'I-Land,' joint K-pop show between Mnet, Big Hit, to set sail next month

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- "I-Land," a high-profile K-pop band recruitment TV show jointly produced by a K-pop cable channel and the music label of boy band BTS, will go on air next month, the cable channel said Friday. The reality show covering a journey to debut new K-pop artists is the first joint project between Mnet and Big Hit Entertainment after the two established a joint venture, Belif Lab, in March last year. Its first episode will hit the small screen in June, Mnet said, without providing the exact date. The TV program combines the K-pop-focused production expertise of Mnet with the music producing experience of Big Hit to feature competition and partnership among K-pop star wannabes, according to Mnet. To best film the high-profile show, Mnet has built a massive arena exclusively dedicated to the program, it also said. pbr@yna.co.kr (END)