K-Pop survival shows have become a staple in the industry, mixing fierce competition with emotional journeys and unforgettable performances. This year alone, we’ve seen a flood of new programs, from indie experiments to global mega-productions. With so many airing in just the first half of the year, the competition isn’t just between the trainees. It’s between the shows themselves. Here is your ultimate directory of the hottest survival shows of the year!
BOYS II PLANET
- Premiere date: July 17, 2025
The logline reads: “From the producers of Mnet’s ‘Boys Planet, Girls Planet, and I-LAND Season 1 & Season 2’ comes a mega boy group audition project The World’s First GLOBAL K-POP.”
Mnet’s BOYS II PLANET is easily the most anticipated survival show of 2025. As a sequel to BOYS PLANET, it’s upping the stakes with 154 contestants split between Korea and China in the first global “twin debut” project, with both groups set to launch simultaneously.
The roster includes familiar faces from BLITZERS, BOY STORY, DKB, DRIPPIN, MCND, VERIVERY, WEi, and previous shows like ‘MAKE MATE 1,’ ‘Starlight Boys,’ ‘Project 7,’ ‘Under Nineteen,’ ‘Universe League,’ ‘LOUD.’
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World of Street Woman Fighters
- Premiered: May 27, 2025
Logline: “A global dance challenge that showcases the pride of strong women around the world.”
Back for a third season, Street Woman Fighter went global. Now titled World of Street Woman Fighter, it brought elite dance crews from Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and beyond – including ROYAL FAMILY, RHTokyo, and AG SQUAD. Judged by J.Y. Park, Aliya Janell, and Mike Song and hosted by ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin, this season has been packed with viral dance battles and unmatched charisma. With names like Lip J, AIKI, and Noze on the Korean team, the talent and stage presence were next level.
B: MY BOYZ
- Premiere date: June 21, 2025
“Who is the boy you want to spend your blue summer with?”
That line set the tone for this fresh, summery survival show featuring 30 contestants from Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand, guided by Pentagon’s Hui and Jinho, GFRIEND’s Yuju, and dance maestro Lia Kim. A long-awaited show from producers of Sing Again, it finally hit screens with hosts Dex and idle’s Miyeon adding extra flair.
Debut’s Plan
- Premiered: March 14, 2025
Debut’s Plan gave fans an insider look into the creation of Starship’s next boy group. The show featured 21 trainees navigating seven rounds of missions, eventually forming the group IDID. Thanks to Starship’s existing fanbase and sharp editing, the show generated buzz despite competing against bigger networks. Think No.Mercy meets Peak Time, with just enough tears and teamwork to get you hooked.
Be The Next: 9 Dreamers
- Premiered: February 8, 2025
A bold South Korean-Philippines collaboration, this show brought together 74 contestants aiming to join a new international K-Pop group. Judge lineup includes Sandara Park, Bang Yedam, Chen and Park Woojin. With past debut idols from The KingDom and an interactive fan voting system, 9 Dreamers offers a unique blend of K-Pop rigor and international flair.
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House of Girls
- Premiered: May 23, 2025
This indie-focused survival show featured 10 ‘Untitled Artists’ to compete and collaborate, with the end goal of debuting as a trio called the ‘Title Artists.’ Guided by mentors Kim Yuna, Yang DongGeun, SoYou, and Shin YongJae, the show focused more on musical storytelling than fan votes. Actor Lee Yi Kyung added an entertainment twist as the quirky Managing Director.
Under Cover
- Premiered: January 12, 2025
Under Cover spotlighted vocalists, influencers, and cover artists of all ages, genders, and genres competing for recognition. It brought some heartwarming and raw performances to the stage, judged by a panel of “top listeners,” including Jung Jae Hyung, Lena Park, Lee Seok Hoon, Kwon Eun Bi, and GroovyRoom. It offered fresh perspectives on talent outside the idol industry and served as a refreshing entry into the survival lineup.
Conclusion
Which show are you watching (or rewatching) this season? Whether you’re into performance-focused series or emotionally charged idol journeys, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for K-Pop survival shows.
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