Where is Han Jong Yeon Now? Removed 'Produce 101' Trainee Due to Sexual Abuse Scandal
[Trigger Warning: Mentions of sexual abuse and bullying]
When the second season of Mnet's survival program "Produce 101" aired in 2017, trainee Han Jong Yeon was a fan favorite for his visuals. However, he eventually left the show after being involved in a sexual abuse scandal. What has Han Jong Yeon been up to five years after the show aired?
Keep on reading to know Han Jong Yeon's latest activities.
Han Jong Yeon Leaves 'Produce 101 Season 2' Due to Sexual Abuse Scandal
In 2017, Han Jong Yeon became known to the public after becoming a trainee representing Maroo Entertainment in the second season of the Mnet survival program "Produce 101."
He eventually drew attention on the show for his handsome visuals and vocal talent. And with his growing popularity among "Produce 101" viewers, it seemed Han Jong Yeon would have been a top contender among the trainees.
Han Jong Yeon
However, the trainee became embroiled in bullying, and sexual abuse allegations not long after the show began. A former classmate of Han Jong Yeon, named Kangto Lee, stepped up to accuse the trainee in a shocking Facebook post.
According to Kangto Lee, Han Jong Yeon had severely bullied him throughout elementary and high school by forcing him to masturbate in front of his friends, forcing him to fight, locking him up in a cleaning equipment room, and more. Other allegations also include Han Jong Yeon participating in underage drinking and smoking.
Han Jong Yeon accused of bullying and sexual abuse
To prove his accusations, Kangto Lee also shared a graduation photo of Han Jong Yeon and screenshots of the trainee's past posts on social media.
In addition, Kangto Lee shared several conversations with friends and former classmates who witnessed and recalled Han Jong Yeon's bullying and violent tendencies. He even shared a screenshot of Han Jong Yeon's older brother messaging him to ask if the allegations were true.
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Han Jong Yeon
Following the accusations, Maroo Entertainment issued a statement admitting Han Jong Yeon's past bullying behavior. However, they denied Han Jong Yeon forcing anyone to masturbate publicly. They also stated that Han Jong Yeon had personally met with the victims to apologize.
In light of the scandal, Maroo Entertainment announced that Han Jong Yeon decided to leave "Produce 101" in May 2017.
Han Jong Yeon's Activities Following 'Produce 101'
After leaving "Produce 101," Han Jong Yeon didn't take long to compete once again for a chance to debut in a K-pop group. He later joined YG Entertainment and JTBC's survival program "MIXNINE" in October of the same year. He again represented Maroo Entertainment on the show but was eliminated on the seventh episode and finished at No. 60.
Park Ha, formerly known as Han Jong Yeon
He was finally able to debut on September 18, 2018, under NOGA Entertainment as a member of their seven-piece boy group LUCENTE and his new stage name Park Ha. With LUCENTE, Han Jong Yeon is the group's lead vocalist, lead dancer, and youngest member.
In 2020, Han Jong Yeon competed in another survival program called "G-EGG," where he finished fourth place. With that, he was able to debut as part of the Japanese-Korean project boy group NIK and continues to promote with the name Park Ha.
As of now, he is inactive with LUCENTE.
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Written by Robyn Joan
