'I-LAND2 : N/a' to create the next big girl group

“I-LAND2 : N/a” captures the journey of a new girl group as the members aim to become the next trendsetters in the global music industry. [CJ ENM]

“I-LAND2 : N/a,” presented by CJ ENM’s Mnet, is a pioneering collaborative project for the creation of the next big K-pop girl group.

The pilot episode premiered on April 18 at 8:50 p.m.

“I-LAND2 : N/a” is the second installment of the idol-creating program, which captures the journey of a new girl group as the members work to become a trendsetter in the global music industry.

“N/a” symbolizes the joining of unpredictable possibilities, “N,” and infinite potential, through alpha or “a.”

Show teasers have hinted at an unprecedented special collaboration.

TEDDY, head of THEBLACKLABEL and named one of “The 50 Greatest Producers of the 21st Century” by Billboard in 2021, joined the program as its executive producer.

His participation in the show has caught the attention of K-pop fans worldwide, given his track record of producing numerous hit songs for globally popular artists such as BLACKPINK, Jeon Somi, 2NE1 and more.

Actor Song Kang takes on the role of storyteller while Taeyang serves as the main producer.
Producer Seo Jung-hoon, who goes by the alias 24, and VVN contribute as music producers with Monika and Leejung as performance directors.

Mnet's latest theme song, “Final Love Song,” has a similar vibe as that of its past hits like “Pick Me,” “It’s Me,” “O.O.O” and “Here I Am.”

TEDDY personally introduced the song, mentioning its sampling of “The Final Countdown” and its design meant to amplify feelings of tension, determination and grandeur immediately upon hearing it.

This “signal” song, as they’re referred to in Korean, which samples the globally renowned classic “The Final Countdown,” reimagined the original as a new genre, garnering explosive reactions from K-pop fans both domestically and internationally following its release.

The signal song performance video is gaining traction as well, largely seen as due to the vocal contributions by BLACKPINK member Rosé.

The video showcases the 24 individuals, each with infinite potential, forming a dynamic lineup against the backdrop of a dazzling stage.

The choreography features candidates adjusting their headbands and shoelaces at the center while a grand theme song plays, highlighting their formidable spirit as they embark on this new challenge.

With its distinctive format derived from Mnet's unique planning and producing expertise and the collaboration with world-class producer TEDDY alongside talented producers and directors, the program is already generating buzz prior to its broadcast.

All things considered, “I-LAND2 : N/a” is expected to become the next big sensation.

BY JEONG SEONWU [jeong.seonwu@joongang.co.kr]