Source: Xports News
Attention is focused on Lee Kaeun and Han Chowon who were eliminated on Mnet's 'Produce 48.'
On the 18th, the Seoul High Court sentenced Ahn Joon Young PD and Kim Yong Beom CP who were suspected of fraud for manipulating the rankings of Mnet's 'Produce 101' series to 2 years and 8 months in prison, respectively, while also disclosing the list of trainees who suffered from their manipulations to ensure smooth compensation for the victims.
In Season 1, Kim Soohyun and Seo Hyerin were eliminated in the 1st round of voting. In season 2, Sung Hyunwoo was eliminated in 1st round and Kang Dongho was eliminated in 4th round. In season 3, After School's Lee Kaeun and Han Chowon were eliminated in the fourth round. In season 4, Kim Kookhun, Lee Jinwoo, Lee Jinhyuk, Geum Donghyun were eliminated in 4th round.
Among these trainees, Lee Kaeun and Han Chowon are receiving the most attention as they were eliminated despite receiving high rankings in the final debut vote. Lee Kaeun was heavily promoted in the program as she was a trainee with "6 years and 11 months" experience even before the first broadcast and as the program progressed. The former After School member was determined as this was her "last opportunity" to make it and ranked at the top in all episodes except the final episode.
However, it appears that she was eliminated through rigged votes in the last live broadcast even though she had placed 5th in the final debut votes.
Since the victims were revealed, IZ*ONE's comeback is receiving unfavorable attention as the group has expressed willingness to push forward with activities despite riggings being exposed in the group. Criticism of IZ*ONE's activities is expected to continue as the list of victims, which has been led only by speculation previously, has now been revealed in court.
Mnet promised compensation to the victims so many are paying attention as to whether enough compensation will be made to the victims whose lives changed because of their manipulation.
