The last elimination round before the ultimate race… with just 16 runners left on the track.
‘Boys II Planet’ started airing on July 17, 2025, with 160 contestants. Long before the first broadcast, anticipation was high due to the success of the first season and the debut of the now-famous 5th generation boy group ZEROBASEONE.
When the show’s posters and the trainees’ profile pictures were unveiled, excitement grew further as new fandoms began to form. The season quickly drew attention thanks to the trainees’ striking visuals, the mix of past contestants and already-debuted idols, and the much-anticipated appearance of the famous ‘Trainee A.’
If we compare the two, the first season didn’t stir nearly as much scandal or controversy as this one (and that’s even before the show officially began). Contestants who appeared on Mnet’s survival show were caught up in controversies surrounding their alleged past behaviors. One thing was clear: some of these trainees faced heavy scrutiny, and the public’s reaction was strong, with many expressing anger and dissatisfaction.
Yet, despite the drama and some viewer drop-offs, the show has remained strong and maintained its momentum. As we near the finale, I can confidently say that this season—and its trainees—have made a lasting impact.
So, let’s take a look at the rankings of the top 16 candidates.
The Top 16
Before the premiere, people had already chosen their favorites. Still, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing the contestants you’ve been voting for leave the show. Feeling sadness and anger over the elimination of your favorites is completely normal—just as questioning the skills and talents of those who remain on the show is.
On a personal scale, I think the list of finalists is quite fair, even if I still can’t get over Na Yun Seo’s departure (I wonder who the maknae of the debut group will be).
Here is the ranking of the top 16 finalists
- Lee Sang Won
- Zhou An Xin
- Lee Leo
- Kim Geon Woo
- Zhang Jia Hao
- He Xin Long
- Kim Jun Seo
- Chung Sang Hyeon
- Yumeki
- Chueli Li Yu
- Yoo Kang Min
- Chen Kai Wen
- Kim Jun Min
- Park Dong Gyu
- Jun Lee Jeong
- Kang Woo Jin
Here are the names of the contestants that were eliminated
- Masato
- Jang Han Eum
- Li Zi Hao
- Sun Heng Yu
- Park Jun Il
- Na Yun Seo
- Hsu Ching Yu
- Hu Han Wen
Prediction: The Debut Lineup
When it comes to the top 8, there are many skilled and talented individuals who deserve to be in that lineup. However, in the end, the only deciding factor is the votes. No matter how many worthy contestants the show has or had, the outcome is always determined by them.
However, I think trainees like Anxin and Sang Won would definitely be in the lineup. The mix of popularity and skill almost guarantees spots for such trainees, though some are not entirely sure if Sang Won will remain P1 and the latter P2. At the same time, there are very qualified trainees like Dong Gyu, Jia Hao, and Jun Min who deserve recognition but may not make it to the debut group due to having fewer fans and less following.
Then, there are those with controversial pasts whom people might avoid voting for, no matter how skilled they are. From an objective standpoint, I firmly believe that if they’ve made it this far, they deserve recognition. However, the results can be unpredictable. Just look back at two shocking outcomes from the last season: Sung Hanbin dropping from first to second, and Keita not making the lineup despite consistently ranking in the top 8.
Anything can happen, and the person you least expect to debut might make it in the end.
Lastly, here are my predictions—or rather, my personal favorite picks—for the debut lineup:
- Sang Won
- Anxin
- Lee Leo
- Xin Long
- Geon Woo
- Dong Gyu
- Jia Hao
- Jun Min
I know the audience really loves Jun Seo, Sang Heyon, and Kang Min, so they also have a strong chance of debuting. Additionally, I think Kang Woo Jin has an equal chance due to his position as a vocalist, while Chueli Li Yu could be chosen as the group’s maknae.
How about you? What is your dream debut lineup?
Written by Diksha Gangadeen
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