During their showcase, newly debuted boy group ATBO apologizes for having been involved in a school bullying controversy prior to their debut.

Keep on reading to know more.

ATBO's Pre-Debut Member Yang Donghwa Removed for School Bullying

Recently on July 27, IST Entertainment's (formerly known as Play M Entertainment) new boy group ATBO, previously known as ABO, held their debut showcase at Yonsei University's Centennial Hall in their Sinchon campus.

The seven-member boy group celebrated their debut by talking more about their album "The Beginning : 開花," which contains the stories in line with ATBO's name, "at the beginning of originality."

But in particular, ATBO talked about one of their pre-debut member who was involved in a school bullying controversy just before their debut, and after they appeared on the survival program "The Origin - A, B, or What?"

(Photo : Facebook: ATBO)
ATBO

Back in June, one of the trainees who were selected to join ATBO's final debut lineup, Yang Donghwa, became embroiled in allegations of him being a perpetrator of school bullying.

After allegations were made on various social media and online community forums against the idol-to-be, IST Entertainment conducted their own investigation on the matter. With consent from Yang Donghwa, IST Entertainment investigated by contacting school officials, alumni, and acquaintances to talk about the issue and confirm the facts.

During the investigation, they found that some students had been hurt by Yang Donghwa's words and actions, eventually confirming the allegations against him. In the end, IST Entertainment removed Yang Donghwa from ATBO's debut lineup.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Yang Donghwa Won't Debut in IST Entertainment's New Boy Group ATBO-Here's Why

(Photo : Facebook: ATBO)
Yang Donghwa

ATBO Apologizes for Yang Donghwa's Involvement in School Bullying Controversy

Following Yang Donghwa's removal from the group, new member Won Bin joined the lineup. Additionally, ATBO changed their name from ABO.

Regarding the group's past issues before they made their debut, ATBO's leader Oh Junseok expressed their apologies, saying, "There were big and small changes [to the group] in the process of preparing for our debut. We are very sorry for causing inconvenience to those who have been waiting for our debut."

He added, "It was able to unite our team members through hard times. As Won Bin joined [the group] and lived together with us, it became an opportunity to feel our pride."

(Photo : Facebook: ATBO)
ATBO

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Oh Junseok concluded by saying that they will remain strong and face all the problems they may encounter in the future. "Above all, more difficult things can happen after [our] debut. With that in mind, we want to show you how we stand together to solve problems," he said.

Meanwhile, ATBO's debut album "The Beginning : 開花" contains a total of six songs, with "Monochrome (Color)" serving as the title track.

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Written by Robyn Joan