Dispatch Exposes CJ ENM’s “Unfair” And “Career-Damaging” Contracts For “Boys II Planet” Trainees

A new report by Dispatch has exposed the controversial contract terms given to trainees on Boys II Planet, sparking outrage over what critics are calling one of the most exploitative deals in recent K-pop history.

Unlike previous Mnet project groups like Wanna One (1.5 years) and ZEROBASEONE (2.5 years), contestants selected for Boys II Planet are bound to CJ ENM for a 5-year mandatory contract, plus an additional 1-year “special activity” term totaling six years.

According to the contract, they had to fulfil a 5-Year Exclusive Control + 1 Year of Mandatory Extra Promotions. Debut group members must work exclusively under CJ ENM and its subsidiary WakeOne for 5 years. Even after the official promotions end, they are required to release one more single and hold at least one performance in the 6th year. Artists can only promote as part of the group, with no individual freedom during the contract period. In summary, they were tied to CJ ENM exclusively for 5 years, then for an additional year as a group.

Copy of the contract. | Dispatch

One clause states:

“Group activities shall last until the fifth anniversary of the debut album release, and final members may only perform as part of the group during this period.”

Another article requires:

“Within one year of the promotional period ending, the group must participate in one single album release and one performance.”

Shockingly, CJ ENM also granted itself full control over trainees who do not make the final debut lineup. The contract states that even eliminated contestants can be signed under CJ and placed into spin-off groups. These trainees are retained by CJ ENM through management rights and they cannot redebut in another group or in their own respective companies until further notice.

“Even if a contestant is not selected as a final member, CJ ENM retains exclusive management rights and may form another group with them.”

For many trainees, it’s not a survival show, but a six-year sentence with no exit clause.