Mnet's "Produce 101" Season 2 hasn't even aired its first episode, yet controversies already arise. Just right after Samuel Kim's bullying scandal cooled off, Mnet has to face another controversy -- this time the alleged mistreatment of its contestants.
"Produce 101" is a survival show in which 101 contestants are competing against each other for one in a lifetime chance to debut in a new boy group. In the first installment, the 101 girls were divided into several training groups, and this season, "Produce 101" definitely applies the same method, only this time, the grouping method seems to produce a new controversy.
According to Soompi, there were reports saying that "Produce 101" Season 2 contestants are being treated unjustly since the trainees in Group A seem to be receiving a lot of privileges than the lower groups. One agency source revealed that the contestants in the lower groups didn't get proper meals and they even have to wait for the trainees from upper grade to finish their business first before they're allowed to use the bathroom.
It was also revealed that the trainees from the lower groups are being fed with plain rice without any side dishes. Moreover, the lower grade contestants are only allowed to leave when the upper-level contestants have left. Contestants and labels don't feel like filing a complaint against unjust treatment because they know things will only get harder for them.
Meanwhile, Mnet has addressed the allegations by saying that the grouping is necessary since they're a lot of people to be taken care of. They also said that all trainees are taking care of each other and engaging in a friendly competition so it's highly unlikely that there's discrimination towards trainees. However, Mnet refused to give another statement about trainees' foods and other matters. They said everything will be answered in the press conference when the first episode of "Produce 101" Season2 is ready to air.
