A popular idol contestant on Mnet's "Produce X 101" revealed the difficulties he suffered after being a victim of voting manipulation from the show.
In a new show, "Chef Paik & Les Miserables," one of the participants called 06 surprised the viewers after they recognized him: Kim Kookheon, an idol of seven years.
The 28-year-old idol began his career as one of the leaders and main vocalists of MYTEEN in 2017. He then made his name more known in the industry by joining some survival shows, such as "MIXNINE" and "Produce X 101."
Due to his vocal and dance skills, he quickly became the latter show's fan favorite—and yet, he was eliminated before the finale, ranking only 21st.
After the show, there were high expectations about his next step but he met unfortunate incidents, such as MYTEEN's disbandment. He and his co-member Yuvin also began a duo, B.O.Y., but they ended up parting ways as well.
Kookheon then tried to cement his name as a soloist, but he earned lukewarm support due to tough competition.
In the middle of his hardship, Kookheon would find out that he almost became an X1 member of "PD X 101" if the voting wasn't rigged.
In Baek Jongwon's new broadcast, Kookheon appeared with a mellow atmosphere and was introduced as a "failed idol" who is currently unemployed.
The staff involved in the voting manipulation were imprisoned, but this truly affected Kim negatively—that he almost took his own life. He confessed:
"I once opened the door of the car while on the highway, ready to jump out."
However, he decided to start anew through the show and expressed his desire to "reset his life." Kookheon added:
"I wanted to make sure to take this chance."
The show aims to help 20 participants to overcome their failures and help them open their respective business by sharing their "secrets" to succeed in the industry.
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