Mnet confirmed last year that a second season of the hit show "Produce 101" will air this year focusing on male participants. The first season of the show focused on 101 female trainees from different entertainment companies battling out to be chosen as one of the 11 members to debut as part of I.O.I. The idol group I.O.I debuted last May 4, 2016 and have released hit songs such as "Dream Girls" and "Very Very Very".
But rumors have been spreading that the "Big 3" entertainment companies specifically SM, JYP and YG will not be sending any of their trainees in the upcoming season. Last year, JYP Entertainment sent a trainee to participate in the first season of "Produce 101" but have revealed that they have no plans in participating this year. According to AllKpop, the 3 major entertainment companies felt that it is unnecessary for them to participate in the new season as their running programs within the company are currently going strong.
This has caused difficulties in casting for the production team of the show as this decision may have influenced other entertainment companies from participating in the show as well. Big Hit, Woolim, Starship and Cube have been rumored to have declined the casting offer for season 2 of "Produce 101" as well.
According to Trippedmedia, conflicts have been arising during the production of the second season. The first conflict being the resignation of the show's director, Director Han Dong Chul who will be focusing on another personal program.
Another conflict being the resignation of the Host of the show, Actor Jang Geun Seuk. The actor is said to have declined the hosting of season 2 of "Produce 101" due to his busy schedule. No official word yet on who might be replacing him should he really not be back for season 2. There have been rumors regarding conflicts between the agencies managing each of the I.O.I members which include contracts, schedules, and other activities.
