There is controversy over a company-wide notice encouraging employees to vote for the CEO's daughter who is participating in the girl group audition program, "I-LAND 2."
On May 9, 2024, several online communities shared claims that a company issued a notice urging its employees to vote for a participant in Mnet's audition program "I-LAND 2: N/a" to help her debut.
The notice, which was sent to all employees, stated, "The daughter of Mr. OOO, the CEO of our dealership, A, is appearing in the audition program "I-LAND 2" on Mnet. We ask all employees to participate in the audition voting to support Ms. A's debut. Please make sure to vote once a day."
The notice also provided specific details on how to vote during the period from May 3 to May 12. The name of the daughter was redacted in the post. As of writing, it is not confirmed which contestant is mentioned in the memo.
Besides the memo, employees in the company also claim that they played the theme song of "I-LAND 2" loudly in the office and pantry, in an attempt to advertise the CEO's daughter. Many claim they are being forced to vote rather than it being a simple favor.
The reveal of this internal notice led to accusations of "abuse of power" among netizens. While employees are not technically required to vote for the contestant, many believe that they could feel pressured to do so for the sake of their careers.
Others believed that if the CEO wanted their employees to vote for their daughter, then they should be receiving something in return. Many joked that they should get bonuses, while others recommended snacks or sincere handwritten letters.
Some comments read,
- "Isn't this an abuse of power?"
- "Is this something that warrants an urgent notice to all employees?"
- "Wouldn't there be a scandal if she debuted after this?"
- "I can't tell if this is promotions or coercion."
- "They should have told employees they would get 200% bonuses if she debuted. If they said that, I'd vote for her."
- "If they are the type of company that treats their employees well on the regular, I would happily vote for her."
- "Wow, I'd hate that."
- "If they are going to ask employees to do something like this, then the CEO should give out handwritten letters to show how sincere they are. This is an abuse of power to ask their employees to do this because it's not part of their job."
- "They are doing the girl more harm than good."
Meanwhile, the production team of "I-LAND 2" has stressed the fairness of the voting process. On a broadcast on April 18, they mentioned, "From the tallying to the output of results in the voting system, the process is verified by the external professional institution Sam-il PwC to ensure there is no manipulation of votes by the production team. We are committed to creating a good program."
"I-LAND 2" is a Mnet audition program produced in collaboration between CJ ENM and legendary K-pop producer Teddy. It features 24 trainees from the entertainment agency WAKEONE that aims to create a 12-member girl group.
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Written by Alexa Lopez
