The producers of “Boys 24” -- Mnet’s survival program selecting 24 male members for a K-pop group -- has extended the audition period due to its massive popularity.

The program gained spotlight from the beginning as it was considered the male version of the music survival show “Produce 101.”

The auditions were originally set to be held from Jan. 18 to Feb. 19. But as the number of applicants exceeded their expectations, Mnet shifted the final date to March 11.

(Mnet)

Many have submitted applications, varying from former K-pop stars to Chinese actors. The competition is getting fiercer day by day, surpassing 4000 applicants.

The show is expected to be popular as trainees from well-known entertainment agencies including SM, YG, JYP, Woolim, Jellyfish, Mystic, Loen, and DSP have also applied for the program.

Once the members are finalized, “Boys 24” will debut in the third week of August with a concert in Seoul.

By Kim Ji-young (christinekim@heraldcorp.com)