The second episode of Boys Planet just dropped, and honestly, the vibe has shifted. Fast. If episode one was about the "wow" factor of seeing the trainees for the first time, episode two is where the actual pressure starts to cook people. You can see it in their eyes during the Star Level Test—that realization that being a "trainee" in your home country is lightyears away from being K-pop ready in Seoul.
It’s brutal.
The main thing everyone is buzzing about after watching Boys Planet episode 2 is the sheer gap between expectation and reality. Mnet is doing that thing they do best: highlighting the "All-Star" trainees while letting us watch others crumble under the weight of a Signal Song evaluation. We finally saw the conclusion of the initial auditions, and let’s just say, the G-Group (Global) isn't just here to fill seats anymore. They are terrifyingly good.
The Star Level Test: Who Actually Lived Up to the Hype?
Most people expected the K-Group (Korean) to just steamroll everyone. It makes sense, right? They grew up in the system. But Boys Planet episode 2 threw a wrench in that narrative. When the Yuehua G-Group trainees stepped onto the stage to perform "Glitch Mode" by NCT DREAM, the room went dead silent. Ricky, Ollie, Brian, and Zhang Hao didn't just perform; they owned the stage.
Zhang Hao is the one to watch.
He plays the violin. He’s academic. He’s got this calm, centered energy that feels like a veteran idol already. When he bagged an All-Star rank, it wasn't a "pity" vote for a global trainee. It was a statement. The mentors—especially Baek Kooyoung and Choi Youngjun—aren't handing out stars like candy this season. If you get four stars, you earned them through blood, sweat, and perfect pitch.
✨ Don't miss: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
Then you have the contrast. The "LMAO" moments that make Mnet's editing so addictive but also kind of mean. We saw trainees who could barely hold a note, let alone dance in sync. It’s a reminder that for every Zhang Hao, there are ten guys who are just... there. The mentors' reactions ranged from genuine awe to "I want to go home," and you can't blame them. The talent disparity in the early stages of these shows is always a wild ride.
The Signal Song Struggle: "Here I Am" is a Nightmare
After the auditions wrapped, the boys moved into the training center. This is where the real show begins. They were tasked with learning the theme song, "Here I Am."
It looks easy. It isn't.
The choreography is fast. It’s bouncy. It requires a level of cardio that most humans don't possess. In Boys Planet episode 2, we see the first-ever "Signal Song Test" where they have to perform individually in front of a camera. This is the ultimate "filter" for the show. If you can’t learn a dance in three days, you probably won't survive a K-pop debut cycle where you have to learn three different choreographies in a week.
Jay from the G-Group is becoming a fan favorite for a reason. His vocals are insane. While some trainees were cracking on the high notes, Jay was hitting them while basically doing a backflip (okay, maybe not a literal backflip, but you get it). His confidence is polarizing to some, but in a survival show, being a "wallflower" is a death sentence. You have to be loud. You have to be good. He is both.
🔗 Read more: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
The K-Group vs G-Group Rivalry is Getting Real
Mnet loves a good war. The "K vs G" narrative is the backbone of the season. In this episode, the K-Group seemed a bit rattled. They have the "home field advantage," but the G-Group trainees are coming in with nothing to lose.
- Sung Han Bin (K-Group): The golden boy. He’s the center for a reason. His "Mother" (mother-like care for others) energy is strong, but his talent is stronger.
- Seok Matthew (G-Group): The underdog story of the century. His friendship with Han Bin is wholesome, but their rivalry is the spicy part. Matthew’s growth in just one episode is what makes people click "vote."
Why the Rankings in Episode 2 Matter More Than You Think
By the end of the episode, we got a glimpse of the real-time rankings. This is where the panic sets in for fans. If your "pick" isn't in the top 9 right now, they are in danger. The way the voting works this season is heavily weighted towards global participation, which is why we’re seeing guys like Keita and Anthonny climbing.
Keita is a beast. He’s a former YG trainee, he’s been in the industry before with Ciipher, and it shows. He doesn't look like a trainee; he looks like a professional who is annoyed he has to go through this again. That "desperation" combined with high-level skill is exactly what the viewers are eating up.
But here is the reality check: the "Editing Curse" is real. If you didn't get screen time in Boys Planet episode 2, your chances of making the first cut are dwindling. Mnet focuses on the top-tier talent and the bottom-tier "comedy" acts. If you're "just okay" and in the middle? You're invisible.
The Training Sessions: Mentors Aren't Playing Around
The vocal and dance lessons were a reality check for the younger kids. Lip J, the dance mentor, is a legend for a reason. She can spot a stiff hip from a mile away. In the G-Group dance practice, she was brutal. She pointed out that if they can't match the K-Group's precision, the "Global" part of the name is meaningless.
💡 You might also like: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
It’s interesting to see how the trainees handle criticism. Some, like Lee Da Eul, struggled. Da Eul has the "visuals" that fans love—he’s cute, he has a great smile—but his skills are currently lagging. The mentors weren't shy about telling him he’s only there because of his potential, not his current ability. That’s a heavy burden for a kid to carry while being filmed 24/7.
What’s Coming Next?
The episode ended on a cliffhanger (as always). The re-evaluation is looming. We’re going to see who moves up from 1-star to All-Star, and who drops down. There are rumors—and a few shots in the teaser—that suggest some of the favorites might actually lose their stars.
If you’re following the show, the takeaway from Boys Planet episode 2 is clear: don't get comfortable. The hierarchy is shifting. The G-Group is way more competent than people gave them credit for, and the K-Group is feeling the heat.
Actionable Insights for Boys Planet Viewers:
- Watch the Uncut Auditions: The broadcast edit skips a lot. To truly see who has "All-Star" potential, go to the official Mnet YouTube channel and watch the full, unedited Star Level Tests. You’ll see who actually hit the notes and who was saved by the backtrack.
- Diversify Your Votes: Don't just vote for the top 9. If you want the final group to be balanced, look at the mid-tier trainees who showed "growth" in episode 2. Those are the ones who usually become the "dark horses" of the finale.
- Monitor the "Support" Rankings: Use the official app to track the support goals. This is a better indicator of "fandom power" than the general vote, as it requires daily engagement. It tells you who has a dedicated core fan base versus who is just "well-liked" by the general public.
- Pay Attention to the Backstory: Mnet rarely gives a 5-minute backstory to someone they plan on cutting early. If a trainee got a segment about their family or their struggles in episode 2, they are being "pushed" for a reason. Keep an eye on them.