'Girls Planet 999,' international girl group debut project, to premier on Aug. 6

▲ This photo, provided by Mnet, shows actor Yeo Jin-goo, cast for the MC. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲ This photo, provided by Mnet, shows (from the left) Tiffany Young and Sunmi, who are cast for K-pop Masters. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug.5 (Yonhap) -- Mnet is launching another girl group debut project, “Girls Planet 999.” This time the program is aiming for a Korean, Chinese and Japanese group.

99 Korean, Chinese and Japanese trainees with the same dream, becoming a K-pop idol star, have gathered to ‘Girls Planet,’ a new world where dreams come true.

The 12-episode audition program is premiering on the 6th of August, according to Mnet Thursday. ‘999’ from the program’s title means the 99 contestants and the final 9 debut members.

Actor Yeo Jin-goo was selected as the MC, ‘Planet Master.’

“This is my first MC in 16 years since debut. But I was worried about what I could show to the viewers and how exactly I will be able to cheer and comfort the contestants,” said the Planet Master on an online conference.

“I decided to join the program thinking that I would be able to empathize at a watcher’s point of view and maybe can provide practical advice as someone who has stood in front of and rated by many watchers.”

“I look forward to getting to know how the contestants will grow into professionals. This program is boosting me up," added Yeo.

Solo singers Sunmi and Tiffany Young are taking the roles of “K-pop Masters.” The two, who were each a former member of Wonder Girls and Girls Generation, gave pieces of sincere advice for the trainees.

“Ultimately, the important attitude as an idol is modesty with no vanity,” said Sunmi.

“We can grow into a great person by constantly looking back at ourselves. For now, this may not seem to play a significant role in succeeding. But idol is someone who pleases others with music and performances, and are we not going to work as an idol for a long time? I wish you would improve your skills with this in mind.”

“I wish the trainees would learn to distinguish a mistake from a failure. We all make mistakes as a person, as a female and as an artist. It is fine as long as we improve from that error. I hope you would not fear making mistakes,” cheered Tiffany.

For vocal and dance master positions, the program cast Back Koo-young, Jang Ju-hee, Jo A-young and Lim Han-byul.

The producer, Yoon Shin-hye CP put emphasis on the fairness of the voting procedure.

“The contestants will reach debut 100% through global voting. Votes from Korea and from other regions will each take 50% in judgements. Viewers can vote through an app called UNIVERSE,”

“Girls Planet 999” will reveal its first episode at 8:20 p.m. on Aug. 6.

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