Boys II Planet, the latest survival reality show by Mnet, launched with much excitement as fans anticipated the birth of a new eight-member boy group. Among the buzz surrounding the premiere on July 17, the spotlight quickly shifted to controversy after viewers began speculating about potential vote rigging tied to two contestants, Kim Geonwoo and Kang Woojin. Both are associated with WAKEONE, an agency under CJ ENM, the same parent company as Mnet. This connection raised concerns about possible internal bias or manipulation.
Kim Geonwoo’s application as an individual contestant raised eyebrows when fans learned of his ties to WAKEONE. The agency clarified that Geonwoo had submitted his application before officially signing with them. By the time he joined WAKEONE’s trainee roster, his participation in the show as an independent contestant had already been confirmed. Due to logistical challenges and prior commitments, he continued on the show without being integrated into WAKEONE’s official team. The company insisted this decision came after discussions with both the production staff and Geonwoo himself, suggesting it was a mutual agreement rather than a strategic maneuver.
As for Kang Woojin, WAKEONE explained that his case was slightly different. He reportedly had a unique musical direction that didn’t align with the label’s standard trainee group concept. Being a singer-songwriter without conventional idol training, the agency believed he would stand out more as an individual contestant. Hence, he entered the show independently, although he remained under WAKEONE’s management.
However, these justifications failed to fully satisfy the public, especially after scrutiny intensified due to separate bullying allegations aimed at Kim Geonwoo. What began as concern over a contestant’s past behavior evolved into larger suspicions regarding the integrity of the show’s voting system. Viewers noted the troubling overlap between Mnet, the show’s broadcaster, and WAKEONE, which manages not only the two contestants but also ZEROBASEONE, the successful group formed through the original Boys Planet. This layered relationship prompted accusations that the agency may be using its position to subtly favor certain trainees.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the controversy has cast a shadow over Boys II Planet’s early episodes. Fans and critics alike are now watching closely for any signs of partiality, hoping that the show’s outcome will remain fair and transparent despite the deepening concerns.
