REPUBLIC X Mnet’s ‘GIRLS PLANET 2027
CJ ENM
CJ ENM’s Mnet and Universal Music Group’s REPUBLIC Collective have announced a global partnership to launch and produce the next major worldwide girl group through Mnet’s upcoming competition series, GIRLS PLANET 2027.
The franchise—encompassing titles such as BOYS PLANET, GIRLS PLANET 99, BOYS II PLANET, and PLANET C: HOME RACE—has previously spawned successful acts like ZEROBASEONE, Kep1er, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, and MODYSSEY. The new GIRLS PLANET 2027 series is slated to debut its global girl group in 2027.
The collaboration pairs CJ ENM’s K‑pop expertise with REPUBLIC’s production and worldwide promotional capabilities, using the established K‑pop training model to scout the next internationally successful girl group. This initiative underscores Mnet’s broader strategy to grow K‑pop’s global footprint through cutting‑edge programming and talent discovery.
Within CJ ENM’s Music Creative eco‑System (MCS), which covers IP development, distribution platforms, and artist management, GIRLS PLANET 2027 is highlighted as a flagship initiative aimed at advancing K‑pop’s international presence.
GOYANG, SOUTH KOREA – JUNE 12: Kep1er is performing during MBC music program ‘Show Champion’ at MBC Dream Center on June 12, 2024 in Goyang, South Korea. (Photo by MBCPLUS/Imazins via Getty Images)
ImaZins via Getty Images
Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM, said in a press release, “We are delighted to join forces with REPUBLIC to find and launch our next major global girl group. Through this partnership, we look forward to uncovering extraordinary talent worldwide and bringing them to global audiences.”
The search is open to girls born before 2013. Auditions began in May on Mnet Plus, the platform’s global K‑pop content portal, and have already attracted over 36,000 applicants—a record for the series. Nearly one‑third of the submissions come from the United States. Applications are accepted in Korean, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Spanish. Candidates must be able to travel internationally, as filming may occur in South Korea, and there are no restrictions based on training status, independence, or prior debut experience. Applications remain open.
Attendees of KCON LA 2026 (August 14‑16, downtown Los Angeles) can take part in on‑site auditions; additional details will be disclosed shortly. KCON LA 2025 previously hosted auditions for Produce 101 Japan SHINSEKAI, leading to the creation of KO1KEYZ, who are slated to appear at this year’s event.
ALPHA DRIVE ONE, the 2025 cohort of Mnet’s BOYS II PLANET, garnered more than 26 million fan votes across 223 territories—the highest participation recorded for the series. The group debuted in January 2026 with the EP *EUPHORIA*, which sold over 1.44 million copies, ranking as the second best‑selling K‑pop debut album ever. Both ALPHA DRIVE ONE and izna have recently signed with REPUBLIC to broaden their global album promotion and distribution.
