Article: "Produce" series vote manipulation ripple...even international side thinks its a disgrace
Source: Sports Donga
"Produce 101" Japan is disavowing affiliation with ongoing Mnet controversy.
An official from "Produce 101" Japan released a statement after local viewers raised suspicions regarding its Japan series. The official stated, "The Japanese version is produced according to its own operating system. The CJ ENM staff and officials whose names have been revealed to be involved in the vote manipulation scandal are not involved with our operation."
The Japan version of "Produce 101" is produced by Yoshimoto Industry Co. under license to CJ ENM, the original producer and owner of the "Produce" series.
In the meantime, Ahn PD recently admitted to vote rigging on its "Produce 101" series Seasons 1 through 4. Police were able to obtain voting data under search and seizures conducted that proved that the final rankings of "Produce 48" and "Produce X 101" were rigged.
Season 1 of the "Produce 101" was produced by former Mnet PD Han Dong-cheol and Ahn PD, who are currently producers at YG Entertainment. Ahn PD was also involved in producing "Season 2" of the series alongside CP Kim Yong beom.
Police have also expanded their scope of investigations to include Mnet's "Idol School."