Singer and actor Ong Seong Wu has been confirmed as part of the upcoming season of Mnet’s survival show “BOYS II PLANET.” The show is set to premiere in July 2025, and fans are excited to see the former Wanna One member take on a mentorship role.
Ong Seong Wu rose to fame after finishing 5th in Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2” in 2017, debuting as part of the project group Wanna One. Since then, he has built a successful career in both music and acting. His return to an Mnet survival show, this time as a mentor, marks a full-circle moment.
Why Ong Seong Wu’s Role Matters
A representative from the production team shared:
“Ong Seong Wu debuted through an Mnet survival show himself, so he will be able to offer practical advice and meaningful support to the trainees. Having steadily earned the public’s love over the past nine years, he understands the hopes and challenges the contestants are facing better than anyone.”
The team also highlighted the emotional connection fans feel when former contestants return in mentorship roles:
“When former audition contestants return as hosts or judges, fans often feel a sense of pride and emotional satisfaction. We invite viewers to tune in and see what heartfelt moments Ong Seong Wu brings to the show and what role he will take on this season.”
What to Expect from “BOYS II PLANET”
The show is the sequel to “BOYS PLANET,” which debuted the group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) in 2023. This season was initially planned as two separate programs—“BOYS II PLANET K” (Korean trainees) and “BOYS II PLANET C” (Chinese trainees)—but Mnet later merged them into a single global competition.
Key details about the show:
- Premiere Date: July 17, 2025 (Planet K) and July 18, 2025 (Planet C)
- Final Group: Originally planned as twin groups, but now set to debut as one global boy group with eight members (contract extended to 5 years).
- Contestants: Over 150 trainees from various countries, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the U.S.
Ong Seong Wu’s Career Evolution
Since Wanna One’s disbandment in 2019, Ong has focused on acting, starring in dramas like “At Eighteen,” “More Than Friends,” and “Strong Woman Kang Nam-soon.” He also completed his military service in October 2024 and recently made his theater debut as William Shakespeare in “Shakespeare in Love.”
His return to music through “BOYS II PLANET “ signals a new chapter, where he can guide trainees based on his own experiences.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
Fans of Wanna One and survival show enthusiasts are thrilled about his involvement. Many see his role as a bridge between past and present K-pop survival shows, offering genuine insight to new contestants.
The show’s mentor lineup also includes Kim Jae Joong, Hyolyn, Lee Seok Hoon, and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han Bin and Zhang Hao, adding further star power.
Also read: Boys II Planet Sparks Controversy Over Forced Interactions Between Male Contestants
With Ong Seong Wu’s participation, “BOYS II PLANET” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated K-pop survival shows of the year.
Credits: Reports from TenAsia and K-pop Wiki.
