The concept for '' Produce 48 '' was revealed at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan on November 29 , 2017 , following a joint performance by AKB48 and South Korean artists Weki Meki , Chungha , Pristin , Idol School , and Fromis 9 . In February 2018 , Mnet stated that it would not use the speculated format of having 48 girls from South Korea and 48 girls from Japan competing separately , or that six members of each country would be selected
2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards
2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards
Produce 48