Although WSJN and Ujung rejoiced after winning in the Mnet's reality competition show, "Queendom 2," some viewers raised suspicions of score manipulation for THIS reason.
Mnet Embroiled in 'Score Manipulation' Following 'Queendom 2' Finale
Mnet's "Queendom 2" finale, which aired on June 2, became a hot topic among K-pop fans following alleged score manipulation on the result.
In particular, ahead of the competition, the evaluation method was released. According to the broadcast, the final result would be determined by adding up: (1) the cumulative score from YouTube of pre-competition videos; (2) fans' choice; (3)comeback music score (Spotify) and (4) live voting.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Queendom 2' Episode 10: WJSN Crowned Season Winner After Final Performances
At the end of the show, WJSN (Cosmic Girls) won the competition after consistently securing the top rank.
For transparency, the final tally scores were also shown, where WJSN scored 81,020 points, LOONA - 77,988 points, VIVIZ - 54,419 points, Hyolyn - 48,761 points, Kep1er - 46,976 points, and Brave Girls - 45,896 points, counted in order.
But on the same day, some viewers raised suspicion about the comeback scores included to determine the final winner.
Originally, the comeback scores released on the show were: No. 1 for LOONA, No. 2 for WJSN, No. 3 for VIVIZ, No. 4 for Kep1er, No. 5 for Brave Girls and No. 6 for Hyolyn.
However, according to the combined score of Spotify's music source re-check by fans, it is counted that the No. 1 is LOONA, No. 2, VIVIZ, and No. 3 WJSN. The second and third places seemed to have been switched.
Discrepancy on Mnet's Comeback Scores and Spotify Data Gains Attention
On the same day, the total number of Spotify streaming figures for four days after the release of the song was 1,475,492 for LOONA, 1,102,927 for VIVIZ and only 735,868 for WJSN.
Here, "Queendom 2" scores the number of users and excludes duplicate streaming.
But viewers claim that the figures for LOONA and VIVIZ are only possible if they are cut in half. They are criticizing Mnet's score calculation standards, saying:
"No matter how many overseas fans there are, it makes no sense that the ranking changes."
"Even if it is true, Mnet has a history, so it is suspicious."
"The winning team (WJSN) will be congratulated neatly only when the data is released."
Meanwhile, Ujungs (WJSN fandom) and other viewers disagree with the suspicions and defended the winning team, saying:
"Excluding duplicate streaming, it is possible enough to cut the scores into half."
"I think it is right to follow internal standards because the numbers of other teams have decreased at a similar rate."
The same fans urged people to refrain from speculating and slander, fearing that the authenticity of the controversy will cause damage to the artist.
Meanwhile, WJSN who won the overall competition, gained praise for incredible performances, surpassing Hyolyn who initially placed first for two consecutive rounds.
During their speech, the group tearfully expressed their heartfelt gratitude to those who supported them, saying:
"(We) were so surprised that we didn't even think about it. We are so grateful to Ujung who voted, to our acquaintances, and to people who supported us. We are grateful to those who sympathized with the challenges of all artists. We will continue to believe in our potential and power as well as try to become better artists."
READ MORE: 'Queendom 2' Exceeds 170M Cumulative Views + Most-Watched Performances
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Written by Eunice Dawson
