Back in 2020, the first installment of "I-LAND" gave rise to the popular and now world-renowned boy group, ENHYPEN. Since their formation, they've gone on an upward trajectory, achieving mass fame, accompanied by numerous awards that speak to their undeniable skills.

4 years later, Mnet is back with the newest installment of the survival program and in collaboration with THEBLACKLABEL, "I-LAND2: N/a", simply referred to as "I-LAND 2". This time, the competition show hopes to form the next big girl group to lead the rising 5th generation. With 24 contestants, the fight for a spot on the debut lineup will be intense, calling for incredible determination, hard work, and mental fortitude.

While there might be some who are brushing it off as just another survival program, there are others who have seen the potential of both the show and participating contestants.

So let's dive into why you should be tuning into "I-LAND 2" and supporting the contestants in their idol journey.

Survival Program Factor & Skilled Producers

Mnet

The survival programs per year has certainly increased by a considerable margin, making it so we get at least 3 or more a year. All of them generally adhere to the same, tried and true formula. This includes gathering talented contestants, have them go through a series of missions in order to determine whether or not they're ready for the public stage, then call upon the public to vote for their favorite idol hopeful in hopes of pushing them into a seat on the debut lineup. Although we're so used to survival programs, it still remains just as exciting, with the talent level seemingly increasing at every stage of the competition. "I-LAND 2" is no different, as the very first episode showcased the immense skill of these contestants. Hearing some of their backstory and seeing them lay it down on stage makes audiences naturally want to have a hand at helping them to achieve their dreams.

Mnet

Helping them along the way is a skilled lineup of producers that are recognized both publicly and behind the scenes. The producers include BIGBANG's TaeYang, music producers VVN and 24, along with performance directors PROWDMON's Monika AND YGX's LeeJung. With the multiple achievements under their belt and proven talent, netizens are positive that they'll be able to effectively guide the contestants to the next level, elevating their innate talent to even greater heights.

These two factors alone have made audiences excited even prior to the official premiere of "I-LAND 2" and excitement will certainly rise in the future too.

Smaller Contestant Pool And Unbelievable Talent

"I-LAND 2" Official Instagram

When survival competition programs first started gaining traction, these shows had upwards to 100 idol hopefuls vying for a spot on the debut lineup. However, "I-LAND 2" follows the trend of its recent predecessors, greeting audiences with 24 lovely and talented contestants. With a smaller pool, it's possible to really dive into their charms one by one and not have to worry about spreading your attention so thin. It also allows the contestants the ability to level up even faster than before, as being with such talented colleagues will ultimately help them in the long run, drawing strength from those around them and the supportive fans watching at home.

A smaller contestant pool also allows the show to better highlight the talent of all the girls. In competition shows of even 50+, it becomes all the more difficult to discover the hidden gems and who might improve the most over the course of the program. And while it would be easy to support the ones who are already brimming with talent, it's also a skill to continue moving forward despite the numerous setbacks they might face. If the Entrance Test performances has shown anything, it's that these girls are just getting started and are ready to dominate the music stage.

Current Netizen Sentiment

Kpopmap

With the premiere of the first episode, netizens are flocking to social media and the Entrance Test videos comment section on YouTube, showering the girls with unlimited praise. They've naturally started to hone in on their favorites, actively supporting them in anyways possible. Fan accounts have been set up and the growing fandom now waits with bated breath for the next episode.

Kpopmap

Additionally, the overall sentiment towards "I-LAND 2" is particularly positive, showing just how much audiences have come together to support the program and its contestants after just one episode. A large majority of mentions can be found on viral social media platform, TikTok, as fans compile various clips to showcase their favorite moments and performances from the episode. As the program continues, the "I-LAND 2" fanbase will surely grow and even more netizens will end up actively supporting their favorite contestant. Expectations for the show is high, due to the success of the last iteration and the producers' well-proven credibility.

Now, things are only getting started for "I-LAND 2". Will you be joining the idol hopefuls on their journey to debut?

Many K-Pop fans fondly remember "I-LAND", which gave birth to iconic boy group ENHYPEN. They've gone on to achieve worldwide fame through their ever-improving skill and impressive performances.

Now, Mnet has announced the oncoming premiere of "I-LAND 2". But this time, the show looks to create the next hit girl group to make a stand among the 5th generation. And instead of BELIFT LAB, "I-LAND 2" will be in partnership with THEBLACKLABEL. Heartthrob actor Song Kang was also announced as the storyteller of the survival program, raising the excitement even further.

As the premiere date draws closer, Mnet continues to build upon fans' anticipation through the announcement of the producer lineup.

Let's see who will lead these idol hopefuls to achieve their dreams of making their long-awaited debut.

Producer Lineup

BIGBANG's TaeYang

TaeYang will be acting as the main producer for "I-LAND 2". As a walking legend and celebrated veteran of the K-Pop scene, he carries valuable knowhow for the trainees to finally reach their debut dreams. TaeYang is known for both his impressive work ethic and heartfelt sincerity. With these two combined, he'll make a perfect mentor for this group of idol hopefuls.

VVN

VVN is but one of the two music producers that will participate in "I-LAND 2". While she names BLACKPINK JiSoo's 'Flower' and BIGBANG's 'Still Life' as her representative works, she's worked on many other chart-topping hits. This list includes Heize's 'VingleVingle', Henry's 'I LUV U', and TaeYang's 'Nightfall'. With such incredible tracks under her belt, she's sure to help the trainees reach even higher levels of success.

24

Deeply tied to THEBLACKLABEL and having a hand at creating some of the most iconic songs from BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, and Jeon SoMi, 24 will be taking the helm as one of the music producers of "I-LAND 2". With his noteworthy repertoire, viewers might become impatient with excitement, waiting to hear a certified hit from the contestants, all with the help of 24.

Monika

After the success of "Street Woman Fighter", dancers' skills were recognized by the greater public and among the first wave of contestants was PROWDMON's Monika. With her outstanding leadership skills, she'll be able to clean up the trainee's dance lines, making them ready to stand on the world stage.

LeeJung

LeeJung possesses an unrivaled duality that many have come to love. But as one of the performance directors of "I-LAND 2", you can be sure to find the cool, charismatic dancer of YGX, leading this group of idol hopefuls to the finish line. While she'll hype them up with praise when necessary, fans know she'll be an eagle-eyed instructor, making sure they're prepared for every evaluation.

Of course, fans do expect guest producers to make an appearance every so often.

But with this current lineup, excitement for "I-LAND 2" is through the roof.

Are you excited for the survival competition program to start?

BIGBANG's DaeSung has slowly been making his return as a solo artist. Last year, he released special single, 'Flow', and participated in the soundtrack for "Unexpected Business Season 3". However, "Falling Slowly" marks a new chapter in his soloist career.

Containing two tracks, 'Falling Slowly' and 'Light', DaeSung swoons listeners with two tender, heartrending ballads. 'Falling Slowly' acts as the single's title track, employing a star-studded cast in Kim SeonHo and Mun KaYoung as music video leads for the track. You can check out the MV down below.

'Falling Slowly' is a complete masterpiece, effectively tugging on your heartstrings from the very first note. Part of this is owed to DaeSung's legendary vocals and the relatable lyrics that just pierce your heart.

Here's some heartfelt lines from DaeSung's new ballad down below.

1. "Why now, now that you're gone do I realize"

In many relationships, a significant other's presence is felt the most when they're gone. This absence is all-encompassing and causes us to reflect on all the good times, but also all the mistakes that led to parting ways. These lyrics hit like a truck and bring out so many different emotions in just a singular line.

2. "Wish it all remains just as they are, unchanged"

Change can be frightening, even in a loving relationship. At times, you just want to remain in the moment, unchanging, even while under the pressure of the outside world. These lyrics express this sentiment, hoping for continuous happiness with a significant other. This might seem like a simple wish, but remaining constant is a much harder task than what meets the eye.

3. "Beyond a coincidence, we'll eventually come across each other"

There's a certain bitterness after parting. But after the dust settles, a feeling of longing resurfaces, causing at least one person to desire getting back together. Although this might be difficult, these lyrics provide the exact amount of hope needed to reach that end. It holds the hidden desire that perhaps you're bound together by fate and will eventually cross each other's paths once again.

DaeSung's 'Falling Slowly' is heartfelt, moving, and may even leave you in a puddle of tears. But that won't stop you from pressing the replay button a million times over.

What's your favorite lyrics from the track?