Taking a Step Onto the I-LAND

Three years of meticulous planning, designing, and developing—BigHit Entertainment and CJ E&M's highly anticipated collaboration has finally been unveiled to the world. 

Game of Survival

The survival show goes by the name I-LAND, and the mysterious and majestic atmosphere of Mnet’s newest audition reality program that is further enhanced by IU’s signal song “Into the I-LAND” seems to lead the audience into a whole new world. 

The main ground where the future global rookie team will be produced is also referred to as the I-LAND. As the headquarters of the survival show, I-LAND presents an ideal area where all necessary accommodations for a trainee are available. From four cozy bedrooms to an enormously wide lounging area and even separate personal training rooms aside from the main practice room, it’s not a surprise that the group of applicants that passed the first test were literally left in awe at the sight of the facility. 

However, I-LAND is a facility that was specifically built to accommodate 12 individuals, which is definitely more than the total number of 23 contestants on the program. To make it into the 12-member lineup, the 23 participants have to constantly put their skills to work through consistent practice and guidance from I-LAND’s producers and directors. 

As much as this project’s goal is to produce the most evolved rookie group, there is a separate living unit provided for participants who could not make it into the Top 12 called the GROUND. The building doesn’t have the luxury of I-LAND; the dull exterior and interior of the GROUND clearly reflect the main purpose of the facility: practice. Unlike the I-LAND, this living unit does not grant contestants any opportunities to debut, so during their time at the GROUND, they are expected to practice and develop their abilities. However, showing improvement by accomplishing challenges may be the sole method in obtaining the privilege to enter the I-LAND. Practice is the only way for those to break out of the GROUND and possibly become a part of the final debut lineup.

Trainees of six months to over four years are participating in the show; only a couple of episodes in, it’s interesting to see the different abilities of individuals with a wide range in experience as well as talent. In the end, all applicants will leave with an evolved sense of musicality and performance quality, but only the 12 selected contestants will have the opportunity to achieve their dream of debuting.

I-LAND’s Cast

I-LAND indeed has an astounding cast lineup to support the candidates in improving and polishing their skills and abilities.

Actor Namkoong Min takes part in the show as the storyteller, becoming the bridge between the competition and the audience. Responsible for narrating the stories of the contestants as well as introducing what is to come in the future, his warm yet serious tone of voice generates curiosity and leaves the viewers looking forward to the next episode.

Bang Sihyuk participates as the main producer of the three star figures in the show. Known for producing BTS and composing many hit songs, his expertise as a veteran in the K-Pop scene will definitely play a role in testing the trainees’ potential and perhaps the different tests could possibly yield a glimpse into Bang PD’s vision of the development of the rookie boy group.

Legendary first generation solo artist Rain appears as a producer alongside Producer Bang Sihyuk. A highly respected senior artist in the industry, Rain has paved the way for K-Pop’s global success through his experimentation with charismatic performances and captivating melodies. The producer will evaluate the individual trainees in terms of performance and talent from the perspective of an experienced artist, but also direct the participants with meaningful advice based on his past experiences.

ZICO, one of the hottest well-rounded artists of the moment, takes up the last spot as I-LAND’s producers. Loved by the public for his trendy sounds and witty lyrics, the producer will act to stimulate the contestants by guiding them to discover and solidify their distinctive senses in music. The star’s genius mind in producing will undoubtedly further support the trainees’ passion, allowing them to develop and improve their personal music styles.

If you’re a fan of Big Hit’s boy bands BTS or TXT, two names of I-LAND’s directors may sound a bit familiar. 

Pdogg—Big Hit’s main music producer and composer—and Son Sungdeuk—Big Hit’s main choreographer and performance director—are up and ready to push the applicants beyond the limit of their artistic talent. Admired and praised by fans and the public alike for his original and ingenious sound, Pdogg will produce and develop the music style that the debuting team of individuals will pursue as the contestants’ music director and mentor. As the performance director, Son Sung Deuk will explore the endless possibilities of the 23 contestants by helping the boys to further unleash their hidden talents in terms of their performance.

Wonderkid and DOOBU (or Park Donghyun) have also joined as directors in I-LAND. With his notable composing work such as “Can’t We Just Leave the Monster Alive” by TXT and “Boogie Up” by WJSN, Wonderkid is known as a producer who embraces a wide musical spectrum and will coach trainees in musicality. DOOBU is Belift Lab’s choreographer/performance director and a dancer himself with immense virtuosity.

Overall, it’s pretty exciting to see how the three producers and four directors’ innovative styles will identify and evolve with the 23 I-LAND participants.

The rookie idol group will make its debut under BigHit and CJ E&M’s joint venture, Belift Lab. BigHit Entertainment’s positive records in both domestic and international music markets along with a worldwide communication system set up on Weverse seem like factors that will support the future boy band’s popularity on a global scale.

Accompany the 23 trainees throughout their journey as they compete to fight for and guard their spot in the I-LAND every Friday. In the meantime, check out the applicants’ version of the I-LAND theme song and stay tuned to find out who will eventually survive the intense competition among the talented pool of applicants!