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WEi Official Twitter / VERIVERY Official Twitter
Following the success of “BOYS PLANET” in 2023 which created ZEROBASEONE, the global rookie boy group that opened up the 5th gen era, the sequel “BOYS II PLANET” is set to be broadcast starting on July 17. Mnet has released various contents related to the audition program, including the music videos of the Korean and Chinese versions of the signal song ‘HOLA SOLAR’, as well as the self-introduction videos of all the contestants. These contents have garnered lots of attention among K-Pop fans globally, and several contestants have already attracted a huge following even before the show is officially aired, proving the undeniable power of Mnet’s audition programs in creating sensational next-generation K-Pop stars.
Among the contestants, some of them have debuted before, and even participated in other audition programs. After accumulating several years of experience in the K-Pop industry, these “gyeong-ryeok-jik” (경력직, experienced) idols are ready to seize another chance to shine on stage with more polished skills, stronger stage presence, and more irresistible charm. Here are 5 “BOYS II PLANET” contestants who have previously debuted that deserve your precious vote. Star Creators, are you ready to check out these attractive and talented buried gems?
1. DRIPPIN’s Lee Hyeop
DRIPPIN’s Lee Hyeop was first introduced to the K-Pop scene as an individual trainee in “PRODUCE X 101” back in 2019, where he showcased his powerful vocals in the program by taking up the main vocalist position in several rounds of competition. In particular, he impressed national producers with his “5-degree high notes” in ‘Monday To Sunday’, which remains one of the most legendary high notes in the “PRODUCE” audition program series.
After finishing “PRODUCE X 101” at No.24, Lee Hyeop joined Woollim Entertainment and debuted as the main vocalist of DRIPPIN the following year together with several Woollim Entertainment’s trainees that he met during the program. Lee Hyeop continues to receive love and support from K-Pop fans with his top-notch vocal skills and lovely maknae-like appearance (he is the “fake-maknae” of DRIPPIN despite being the eldest member). Lee Hyeop looked exceptionally cute with a beret cap and casual wear in this live stage of DRIPPIN’s latest release ‘Weekend’, and his refreshing vocals bring out the summer holiday vibe of the song!
2. DRIPPIN’s Kim DongYun
Same as his teammate Lee Hyeop, DRIPPIN’s Kim DongYun was also a former participant in “BOYS II PLANET”. DongYun was originally trained as a vocalist when he first joined Woollim Entertainment, but he showed his potential in rap during “PRODUCE X 101”. DongYun took up the rap position in ‘Clap’, in which he stunned all the trainers including MONSTA X’s JooHoney by successfully nailing the fast rap lines.
DongYun finally ranked 23rd in the program and then joined DRIPPIN the following year as the main rapper. Completely different from his adorable puppy-like face, DongYun has a deep and magnetic voice which makes him a perfect low-tone rapper material. His rap in ‘ZERO’ was truly addictive and showcased his wild and sexy image. How can one not fall for this idol full of “reverse charm”?
3. WEi’s Kim JunSeo
WEi’s Kim JunSeo was first introduced as a contestant in “Under Nineteen” back in 2018, where he made millions of K-Pop fans swoon over his pure sculpture-like visuals with deep delicate features. JunSeo finally ranked ninth place in the audition program and debuted as the lead dancer and sub-vocalist of the project group 1THE9. JunSeo showcased his elegant and clean dance moves and soft vocal tone in the live stage of ‘The Story’, and he literally looks like a prince wearing a pink blouse and white trousers.
After 1THE9 was disbanded in 2020, JunSeo returned to OUI Entertainment and debuted under WEi as the group’s maknae. After joining WEi, JunSeo demonstrated a more mature image. JunSeo’s powerful and sharp dance in this live stage of ‘All Or Nothing’ showed his dark masculine charm different from when he was in 1THE9 and made all RUi’s hearts skip a beat!
JunSeo recent also kicked off his career as an actor, which he gained popularity by starring in the BL Drama “Secret Relationship”. JunSeo played the role of Jeong DaOn, a smart and handsome office worker tangled between two of his former love interests and a new colleague. Although this was his acting debut, JunSeo received lots of praise from the viewers for his breathtaking appearance and outstanding acting skills.
4. VERIVERY’s KangMin
K-Pop fans who follow music shows closely are probably familiar with VERIVERY’s KangMin, as he was the former MC of “Show Champion” with ASTRO’s MoonBin and SanHa. KangMin debuted as the visual member and maknae of VERIVERY in 2019, and already captured the hearts of many fans with his sweet puppy-like visual since he first debuted. Apart from having a lovely appearance, KangMin also has a cute personality, and many fans said that he looks cute no matter what he does. KangMin was once asked to draw his soul food in “Show Champion Behind”, and he showed his cute drawing of a boiling pot of ramen.
KangMin is also a talented performer. In this ‘Tap Tap’ live stage, KangMin showed his stable vocals and energetic dance moves which accentuated the cheerful vibes of the song. His facial expression was also very on-point, and his lovely smile radiated a youthful charm that would brighten up your day.
5. SeoWon
SeoWon first debuted as the main dancer of NINE.i in 2022. He then participated in “Boys Planet” the following year. Despite being eliminated at the penultimate round of “Boys Planet” at No.25, SeoWon left a strong impression in the hearts of star creators with his cheerful personality and signature “Seo One” greeting pose. Besides his cute image, Seo Won also has outstanding vocal skills. He took up the main vocal position for the first time in ‘SuperCharger’, in which he demonstrated his stable singing while dancing to the intense choreography.
After “Boys Planet”, Seo Won returned to NINE.i with more refined performing skills. In this live performance of ‘Turn It Off”, Seo Won demonstrated his sharp and precise dance moves as the group’s main dancer, and his soulful and gentle vocals also shine a lot on this performance. In June this year, Seo Won decided to leave NINE.i and set his sights on a second chance to debut through “BOYS II PLANET”.
Which of the above contestants is your “pick”, and are there other contestants who have debuted before that you think deserve a new opportunity to shine? Let us know in the comments below!
English (US) · 