Wait. Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve been scouring the internet for "Boys Planet 2 Planet C," you’re probably a little confused, maybe a bit frustrated, and definitely deep in the survival show rabbit hole. It happens to the best of us. Mnet, the king of chaos in the K-pop world, has a way of making everything feel like a puzzle. But here is the thing: there technically is no "Planet C" in the way you might be thinking. Not yet, anyway.
What we actually have is Project 7 and Planet B.
The survival show landscape has shifted dramatically since the original Boys Planet aired. We saw ZEROBASEONE explode onto the scene, proving the formula works. But the sequel—the literal Boys Planet 2—has evolved into something called Planet B. It’s basically the spiritual successor. And while everyone keeps looking for "Planet C," the industry is actually moving toward a more localized recruitment strategy. It's confusing. It’s messy. It’s K-pop.
The Planet B Shift and Why Everyone is Looking for Planet C
So, why are people typing "Boys Planet 2 Planet C" into their search bars at 3 AM? Most likely, it's the trauma—okay, maybe that’s dramatic—the habit of the previous season's grouping. Remember G-Group? K-Group? In the original Girls Planet 999, we had K, C, and J. Korea, China, Japan. It was clean. It was symmetrical.
Then Boys Planet happened and they ditched the C-Group and J-Group labels for a broader "Global Group."
The rumors about a "Planet C" usually stem from leaked casting calls or fan theories suggesting a dedicated season or group for Chinese trainees. While Mnet has teased various iterations of their "Planet" series, the current focus is squarely on Planet B. This is the precursor to the next big boy group, and the casting has been quiet but intense. If you're looking for the specific "C" element, you have to look at how many Chinese trainees are actually being funneled into these new shows versus staying in the domestic Chinese market, which has been... complicated since the 2021 crackdown on idol shows in China.
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What Happened to the Chinese Trainee Pipeline?
Honestly, the "C" in Planet C has a bit of a tragic backstory in the survival show world. Back in the day, we had Youth With You and Produce Camp. Those were the giants. But when the Chinese government pulled the plug on those formats, a massive wave of talented trainees had nowhere to go. They flooded Korea.
That’s why Boys Planet was so stacked with talent like Zhang Hao and Ricky.
They weren't part of a "Planet C." They were just the best of the best who happened to be Chinese. If Mnet were to launch a dedicated "Planet C," it would likely be a localized version of the show specifically for the Chinese-speaking market, similar to how Produce 101 was franchised. But given the current political climate and broadcasting regulations, Mnet seems more interested in the "Global" label because it gives them more flexibility. They don't want to be boxed in. They want the freedom to pick anyone from anywhere without being tied to a specific quota.
Planet B vs. Project 7: The Battle for the Next Big Thing
While you're waiting for news on a specific Chinese-centric season, two other shows have basically sucked all the oxygen out of the room.
First, you have Planet B. This is the direct pipeline to the next Mnet boy group. It’s expected to air in 2025/2026. They’ve been doing global auditions, and yes, that includes heavy recruitment in regions that would have traditionally made up a "C-Group."
Then there’s Project 7.
This one is interesting because it’s JTBC’s big swing at the "assembly" concept. Instead of just voting for your favorite, you're "assembling" the teams. It’s a direct competitor to the Planet franchise. For fans of Chinese trainees, Project 7 has become a major destination because the entry barriers feel slightly different than Mnet’s often rigid storytelling edits.
Why "Planet C" Might Just Stay a Rumor
Let's talk about the logistics of why a standalone "Planet C" is a tough sell for a Korean broadcaster right now.
- The THAAD Hangover: Even years later, the cultural exchange between Korea and China in the entertainment sector is fickle. One day it's open; the next, it's restricted.
- Voting Integrity: After the Produce scandal, Mnet is obsessed with "clean" voting. Managing a massive voting block in China presents technical and legal hurdles that they might not want to jump over again.
- The Global Label works better: Why limit yourself to China when you can pull from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and the Chinese diaspora in the US and Canada? That's the real "Planet C." It's not a place; it's a demographic.
The "C" trainees we see now aren't just coming from Beijing or Shanghai. They are global citizens. Look at someone like Matthew from ZB1—he’s Canadian. Look at the various backgrounds of the Universe Ticket or Run Next contestants. The labels are disappearing.
What You Should Actually Be Watching For
If you are genuinely invested in the future of the Boys Planet legacy, stop looking for a show with "C" in the title. Instead, keep your eyes on the Planet B casting announcements.
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The real movement is happening in the pre-production phase. Mnet has been scouting at dance academies in Chengdu and Guangzhou. They are looking for the next Zhang Hao. They know that the Chinese market is massive for album sales—just look at the C-bars for any major K-pop group. They won't ignore that talent; they'll just integrate it into the "Global" brand.
It's also worth watching the smaller labels. Often, when trainees don't make the cut for the "Planet" shows, they end up in mid-tier groups that tour heavily in China or Southeast Asia.
Moving Forward: Your Survival Show Checklist
Since the landscape is changing faster than we can keep up with, here is how you stay informed without getting lost in the misinformation.
First, follow the official Mnet "Mnet I-LAND" and "Mnet Plus" accounts. That is where the Planet B news will drop first. Ignore the "leaks" on X (formerly Twitter) that claim to have the full roster for "Planet C"—90% of those are just fan-made edits using popular trainees from other shows.
Second, pay attention to the "Global" auditions. When Mnet says they are auditioning in "Greater China," that is your Planet C.
Third, watch the "re-evaluations." Many contestants who appeared on Boys Planet and didn't make it into ZB1 are currently training for Planet B. We’ve seen rumors of fan favorites making a return. That’s where the real drama will be.
The era of strictly segregated groups (K vs. C vs. J) is largely over. It’s a bit of a bummer if you liked that specific rivalry, but it’s better for the trainees. They get to integrate faster. They learn the language quicker. They become a cohesive group rather than a collection of factions.
Keep an eye on the Planet B official teaser schedule. Audition windows usually close about six months before the first episode airs. If we see a late 2025 premiere, expect the "Planet" to start spinning again very soon.
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Actionable Insights for Survival Show Fans
- Audit Your Sources: Only trust Mnet Plus or official press releases from CJ ENM. If a "leak" doesn't have a watermark or a reputable source link, it's probably fan fiction.
- Track Trainee Socials: Many Chinese trainees who are eligible for Planet B will suddenly deactivate their Weibo or Instagram accounts right before filming begins. This is the biggest "tell" in the industry.
- Broaden Your Scope: If you specifically want to support Chinese idols, look into Project 7 or the upcoming seasons of Starlight Boys. These shows are currently much more active in recruiting from the C-Group demographic than a hypothetical "Planet C" would be.
- Monitor "Planet B" Updates: Since this is the official successor to Boys Planet, all the resources and hype will be funneled here. Set alerts for "Mnet Planet B" rather than "Boys Planet 2."