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?

The K-Pop idol industry is very complex and difficult. Many idols will train their whole lives to reach their dreams of being on stage. Many idols have big dreams and they do anything they can to achieve their dream of making it big. Success is never guaranteed for K-Pop idols and very few will be able to make it far into the future.

As you can see, the idol industry is very demanding and extremely hard. From unfair systems, fans who overstep boundaries, and unfair companies, idols have to deal with many grueling tasks at times. However, many idols acknowledge the K-Pop idol industry and aren't afraid to call it out. Here are 6 times K-Pop idols and singers called out the unfairness of the industry and society.

1. BIGBANG's G-Dragon "MAMA 2014"

During the "2014 MAMA Awards", BIGBANG's G-Dragon pulled off a performance that shocked many fans and called out the wickedness of the K-Pop industry. In his opening rap, the idol rapper raps in a sarcastic, playful tone about how award shows are being pushovers, allowing anyone and everyone to gain an award even if they don't deserve it. He even took to social media and posted the lyrics to his rap so fans could further read his thoughts. There are certain instances in the industry where people try to cheat or lie for awards and G-Dragon took it upon himself to call out the unfair system in awarding idols.

2. BTS's Discography

BTS's discography has many different songs that address numerous issues in the K-Pop idol industry such as obsessive fans, unfair treatment, and unwarranted hate. For example, the group's song 'Cypher Pt.4' talks about the unfair treatment and imitations in the idol industry that they faced. Much like BTS, many idols are treated badly in the industry simply because their songs are not charting or they are from a small company, something that BTS claims is extremely unfair if they are willing to work hard. Their song 'Pied Piper' is a bit interesting and ironic. The song addresses fan culture in the industry and how idols are hypnotizing their fans. Even though the idols acknowledge their fans spend too much time and energy on them, they still sing to the fans about continuing to follow them. This could be a message on how devoted fans can be to their favorite idols to the point of unhealthiness.

3. LE SSERAFIM's HuH YunJin 'I ≠ DOLL'

LE SSERAFIM's Huh YunJin shared her self-produced song 'I ≠ DOLL' which expressed her feelings on appearance, a main topic in the K-Pop idol industry. The song talks about how people fail to see other's values and true nature because they like to judge them based on their looks. Appearance is important in the K-Pop idol industry and many idols have been on the bad end of criticism when it comes to their appearance. Huh Yunjin's song expresses the struggles of this and seeing people as who they are on the inside and not just for their looks.

4. (G)I-DLE 'Nxde'

(G)I-DLE have never been afraid to point out the issues in the idol industry, especially when it comes to young women. A song in particular by them that stood out was 'Nxde'. This jazzy title track by the popular girl group talks about how women are objectified and how you should show your true bare self, no matter what others think. Being loved for a fake image is not what the girls want, they want to be their true, authentic, "nude" self. Many idols have to put on a fake act in the industry to please others but (G)I-DLE don't want to hide behind a mask.

5. Girls' Generation's TaeYeon Protects Red Velvet

Girls' Generation's TaeYeon protected Red Velvet's SeulGi and Wendy and subtly called out the harshness of idol diets. In her YouTube video, TaeYeon takes the two girls out for ice cream. The girls seemed nervous and soon started nervously laughing, stating that their manager was watching them very closely when eating ice cream. TaeYeon scolded the manager and told them that eating ice cream for one day would not harm the girls, stating that they felt uncomfortable because of the staring. K-Pop idols sometimes undergo harsh training and strict diets and it was very brave of TaeYeon to stand up for the girls. She knows how harsh the industry can be when it comes to small things like eating a little ice cream for one day.

6. IU's 'BBIBBI'

South Korea's little sister took it upon herself to call out the hatefulness of many so-called "fans". IU's song 'BBIBBI' was a different style from the artist and the message was powerful. Imitating the sound of a beeper to leave a message, the song discusses negative commentary from people and even fans. People will say harsh words to idols without even realizing the consequences of their actions. Idols can be affected by these words and many have stated their sadness at hate comments online. IU calls out negative comments stating that people always love to cross the line but they need to just mind their business. In the K-Pop world where many people criticize others, 'BBIBBI' was a refreshing reminder that if you have nothing nice to say, simply don't say it.