Post 'Boys Planet 2' Stars Accelerate Their Careers with Strategic Comebacks and Fan Engagements

Artists from Mnet's boy group survival show 'Boys Planet 2' are making significant strides in their careers. Notably, those who didn't make the final debut lineup, like Yoo Kang-min, are stepping into the spotlight earlier than expected, leveraging the popularity gained from the show to expand their presence.

According to the entertainment industry on the 18th, Yoo Kang-min, Lee Dong-heon, and Cho Gye-hyun from 'Boys Planet 2' will be making a comeback with their group VERIVERY on November 1st. Kang-min and Dong-heon had paused group activities to participate in the show and are now resuming. Considering 'Boys Planet 2' concluded at the end of September, this is a rapid comeback. It's the group's first new album in 2 years and 7 months.

The members of VERIVERY have been actively engaging with audiences during the break between 'Boys Planet 2' and their comeback preparations. While K-pop artists typically promote their music through YouTube content around comeback times, these artists have been appearing on various YouTube channels well in advance, making a mark on the public.

Jeon Yi-jung and Kim Jun-min, who reached the finals of 'Boys Planet 2', are part of the group HwiB, which will hold its first fan concert on October 30th at Sungshin Women's University in Seoul. This marks their first solo performance in two years since debut. HwiB plans to open a new chapter with this concert and will visit Tokyo, Bangkok, Osaka, and Taipei, with five shows scheduled in Japan. The group has sold out all tickets for their Japan and Seoul performances.

Choi Lip-woo from FNC Entertainment is set to debut as a solo artist next month. On the 20th of the same month, he will meet fans twice at Sejong University's Daeyang Hall. During 'Boys Planet 2', Choi consistently ranked within the top 10, gaining popularity. Although he finished in 10th place and did not debut, many fans wished for his continued activities. Responding to fan requests, he is solidifying his fanbase with a solo debut and fan meeting.

Some artists, even as trainees, are actively engaging with fans. Masato, Sen, Sun Jiayang, and Feng Jinyu from Incode Entertainment, led by Kim Jaejoong, are preparing for their first official fan meeting. They will meet fans on October 23rd at Yonsei University's Sinchon Campus in Seoul. The fan meeting is themed around the four trainees transforming into club presidents, and they plan to hold a high-touch event to meet fans up close after the performance.

Survival show participants who do not debut often face challenges in maintaining their initial popularity. While some form derivative groups with popular trainees, sustaining the buzz from their debut can be difficult. The audience for boy group survival shows often consists of existing K-pop fans who may return to their original favorite groups after the show ends, making it challenging to convert show popularity into a lasting fanbase.

Industry experts emphasize the need for strategic approaches to convert the buzz from survival shows into a stable fanbase. They suggest creating diverse content and communication channels to keep fans engaged before interest wanes. Both debuted members and former trainees are urged to resume activities swiftly after the show to capitalize on their momentum. Agencies are reportedly employing smart strategies to achieve this.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr