Mnet's 'Kingdom' under controversy for unfair treatment

Article: [Exclusive] "The stage cost is 5 million won"...suspicions of bias arise prior to 'Kingdom's first episode

Source: Daily Sports

Mnet's 'Kingdom' is causing a lot of noise prior to airing its first episode.

In addition to controversy over one of its MCs TVXQ's Yunho room salon scandal, further allegations  over bias among idol groups are coming out.

According to multiple music industry officials, last month, the program held its first recording for hit song mission that was stopped halfway due to agencies complaining over alleged bias. In particular, one idol group had expensive sets and props that stood out on stage and managers asked the production crew to create a fair environment.

'Kingdom' notified participating agencies in advance that the stage production cost was limited to 5 million won (~$4,400) in order to keep thing fair. However, one team appeared to have extravagant sets and props to the point many commented "whether it was because the idol group was receiving support from CJ ENM." This idol group's set was a moving model ship whose cost alone exceeded 5 million won. 

The production crew explained that it was a prop the group used at their concert but this raised further suspicion as other groups also had props from their concerts. 

The "gap" in "weight" between this idol group's stage and others was so prominent that several agencies filed complaints with Mnet and the complaints were even reported to top management of each agency. 

In the meantime, 'Kingdom' is set to air its first episode on April 1st and contestants include 'BTOB, iKON, SF9, The Boyz, Stray Kids and ATEEZ.'  

1. [+407, -3] Did you guys think it was joke when JYP YG CUBE FNC were making fun of the production fee on the katalksㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ . Did you think just because the companies have been there for a long time they're big agencies? How many idols groups are out there. Wake up! Just look at how much they spend on the stage set and you'll know. Stop covering your eyes and burying your heads like ostrichesㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 
2. [+405, -5] Just how biased were they that managers complained on set and reported to their agencies right away...?
3. [+311, -13] Apparently its ㅇㅇㅌㅈ [Ateez]
4. [+176, -10] Is Ateez even at the level to appear on Kingdom?
5. [+167, -2] Even before the set fee issue, the biggest problem right now is the fact that there's a team there getting pushed ahead of others..
6. [+155, -10] 장 Are they kidding right now? So what was the point of bringing BtoB and iKON thereㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ?
7. [+121, -1] Even managers inquired about it right away on setㅋㅋㅋㅋ why is that?ㅉ
8. [+119, -2] So 3 teams were told production cost limit is 5 million won but 1 team's set exceeded the 5 million won requirement...hmm
9. [+117, -2] Guys, I heard its because they changed the 5 million limit in the middle and only 3 of the teams were told and the other 3 weren't. So 3 teams were discriminated against by Mnet but only 1 team got complaints for spending over 5 million wonㅋ.
10. [+36, -2] Ah ~ if things are coming out like this already how are we supposed to believe rankings from votingㅋㅋ

Additional source: Pann