'Produce X 101,' 'Produce 48' Rigging Controversies Resurface Amid PD Ahn Joon Young's Return to Mnet
Netizens were frustrated with PD Ahn Joon Young for rejoining Mnet, after serving his prison sentence for vote manipulation on the "Produce" series.
Here's what's happened.
PD Ahn Joon Young Returns to Mnet After Two-Year Prison Sentence
On March 3, it was reported that Ahn Joon Young has rejoined Mnet's music division, which caused shock within the community.
For further context, the issue started when Mnet released an official statement regarding an investigation of several production staff on "Produce X 101" in November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, the individuals arrested were revealed to be CJ ENM producing director (PD) Ahn Joon Young, chief producer (CP) Kim Yong Bum, a PD labeled as "Lee," and "Kim," the vice president for Starship Entertainment.
Ahn Joon Young confessed on November 6, 2019, that he manipulated the vote results of both "Produce X 101" in 2019 and "Produce 48" in 2018. The director was arrested due to fraud, breach of trust, and bribery.
SBS also stated police have uncovered that Ahn Joon Young was receiving money from entertainment agency officials in an adult establishment in Gangnam, which the investigation estimated the bribery to be over 100 million won.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: IZ*ONE Excluded from Golden Disc Awards Nominations for Second Year in a Row - Here's Why
During the questioning, Ahn Joon Young also denied manipulation suspicions on the first and second seasons of "Produce 101." However, he confirmed the manipulation on the last two of its four seasons, and "Produce 48" as well.
Both survival programs were a big hit among K-pop fans, especially when it produced numerous best-selling groups such as I.O.I., Wanna One, X1, and IZ*ONE.
Unfortunately, most of the idols on these groups were affected by the vote manipulation, leading to IZ*ONE's comeback delays, hiatus, and X1's sudden disbandment on January 6, 2020.
K-pop Community Shocked Over Ahn Joon Young's Return
On April 2, netizens took their insights on a forum, and expressed how shocked they were with Ahn Joon Young's return to Mnet. Internet users also wondered as to how he was rehired, despite his previous actions.
Meanwhile, some didn't mind his comeback, since the heat regarding his situation has now subsided. Others recalled how the director ended many aspiring stars' dreams.
Read their comments below:
"He didn't just put a roadblock on so many kids' lives, but he's also living such a good life. And now he's trying to return. This is insane."
"So, he left prison and is now planning his crawl back. This is so bizarre that my head can't even process."
"I wonder what the kids watching 'Boys Planet' are even doing."
"This is freaking annoying, because of that guy, I can't even bring myself to watch Produce ever again."
"I knew something wrong happened, honestly the fury has died down already. I don't think I'm in the position to get upset anymore."
"Is it even possible to get rehired? What's wrong with CJ rehiring that guy?"
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below!
Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.
