Screen captures of the released video (Mnet)

A recorded stage performance for the upcoming second season of “Produce 101” was broadcast over “M!Countdown” on Thursday.

This is the first time the show has revealed anything beyond its premiere date.

“Produce 101” is an audition program in which trainees from entertainment agencies compete for a place in an idol group.

The show aired its first season in 2016 and yielded the project girl group I.O.I, with the hit theme song “Pick Me.”

The second season of “Produce 101” mirrors the original, but with males this time. In the released clip, 101 aspiring idols showcased synchronized dance moves to the male version of “Pick Me.”

The original song had the chorus, “pick me/ pick me/ pick me up,” but the second season’s theme song uses the phrase “nayana,” or “It’s me” in Korean, to hook listeners.

Dressed in matching school uniforms, the contestants chanted, “It’s me who will steal your heart,” “It’s me who will stay until the end.


Just like in the first season, viewers will be able to vote for their favorite contestant and actively take part in the decision-making process of the future band’s members, group name and debut song.

Singer BoA will be the lead producer of the show and represent viewers.

The two biggest agencies here, S.M. Entertainment and YG Entertainment, are not taking part again. JYP Entertainment, the third-biggest agency who produced the first season’s winning member Jeon So-mi, will also not participate this time.

“Produce 101” will air its second season starting April 7 at 11 p.m. on channel Mnet.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)