All you need to know about produce 101 controversies, Mnet and Cjes entertainment involvement
Produce 101, when it first announced back then in 2016, it becomes first ever Korean survival program that take up to 46 entertainment companies participation, a large scale project-and ambitious one, that Mnet ever made that whole year. From the 101 trainees, 11 will be selected to form a temporary girl group, with long based contract of 1 year. It's the birth of ioi, a powerful rookie of 2016. There is criticism though, because the show is kinda copy 48G system, how an idol produce by handpicked of national producer (fans), especially when it's all girls competition. If you follow the narration, JYP's talent, Somi stole the show since episode 1, her entrance is more prominent than other trainees back than on season 1 and the trio from jellyfish entertainment.
During the show Mnet producer (Ahn Joon Young and Kim Yong Bum PD) make a rivalry narrative between the two contestant/trainee, Somi and Se jeong. The top 2 ranking are between this two. Meanwhile, Heo Chanmi (the other trainee who has debuted before) becomes the villain of the show. Example of the case: during a group evaluations, Mnet showed a scene in which Yeonjung performed the high note flawlessly for “Into The New World,” while Chanmi‘s voice cracked at the same part when she performed. They made it seem as if Chanmi was glaring as she watched her, and some viewers take the bait. It isn't surprising that Chanmi got eliminated afterward with how heavily she got evil editing from Mnet. Thus this become the born of evil editing terminology of Mnet. Keep in mind that Heo chanmi take the 1st seat position on first episode that later become a cursed position among produce series. (Because everyone who took the seat bound to get eliminated after).
An agency, hereafter known as “A,” is being accused of collecting over 100,000 accounts to vote in the first season of “Produce 101.” According to sources who previously worked at “A,” an executive of the agency gathered office employees, managers, and trainees in March 2016 and handed out documents with over 100,000 usernames and passwords for online voting. The agency reportedly used borrowed-name accounts and installed computer programs to make IP tracking difficult. One of the agency’s three trainees who participated in the first season of “Produce 101” was reportedly chosen for the final lineup.
The average viewership rating for the final episode of 'Produce 101' season 1 was 4% and then I.O.I (Korean: 아이오아이) was reborn, consists of 11 members: Somi, Sejeong, Yoojung, Chungha, Sohye, Kyulkyung, Chaeyeon, Doyeon, Mina, Nayoung, Yunjung. The band debuted on May 4, 2016, under YMC Entertainment and CJ E&M. I.O.I officially disbanded on January 29th, 2017.
An agency, hereafter known as “A,” is being accused of collecting over 100,000 accounts to vote in the first season of “Produce 101.” According to sources who previously worked at “A,” an executive of the agency gathered office employees, managers, and trainees in March 2016 and handed out documents with over 100,000 usernames and passwords for online voting. The agency reportedly used borrowed-name accounts and installed computer programs to make IP tracking difficult. One of the agency’s three trainees who participated in the first season of “Produce 101” was reportedly chosen for the final lineup.
IOI released 2 minis, one single and 2 digital singles for a total of 14 songs in 6 months. IOI had a sold out debut showcase and performed at KCON Paris (18k people) and KCON L.A. They got Rookie of the year award, three albums’ are ALL in top 5 best first week sales of 2016 (along with top girl group like Twice & Red Velvet). IOI endorsed +20 brands including Etude House, Paldo Ramen, SK Telecom, Petitzel and Auction. They’re basically everywhere in Korea. Overall, I.O.I ranks #2 in girlsgroup physical sales and #3 in total streaming for 2016.
Obviously with that much success, Mnet already planning to make another Produce 101 season 2, now with male participants. Now, more than ever, a lot of agency are willing to participate, trying to get popularity for their talents. Even pledis promising boygroup, Nuest, participated into the show, hoping to gain back their popularity that has been lost because of the mismanagement of the agency. At the beginning, Park jihoon steal the show with his eye smile on Pick Me performance and Jang moon bok from Ono entertainment with his unique look and the fact that he sit the 1st seat position on the first episode (the cursed seat). Other stands out trainees are Samuel (Brave Entertainment), Ahn Hyeong Seop (Yuehua Entertainment), Ong Seong Woo (Fantagio) and Lee woo jin as the youngest candidate from season 2. The term of "Avenger team" were born from this season.
Later toward the show, Jang mon book and Samuel seems used for the rating only (looking how popular they are internationally), while another strong candidates appears that stole the heart of viewer, it's none other than Kang daniel. Meanwhile, NU’EST main vocal, Kang Dongho got evil editing. He sang After School‘s “Because of You.” His voice was unstable, and Mnet edited his mistake to be replayed three times, but when they uploaded the full audition, many commented on how his mistake was so unnoticeable. Ahn and Kim PD repeat the formula of season 1, putting rivalry between kang daniel, Jr and Park Jihoon.
All 3 members from Nuest (JR, Minhyun, Baekho, and Ren) all managed to the top 20 of Produce 101 Season 2. It isn't a good idea to have 3 members of Nuest for the final line up from business point of view. So on the final episode, Mnet try to manipulate the voting result by announcing real time ranking for 11-14 @~58min mark of live(3 hr 30min) in the middle of the final show. Minhyun was revealed as 11th rank. Bae Yongjung:10, Jisung: 8 and Daehwi. Hence, at the start, Jonghyun and Dongho was probably save and in the Top 11, which later continously pushed down as k-netz started voting for those low ranking trainee, like minhyun (Because they think JR position was save). Mnet manipulate the ranking by showing the current ranking so the top 11 line up becomes like what they like. BoA clearly seemed unhappy announcing the results. Despite all the huge uproar that made JR got eliminated from top 11, the last episode of 'Produce 101' season got 2, 5% in rating. Minhyun was crying so much because the others didn't win, especially JR who deserve the top 11 spot. There is conspiracy theory: Pledis and Mnet set it up. They planned to have Jonghyun dropped to get the nation's sympathy and have it fuel Nu'est comeback. Which actually work in the end.
Wanna one is created and consist of Kang Daniel, Park Ji Hoon, Lee Dae Hwi, Kim Jae Hwan, Ong Seong Woo, Park Woo Jin, Lai Guan Lin, Yoon Ji Sung, Hwang Minhyun, Bae Jin Young dan Ha Sung Woon, under YMC entertainment. In short Wanna one follow IOI footsteps as monster rookie, they even surpasses a lot of expectation from industry insider. It will be long if I need to list all the Wanna one achievement in here. For their first track "Energetic", they've since gone on to win 42 awards at last count. So far they've had 20 commercial deals. Every Wanna One album has gone to the top of the Gaon weekly charts in South Korea and Wanna one do their world tour concert only after 1 year debut. With how popular and successful the two season of produce 101, no wonder that Ahn PD and Kim PD feels like a GOD that can make any idols become popular with the show.
The third season begin, and it was announced that it will become a collaboration project between mnet and AKB 48 management. After this season, netizen already can predict which members who will get in the top 11 easily than the previous 2 season. At first they put the rivalry between Jurina and Sakura up front, but after Jurina quit the show for personal reason, it got switch being Japanese trainee lack of skill compare to Korean trainee and so on. According to Nielson Korea, the average viewership rating for the final episode of produce 48 on August 31 2018 was recorded at 3.1%, with the highest rating recorded during the broadcast being 4.4%. The result line up got heavily questioned though, because Gaeun, who supposedly on the list and always on the TOP 10 (just like JR) didn't included in top 11final ranking. Many also questioning about the fact that Chaeyeon should rank higher (not 12), but Mnet put it that way so it will become interesting for the rating. Another mention that many people think that Sakura should be the 1st (center), shown on the youtube video of the final winner announcement got 31.000 dislikes, this is the first time a winner of produce series get this much down vote/dislike. I think this is where the show become even weirder. (Not saying that season 1 and 2 is completely clean, but I believe it's better than the rest of the season, because it's more make senses if you follow the show). The produce 48 has a wicked ranking when in current episode a trainee could rank 8 then suddenly become 37 later on or vice versa.
Recent news reports have revealed that the PDs for the Mnet trainee reality series 'Produce 101' determined the final line up from 20 trainees that has been chosen by public into the top 12 And 11 for 'Produce 48' and 'Produce X 101' before public voting even started for final episode. It was revealed that the Ahn Joon Young and Kim Yong Bum PD of the show had chosen these trainees themselves without any regard of the voting result. These revelations are incredibly shocking, considering that trainees were believed to have gone through three rounds of public voting to obtain their spots. This mean the final debuted member are handpicked by ahn PD and not national producer, from remaining top 20 (who public like).
No wonder that KPOP Prediction account from twitter is able to guess the top 12 of Produce 48 before the final episode, and taking out Gaeun (the most prominent member) due to her age and image that doesn't suit Izone concept. For Produce X 101 too, Netizens in Korea have already begun to predict the final 11 members of 'Produce X 101'. Their prediction even before the show start aired. Starship's Goo Jung Mo, TOP Media's Jinhyuk and Jellyfish's Kim Min Kyu are the one that netizen think should be on the top 11, yet didn’t get into the final list member. Kim min kyu might not get pick because until final episode, he is lacking in skill and hardly able to follow the dance choreography, although his visual and image is ideal for kpop idols.
From mbc PD note:
- Trainees of some companies received songs in advance;
- Program staff encouraged and pushed some trainees into key positions such as the main vocal, center or leader. So the PD could make a story out of it. (Remember how they forced sakura as cneter then roasted her after so she cried and give the center back to someone else? And another cases, there is a lot!! Like wooseok get evil edited so bad in the ending)
- Some trainees had their line amount increased over others; (the line distribution is really not justified, japanese trainee often get less to none)
- Trainees that were 'tagged' by the PDs were edited out, a trainee testified that a trainee didn't receive any screen time even in performance just for asking "why are you treating us like that", as one staff abruptly woke up trainees to record when they were sleeping morning tired of training
- The odds were so great that the trainees knew which companies would succeed and that generated strong conversations between the trainees, this was an inside issue among trainees.
On November 7, Niwa Shiori wrote on Twitter, “Competition programs are predetermined from the start and I don’t think ‘Produce 101’ was different.” She said, “When we first heard ‘Pick Me,’ some of the trainees were already fully versed in the song and choreography.”
She continued, “I was originally not going to say anything about the possible manipulation, but I had a really hard time after ‘Produce 101’ aired.” She added, “I would like everyone to know that the majority of the trainees are like me and have no fault in this.” The tweet then letter get deleted.
Park Hee Seok, a contestant on Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2,” has shared his thoughts too.
I dare say this as someone who directly participated in the program and watched seasons 1, 2, and 3 because they were filmed at our agency’s practice rooms at the Paju Hallyu Training Center, but I do not believe there was a single trainee who did not work hard or wasted time when they were filming, did not give their best for each performance, or believed that they would obviously get the spot.
People from small agencies that do not have the money nor connections could not comfortably sleep nor rest, and they spent time smiling, crying, fighting, and getting exhausted and frustrated, hoping to achieve their dreams by appearing in the program. They considered each performance as their last and because of the little shred of hope, they got nervous for each voting, cried because of malicious comments, and smiled for even a second of screen time.
Even I, who is complimented for my positive and strong state of mind, had a hard time reading comments such as ‘This is the end for you’ or ‘How can someone like you wish to be an idol?’ You cannot even imagine how hard it must have been for the trainees who are timid and had no one to open up to. Every staff member, writer, and producer worked just as hard while filming the program.
However, now that this article has been proven as the truth, I’m worried that all PDs, FDs [floor directors], and writers who participated in the program will be called the bad guys. I sincerely hope that nothing like this will ever happen again to trainees and artists who ardently dream every day. I truly hope that nothing like this will ever happen again
So hopefully the vote manipulation that The PD and agency official has done won't affect to the finalist group, IOI, Wanna one, IZONE and X1. Unfortunately it isn't the case because Izone has postpone their recent comeback and cancelled their showcase concert plus got deleted out from a lot of variety show that they've participated in. It's suck really. Now even x1 contract is still not certain because On November 7, Ilgan Sports released an exclusive report stating that X1 has not signed a contract with CJ ENM yet. I hope people could be more lenient and think that every trainees are the victims here and we shouldn't force disbandment toward the winner group.
FINAL WORDS
We can't deny that Ahn and Kim PD have great taste for the final line up, not anyone need to stand out, so by leaving several trainee and put a filler member, will make the dynamic of the group better. Even JR and jinhyuk who didn't win, get his popularity back thanks to the show, so Produce 101 has given a lot of trainee the chance/opportunity, even for the loser. Produce 101 has given a lot of opportunities, not only for the top 11, but also for several others. Look how much special project, sub unit, fan meeting, cf that has been sold and get by the losing trainees after participating in produce 101. It's too bad if we didn't see this good fact and only looking on the bad side of the show. It’s so sad if we don’t appreciate the hard work of the top11/12 that they put in the show too. Because of this scandal, oneit and wizone, the fandom for both x1 and izone try to show support to the group and successfully made #staywithx1 and #withizone trending no 1 and 2 worldwide.
In my opinion, I think it isn’t surprising if some trainee might know the song and choreography before it even started or tried to vote using IP that they buy in the market. The agency might push their talents no matter what to get popularity out of the show. The talents have little to none to refuse this because they are bound in a contract. Well, maybe there are some rich trainee who the parents spend money to bribe the PD, but it’s all just an allegation and assumptions. If you’re not a bully or evil envious person, you shouldn’t force someone to end their career because of a mere assumptions. Also keep in mind, I don’t think the trainee know exactly who will be the winner.
Someone like sakura, daniel, jihoon, yohan, somi, sejeong and wooseok is 99% confident to be picked because they have large fandom already that is stand out compare to other trainees. So from middle to ending, they looked so confident. Yet, we can see how surprised minhyuk and jr when jr didn’t get picket, how gaeun, chaeyeon, nako, dongpyo and wonjin feels pressure waiting to get called. The looks and reaction of each trainees on final live episode, looks freaking real to me. They looked surprised and unknown of the result just like we are, the viewers. When hangyul got called, look how happy dohyun face were. Also, dongpyo has told us before that he is afraid that he will be the first center of produce that won’t get debut. Sakura might seems she is already waiting for her name to be called out and probably a bit disappointed that she got second, then later break down because chaeyeon name got called. Yohan and wooseok probably know they will fight for 1st seat positions because it’s obvious , but didn’t know who will really get it. In short, the trainees didn’t know who will win, but PD ahn and kim indeed know and decide the result before hand.
All the nervousness face of trainees in final episode seems real to me. This little thing can’t be fabricated or the trainee should receive an oscar for their realistic acting. Don’t ever think any variety tv show is 100% free from script, because they got edited before it was aired. The PD can create a flow or narrative using people by giving certain role they need to take, without actually inform that individual. In short, ALL TRAINEES are the victim, both the winner and loser, yet both side can get something from this show. So even for other trainees who won’t make to final line up because Ahn PD, if they can use the chances in produce, they will still get a lot of job offer after the show. Reality is that harsh, you will see a lot of set up interview in real life where people who got in is someone who know insider or from high background. But didn’t mean everything is corrupt and all side needs to take the blame.
Later toward the show, Jang mon book and Samuel seems used for the rating only (looking how popular they are internationally), while another strong candidates appears that stole the heart of viewer, it's none other than Kang daniel. Meanwhile, NU’EST main vocal, Kang Dongho got evil editing. He sang After School‘s “Because of You.” His voice was unstable, and Mnet edited his mistake to be replayed three times, but when they uploaded the full audition, many commented on how his mistake was so unnoticeable. Ahn and Kim PD repeat the formula of season 1, putting rivalry between kang daniel, Jr and Park Jihoon.
All 3 members from Nuest (JR, Minhyun, Baekho, and Ren) all managed to the top 20 of Produce 101 Season 2. It isn't a good idea to have 3 members of Nuest for the final line up from business point of view. So on the final episode, Mnet try to manipulate the voting result by announcing real time ranking for 11-14 @~58min mark of live(3 hr 30min) in the middle of the final show. Minhyun was revealed as 11th rank. Bae Yongjung:10, Jisung: 8 and Daehwi. Hence, at the start, Jonghyun and Dongho was probably save and in the Top 11, which later continously pushed down as k-netz started voting for those low ranking trainee, like minhyun (Because they think JR position was save). Mnet manipulate the ranking by showing the current ranking so the top 11 line up becomes like what they like. BoA clearly seemed unhappy announcing the results. Despite all the huge uproar that made JR got eliminated from top 11, the last episode of 'Produce 101' season got 2, 5% in rating. Minhyun was crying so much because the others didn't win, especially JR who deserve the top 11 spot. There is conspiracy theory: Pledis and Mnet set it up. They planned to have Jonghyun dropped to get the nation's sympathy and have it fuel Nu'est comeback. Which actually work in the end.
The third season begin, and it was announced that it will become a collaboration project between mnet and AKB 48 management. After this season, netizen already can predict which members who will get in the top 11 easily than the previous 2 season. At first they put the rivalry between Jurina and Sakura up front, but after Jurina quit the show for personal reason, it got switch being Japanese trainee lack of skill compare to Korean trainee and so on. According to Nielson Korea, the average viewership rating for the final episode of produce 48 on August 31 2018 was recorded at 3.1%, with the highest rating recorded during the broadcast being 4.4%. The result line up got heavily questioned though, because Gaeun, who supposedly on the list and always on the TOP 10 (just like JR) didn't included in top 11final ranking. Many also questioning about the fact that Chaeyeon should rank higher (not 12), but Mnet put it that way so it will become interesting for the rating. Another mention that many people think that Sakura should be the 1st (center), shown on the youtube video of the final winner announcement got 31.000 dislikes, this is the first time a winner of produce series get this much down vote/dislike. I think this is where the show become even weirder. (Not saying that season 1 and 2 is completely clean, but I believe it's better than the rest of the season, because it's more make senses if you follow the show). The produce 48 has a wicked ranking when in current episode a trainee could rank 8 then suddenly become 37 later on or vice versa.
No wonder that KPOP Prediction account from twitter is able to guess the top 12 of Produce 48 before the final episode, and taking out Gaeun (the most prominent member) due to her age and image that doesn't suit Izone concept. For Produce X 101 too, Netizens in Korea have already begun to predict the final 11 members of 'Produce X 101'. Their prediction even before the show start aired. Starship's Goo Jung Mo, TOP Media's Jinhyuk and Jellyfish's Kim Min Kyu are the one that netizen think should be on the top 11, yet didn’t get into the final list member. Kim min kyu might not get pick because until final episode, he is lacking in skill and hardly able to follow the dance choreography, although his visual and image is ideal for kpop idols.
From mbc PD note:
- Trainees of some companies received songs in advance;
- Program staff encouraged and pushed some trainees into key positions such as the main vocal, center or leader. So the PD could make a story out of it. (Remember how they forced sakura as cneter then roasted her after so she cried and give the center back to someone else? And another cases, there is a lot!! Like wooseok get evil edited so bad in the ending)
- Some trainees had their line amount increased over others; (the line distribution is really not justified, japanese trainee often get less to none)
- Trainees that were 'tagged' by the PDs were edited out, a trainee testified that a trainee didn't receive any screen time even in performance just for asking "why are you treating us like that", as one staff abruptly woke up trainees to record when they were sleeping morning tired of training
- The odds were so great that the trainees knew which companies would succeed and that generated strong conversations between the trainees, this was an inside issue among trainees.
On November 7, Niwa Shiori wrote on Twitter, “Competition programs are predetermined from the start and I don’t think ‘Produce 101’ was different.” She said, “When we first heard ‘Pick Me,’ some of the trainees were already fully versed in the song and choreography.”
She continued, “I was originally not going to say anything about the possible manipulation, but I had a really hard time after ‘Produce 101’ aired.” She added, “I would like everyone to know that the majority of the trainees are like me and have no fault in this.” The tweet then letter get deleted.
Park Hee Seok, a contestant on Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2,” has shared his thoughts too.
I dare say this as someone who directly participated in the program and watched seasons 1, 2, and 3 because they were filmed at our agency’s practice rooms at the Paju Hallyu Training Center, but I do not believe there was a single trainee who did not work hard or wasted time when they were filming, did not give their best for each performance, or believed that they would obviously get the spot.
People from small agencies that do not have the money nor connections could not comfortably sleep nor rest, and they spent time smiling, crying, fighting, and getting exhausted and frustrated, hoping to achieve their dreams by appearing in the program. They considered each performance as their last and because of the little shred of hope, they got nervous for each voting, cried because of malicious comments, and smiled for even a second of screen time.
Even I, who is complimented for my positive and strong state of mind, had a hard time reading comments such as ‘This is the end for you’ or ‘How can someone like you wish to be an idol?’ You cannot even imagine how hard it must have been for the trainees who are timid and had no one to open up to. Every staff member, writer, and producer worked just as hard while filming the program.
However, now that this article has been proven as the truth, I’m worried that all PDs, FDs [floor directors], and writers who participated in the program will be called the bad guys. I sincerely hope that nothing like this will ever happen again to trainees and artists who ardently dream every day. I truly hope that nothing like this will ever happen again
So hopefully the vote manipulation that The PD and agency official has done won't affect to the finalist group, IOI, Wanna one, IZONE and X1. Unfortunately it isn't the case because Izone has postpone their recent comeback and cancelled their showcase concert plus got deleted out from a lot of variety show that they've participated in. It's suck really. Now even x1 contract is still not certain because On November 7, Ilgan Sports released an exclusive report stating that X1 has not signed a contract with CJ ENM yet. I hope people could be more lenient and think that every trainees are the victims here and we shouldn't force disbandment toward the winner group.
FINAL WORDS
We can't deny that Ahn and Kim PD have great taste for the final line up, not anyone need to stand out, so by leaving several trainee and put a filler member, will make the dynamic of the group better. Even JR and jinhyuk who didn't win, get his popularity back thanks to the show, so Produce 101 has given a lot of trainee the chance/opportunity, even for the loser. Produce 101 has given a lot of opportunities, not only for the top 11, but also for several others. Look how much special project, sub unit, fan meeting, cf that has been sold and get by the losing trainees after participating in produce 101. It's too bad if we didn't see this good fact and only looking on the bad side of the show. It’s so sad if we don’t appreciate the hard work of the top11/12 that they put in the show too. Because of this scandal, oneit and wizone, the fandom for both x1 and izone try to show support to the group and successfully made #staywithx1 and #withizone trending no 1 and 2 worldwide.
In my opinion, I think it isn’t surprising if some trainee might know the song and choreography before it even started or tried to vote using IP that they buy in the market. The agency might push their talents no matter what to get popularity out of the show. The talents have little to none to refuse this because they are bound in a contract. Well, maybe there are some rich trainee who the parents spend money to bribe the PD, but it’s all just an allegation and assumptions. If you’re not a bully or evil envious person, you shouldn’t force someone to end their career because of a mere assumptions. Also keep in mind, I don’t think the trainee know exactly who will be the winner.
Someone like sakura, daniel, jihoon, yohan, somi, sejeong and wooseok is 99% confident to be picked because they have large fandom already that is stand out compare to other trainees. So from middle to ending, they looked so confident. Yet, we can see how surprised minhyuk and jr when jr didn’t get picket, how gaeun, chaeyeon, nako, dongpyo and wonjin feels pressure waiting to get called. The looks and reaction of each trainees on final live episode, looks freaking real to me. They looked surprised and unknown of the result just like we are, the viewers. When hangyul got called, look how happy dohyun face were. Also, dongpyo has told us before that he is afraid that he will be the first center of produce that won’t get debut. Sakura might seems she is already waiting for her name to be called out and probably a bit disappointed that she got second, then later break down because chaeyeon name got called. Yohan and wooseok probably know they will fight for 1st seat positions because it’s obvious , but didn’t know who will really get it. In short, the trainees didn’t know who will win, but PD ahn and kim indeed know and decide the result before hand.
All the nervousness face of trainees in final episode seems real to me. This little thing can’t be fabricated or the trainee should receive an oscar for their realistic acting. Don’t ever think any variety tv show is 100% free from script, because they got edited before it was aired. The PD can create a flow or narrative using people by giving certain role they need to take, without actually inform that individual. In short, ALL TRAINEES are the victim, both the winner and loser, yet both side can get something from this show. So even for other trainees who won’t make to final line up because Ahn PD, if they can use the chances in produce, they will still get a lot of job offer after the show. Reality is that harsh, you will see a lot of set up interview in real life where people who got in is someone who know insider or from high background. But didn’t mean everything is corrupt and all side needs to take the blame.
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