[Trigger Warning: Mentions of bullying]
Yang Donghwa will no longer debut as a member of IST Entertainment's new boy group ATBO following his bullying controversy.
Continue reading to learn the company's full statement.
Yang Donghwa Removed From Debut Lineup of IST Entertainment's New Boy Group ATBO
On June 13, IST Entertainment released an official statement regarding the posts making rounds online about Yang Donghwa's school days, his misconduct and subsequent apologies to victims, and the decision to debut ATBO without him.
The label shared that they read the posts concerning Donghwa on social media and online communities, and that they received his consent to reach out to the school officials, alumni, and acquaintances to talk about the issue and verify the facts.
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While IST Entertainment found out that some assertions were not completely true, "there were students who were hurt because of Yang Donghwa's immature and inappropriate comments and actions."
The agency then said that they were able to contact some of the students, and Yang Donghwa personally apologized to them. There are, however, still more students who were hurt.
"Yang Donghwa is reflecting on his past behaviors that were unbecoming of a student, and he is deeply ashamed of how he offended people around him with his lack of consideration," IST Entertainment stated.
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Following the fact-checking process and an in-depth discussion with Yang Donghwa and his parents, the company made the decision to remove him from the debut lineup of ATBO, who is set to debut in the second half of the year.
"Through this decision, Yang Donghwa intends to apologize sincerely to his fellow students for his past misconduct. Although he hasn't made his debut, Yang Donghwa and his parents have expressed their desire to be reprimanded for the mistakes, and will take this time to self-reflect and repent," IST Entertainment further said.
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The label went on to say, "We know this does not make up for the past, but we hope the artist's sincerity was delivered to those he has hurt. For the artist himself, we hope this serves as a chance to look back on the past and turn over a new leaf."
IST Entertainment also shared that Yang Donghwa, who is "admitting his mistake, taking responsibility, and repenting," will continue to work hard to reach his goal.
The agency finally said, "We would more than appreciate it if you understood and encouraged him as he learns from his mistakes and grows into a mature and responsible member of society. Thank you."
Who Is Yang Donghwa From "THE ORIGIN - A, B, OR What?"
Yang Donghwa is a trainee under IST Entertainment who participated in the company's survival show titled "THE ORIGIN -A, B, OR What?," which aired from mid March to early May this 2022. He trained for two and a half years before joining the program.
During the May 7 finale of the survival show, the final lineup of IST Entertainment's new boy group was revealed, and Donghwa was included. Besides him, there were six more trainees on the list.
The upcoming idol group was initially named ABO, which stands for "At the Beginning of Originality," but was later changed to ATBO. ATBO will be IST's first new group since the company's merger with Cre.Ker Entertainment and renaming last September.
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Written by Maria Scott
