The Secret Behind Produce X 101’s 5-Year Contract

It was previously revealed that the contract for the new boy group produced by Produce X 101 will last for 5 years. Considering I.O.I’s contract of 1 year, Wanna One‘s contract of 2 years and IZ*ONE‘s contract of 2 years and 6 months, the 5-year contract is by far the longest contract for a project group created by the program.

Produce X 101, which is scheduled to begin airing in April, has guaranteed the debut group promotions until at least 2023. The group will focus on their promotions for the first 2 years and 6 months and then will be free to pursue their individual activities for the remaining period of the contract. However, considering the preceding cases of I.O.I or Wanna One, it seems highly unlikely that the idols will be able to focus on both the group and their individual activities.

Despite the unfavorable circumstances, many agencies have sent their trainees to audition for the program because it is extremely difficult for an agency’s new idol to receive any spotlight without having a successful artist preceding them.

Due to the situation, reports have been pointing out that CJ is exploiting Produce X 101. Reports claim that Mnet has created the 5-year contract for the upcoming boy group for their own benefit.

According to the theory, the contract period has been extended for the casting of KCON, a major event for CJ E&M‘s record business. This is also the reason for the rumors of I.O.I’s reunion that have continuously been spreading with CJ E&M. KCON is a type of cultural event that is held in various locations around the world and with the recent disbandment of Wanna One, they are now without a “face” for the event. While they are in contact with Hallyu groups such as SEVENTEEN, GOT7 and MONSTA X, it is not easy to agree on a schedule with these artists as they each have global tours already scheduled. As a result, it seems likely that Mnet plans to make the new boy group from Produce X 101 the new face of KCON.