Mnet and YG’s Black Label Join Forces for “I-LAND 2”

The Mnet survival show I-LAND is back for a second season. Its first season was a joint venture between Mnet’s parent company, CJ ENM, and HYBE, led by its founder Bang Si Hyuk. It formed the fourth-generation boy group ENHYPEN from 23 trainees.

Mnet, the South Korean entertainment broadcaster, is joining forces with YG Entertainment’s The Black Label for the second season of the global survival show I-LAND. The announcement came on Monday, revealing that Teddy Park, the executive producer of The Black Label, will be stepping in as the master producer for I-LAND 2.

Teddy Park, a 44-year-old music executive, has a reputation for working with some of the biggest names in K-pop, including BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, Jeon Somi, and 2NE1. His involvement in I-LAND 2 is a big step towards the debut of a global girl group in 2024. Mnet expressed optimism about the partnership, stating they aim to break the mold and establish a new landscape for K-pop.

Earlier this year, BELIFT LAB launched a new survival show called R U Next? on JTBC, which will determine the lineup of its new girl group. This left fans wondering about I-LAND’s future. But the announcement of the collaboration with Teddy and THEBLACKLABEL reignited their excitement for the show’s second season.

The I-LAND 2 application process

The auditions for the next-generation girl group will begin on August 7 and conclude on September 6, 2023. Online applications for I-LAND 2 are open from July 10 to August 6 KST. It’s open to any girl born before January 1, 2011, who can travel internationally. The application process involves filling out a form available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. Applicants must also submit three videos: a self-introduction, a rap or vocal performance, and a dance routine.

The new girl group from I-LAND 2 will promote under CJ ENM’s label WAKEONE, an agency under its entertainment division. WAKEONE has worked with other survival show-formed groups such as Girls Planet 999‘s Kep1er and Boys Planet‘s ZEROBASONE. This change in management suggests I-LAND 2 will offer a fresh and unique experience for viewers and participants alike.

The anticipation for I-LAND 2 is high, and the global auditions are expected to draw a significant number of participants. The new season will air in the first half of 2024. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Rumor has it a HYBE-Mnet conflict is behind this change. Source: YouTube/Mnet’s official YouTube channel.