First Court Case of PRODUCE X 101, Discussing Vote Manipulation and Bribery

Kapanlagi.com - The first court case for the manipulation of the television program series PRODUCE X 101 was held on February 7, 2020. The court was attended by PD (producing director) Ahn Joon Young, CP (chief producer) Kim Yong Bum, and PD Lee as well as five staff members and former staff members of other entertainment agencies.

The production team members were charged with manipulating the voting results, while Ahn Joon Young faced additional charges of accepting bribes in the form of entertainment at an adult venue by a representative of an entertainment agency. Meanwhile, the entertainment agency staff members were charged with bribery.

1. There are Trainees Who Resigned

Ahn Joon Young © TV Daily

As reported by Soompi, lawyers Ahn Joon Young and Kim Young Bum stated that they did manipulate the votes. However, the reason behind this vote manipulation is because there are trainees who planned to leave the program.

The lawyer also added that there is one trainee in Season 2 who did not want to join the group that will debut after the program ends. Therefore, the ranking of the trainee below him was raised.

2. Not Accepting Bribes

Although the methods used by the program were not transparent, the manipulation was not done for personal gain or accepting bribes. Ahn Joon Young confirmed that the trainee in question stated to withdraw in the first round of Season 1. He then reported it to CP Kim Yong Bum and obtained approval.

Regarding the news about accepting bribes, the lawyer said that Ahn Joon Young admitted to drinking together with staff from entertainment agencies but never accepting bribes. However, Ahn Joon Young admitted to violating the anti-corruption laws of Korea.

(soo/rsp)