Produce 101 is known to be the culmination of a large-scale project where the public had the decision to choose the members of a South Korean girl group. The first season of Produce 101 was launched in 2016 on Mnet where it was considered to be a girl group survival show.

Basically, the girl group survival show was named as such because the public had to choose among 101 aspiring artists from 46 entertainment companies. Produce 101 season 1 was a big hit in South Korea which has led showrunners to push through with Produce 101 season 2. This time, Produce 101 season 2 will feature male trainees.

In the first season of Produce 101, the trainees had to go through different challenges that will hone and shape their future careers in the entertainment industries. The experiences and challenges of the 101 trainees can be likened to an entertainment boot camp where they had to learn how to sing, dance and rap.

Out of the 101 trainees in Produce 101 season 1, only 11 members were chosen. Their group was named I.O.I and became one of the successful breakout Kpop groups in 2016. I.O.I is expected to disband after one year of promotions and performances and are expected to return to their own careers from their respective agencies.

While everyone is excited for Produce 101 season 2, it seems like three big entertainment companies won't be sending their own artists for the upcoming season. According to Tripped Media, SM Entertainment, JYP and YG will not be sending their respective trainees to join Produce 101 season 2.

SM Entertainment, JYP and YG are considered to be three of the biggest and most dominant entertainment companies in South Korea, collectively known as the Big Three. With the decision of the Big Three to pull out in Produce 101 season 2, it seems that it is also affecting the willingness of other entertainment companies to partake in the sequel of Produce 101. Further, the main director of Produce 101 season 1, Han Dong Chul has also cut his ties with the project because of another personal program.