Boys II Planet is a South Korean reality survival series developed by Mnet, designed to create a new eight-member boy band. Since launching on July 17, the show has captured attention with its impressive lineup of contestants. However, it has faced controversy due to allegations of vote manipulation surrounding contestants Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin, who are linked to agency WAKEONE.
Why did Kim Geonwoo apply to Boys II Planet as an individual?
Both Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin are represented by WAKEONE. Yet, they decided to apply as individuals instead of as part of the agency’s trainees. WAKEONE stated that Geonwoo intended to participate in Boys II Planet before officially signing a trainee contract, leading to scheduling conflicts that prevented him from joining the established WAKEONE trainee group.
After further discussions, it was agreed that he would take part as an individual contestant.
Kang Woojin’s individual application to Boys II Planet
WAKEONE explained that Kang Woojin had a unique musical style that set him apart from other trainees at the agency. This distinctiveness, alongside his background as a singer-songwriter without conventional idol training, made it more suitable for him to compete as an individual in Boys II Planet, similar to Geonwoo.
How did the associations of Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin with WAKEONE lead to rigging allegations?
The lack of disclosure regarding their ties to WAKEONE raised eyebrows when they applied as solo participants. Kim Geonwoo’s past became a point of scrutiny, especially with previous allegations against him, compounding public dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the production of Boys II Planet falls under Mnet, a subsidiary of CJ ENM, which also owns WAKEONE.
Additionally, concerns were intensified by the discovery that ZEROBASEONE, another group formed through a previous installment called Boys Planet, is also under WAKEONE’s management. This resulted in rumors regarding potential favoritism for Geonwoo and Woojin through vote rigging or similar manipulative tactics.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing discussions around Boys II Planet and its contestants?
