I-LAND

I-LAND is a South Korean reality survival show that brings aspiring male trainees into a high-stakes environment where performance, teamwork, and public votes decide who will debut in a new K-pop group. Contestants train, rehearse, and perform under the scrutiny of established industry figures, while producers and on-screen storytellers shape how their progress is shown. The format puts skills, personality, and adaptability under pressure, with eliminations narrowing the field until a debut lineup is chosen. The series keeps outcomes and behind-the-scenes deliberations tightly controlled on camera, focusing on growth and competition without revealing beyond-the-show resolutions.

The program premiered on June 26, 2020 on Mnet, airing Fridays at 11 p.m. KST. It was produced by Mnet and organized by Belift Lab, a joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE, directed by 김신영 and created by Bang Si-hyuk.

The series did not rack up major industry awards, but it generated significant attention within music and fan communities. It became a frequent subject of year-end discussions about new idol debuts and reality TV trends, even without formal prize recognition.

I-LAND had a notable impact on K-pop's audition and survival show landscape. It launched a successful debut group, inspired similar competition formats, and produced intense online conversation around editing, fairness, and fandom power. Plans for follow-up seasons shifted over time, with other networks and labels later collaborating on related trainee programs and new female-focused seasons.

Critical and audience reaction was mixed to positive, reflected by a user vote average of 8.2 out of 10 from 19 votes. Reviewers and viewers praised the performance training, production values, and the visible role of high-profile mentors like TAEYANG, while some criticized pacing and editorial choices. The show centers on ambition, performance standards, and the realities of trainee life under public scrutiny.