Mnet’s K-pop debut project Boys II Planet is dominating both domestic and global attention, ranking No. 1 in the combined TV and OTT buzz index for the first week of August, according to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. Directed by Kim Shin-young, Jung Woo-young, and Ko Jung-kyung, the show has captivated fans worldwide with its intense competition and emotional contestant stories.
The scale of its popularity is reflected in its numbers. The second global vote, which closed on August 8, drew participation from 1.32 million people across 218 countries and regions. Its “Final Survivor” live stream attracted around 900,000 views via YouTube and Mnet Plus. The show has also trended across major platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and China’s Weibo, while in Japan it topped the K-pop category on OTT platform ABEMA. In Tokyo’s Shin-Okubo district, a 600-meter stretch of contestant banners transformed the neighborhood into a “Boy Planet Festival.”
Avengers Team “Whiplash” Takes Center Stage
Leading the buzz is “Whiplash” Team 1, formed by Yumeki after ranking No. 1 in the second evaluation. Joined by Kim Geon-woo, Kim Jun-seo, Yoon Min, Ilio, Lee Sang-won, Xu Qingyu, and Zhou Anxin, the group earned massive fan attention. Lee Sang-won, who took the killing part, topped the non-drama performer chart for the week, with his fancam surpassing 1.3 million views in one day.
Collectively, the team’s videos reached 5.25 million views, with several members ranking in the top 10 most-viewed fancams. Fans were especially moved by Lee Sang-won and Zhou Anxin’s close friendship shown during rehearsals. Their full performance drops today (Aug 13) at 6 p.m. KST on M2’s Studio Choom Original YouTube and will air tomorrow (Aug 14) on M Countdown.
Emotional Bonds Beyond the Stage
The show’s appeal extends beyond competition to touching stories of friendship. In “The First Meeting Didn’t Go as Planned” Team 1, youngest member Na Yoon-seo helped Heo Xinlong regain confidence, with Xinlong’s fancam reaching the third-highest views. His rain-shielding gesture for Na Yoon-seo became one of episode 3’s standout moments.
Humor and leadership shone through with Yang Hee-chan in “Kill the Romeo” Team 1 and his playful chemistry with Li Zhihao. Under Lee Dong-heon, “Rising Sun” Team 1 delivered a perfectly synchronized performance praised by viewers. These moments continue to be celebrated via official SNS “Chemistry Z” content.
The Healing Energy of Chunbae
A surprise fan favorite this season is “Planet Guard” Chunbae, who roams the set offering support and cheer to contestants. His playful appearances — even in graphic inserts — have earned him the nickname “healing messenger,” with fans commenting, “Chunbae is the best storyteller” and “I get healed every time I see him.”
Episode 5 of Boys II Planet, airing tomorrow (Aug 14) at 9:20 p.m. KST, will mark the first round of survivor announcements, with anticipation running high.
Sources: daum
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