly broke the internet—literally. Airing on both Mnet and streaming platform TVING, the show dominated live channel viewership with an ~80% real-time share. Global viewers tuned in via Mnet Plus, with a 50% spike from the previous week. Hashtag-friendly keywords lit up trending charts across Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while even China’s Weibo slang the show into trending territory.
Glory or Goodbye: Voting is On Now
The fate of these hopeful idols lies in the hands of a global audience. Fans can vote daily via Mnet Plus until 10 AM KST, June 8, selecting their favorites in the second global vote. In a twist of fate, the lowest-ranked surviving member will face sudden-death live voting during the first Survivor Reveal, airing that same afternoon. Drama levels at MAX.
1vs1 Grade Battle Highlights: Stray Kids, TOZ, Tears and Triumph
Think this is just a talent contest? Think again. The ‘Grade Battle’ had major stakes: if a lower-ranked team beat a higher one, they’d score up to 300,000 bonus points. The competition featured 10 teams—eight members each—all performing award-winning debut songs.
- Stray Kids’ “S-Class”: Team 1, led by Jo Gyehyeon, delivered a high-impact performance. Shoutout to Kim Inhoo, who overcame rehearsal struggles, and Kim Junmin, who slayed the stage with star power. They clinched victory with a 6:2 vote.
- TOZ’s “Our First Meeting Didn’t Go As Planned”: Maknae Na Yunseo touched fans’ hearts for supporting team member Heo Xinlong, who had lost confidence. Their wholesome chemistry and radiant delivery surprised even skeptical masters.
Next Week: TVXQ, aespa, and More Cover Showdowns
Episode 4 (airing June 7, 9:20 PM KST) promises epic stages, including TVXQ’s “Rising Sun”, ZEROBASEONE’s “Kill the Romeo”, and aespa’s “Whiplash”. Expect vocal fireworks and fierce competition, as results of the 1v1 vote will officially be revealed.
Bottom Line:
‘Boys II Planet’ isn’t just a survival show—it’s a K-pop phenomenon in the making. With its global voting format, heart-pounding battles, and skyrocketing fan interest, this series may just discover the next Hallyu superstars. Are you watching history unfold?