Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Jang Han-eum bares his heart in 'Daydream,' his second EP

Jang Han-eum, a standout vocalist from Mnet’s audition program “Boys II Planet” (2025), is returning to his solo career with his second EP, “Daydream” — an album filled with his own music and personal narrative.

2026-03-30

'A new beginning': Alpha Drive One starts K-pop journey with full-throttle debut

After warming up its engine for quite a while, boy band Alpha Drive One has made its official entry into the K-pop scene with a high-profile debut that feels less like a first step but a full-throttle launch for a “drive to the top.”

2026-01-13

'Reconcile our resentment': Boy band Verivery faces its fears and 'han' after yearslong hiatus

During their two-and-a-half-year hiatus — practically an eternity in the K-pop world — the members of boy band Verivery kept busy, from acting in plays and musicals to one member even placing ninth in Mnet’s “Boys II Planet” audition program.

2025-12-01

Video of 'Boys II Planet' idol trainee saving taxi driver from assault goes viral

A video showing a Chinese trainee, who appeared on K-pop idol audition program "Boys II Planet," helping a taxi driver being assaulted by a drunk man went viral Saturday.

2025-10-04

Mnet's K-pop audition program 'Boys II Planet' debuts new boy band Alpha Drive One

New boy band Alpha Drive One (ALD1) was formed through Mnet’s K-pop audition program “Boys II Planet,” which had its final broadcast on Thursday. The group’s name symbolizes its ambition to become “the official team that drives forward to the top.”

2025-09-26

Korean, Chinese talent to form one boy band in 'Boys II Planet' audition show

Mnet’s “Boys II Planet,” the latest installment in the K-pop audition franchise “Planet,” aims to uncover talent from Korea and China — the latter home to popular contestants, such as last season’s winner Zhang Hao, and a powerhouse voting bloc.

2025-07-16

K-pop audition shows get terrible ratings. Why does Korea keep making them?

K-pop survival shows face viewer fatigue yet remain popular, driven by cost-effectiveness and the potential to launch successful idol groups amid declining ratings.

2025-07-16

Mnet’s 'Boys Planet' begins another round of recruitment for second season

Mnet’s audition program “Boys Planet” (2023-) began its second round of recruitment for its second season on Monday.

2025-02-03