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The Controversy over the Manipulation of the
Program "Produce 101" Loved by the People

Seo Eun-been

Because the Mnet audition program Produce 101 was
suspected of being manipulated by its staff, director Ahn
and producer Kim were arrested. On November 5th, 2019,
the Seoul Central District Court1) issued a warrant for their
arrest. The judge told Ahn, "There is a criminal charge, and
the problem is serious. The reason for and necessity of
redemption2) are being acknowledged."
Ahn has admitted to manipulating the rankings of Produce 101 season 3 and 4. Ahn, however, denied
manipulating the first two seasons.

It was in January 2018 that Ahn started receiving alcohol3)
from a company as a bribe. Ahn was reported to have received
more than 100 million won worth of liquor during filming
seasons 3 and 4. Ahn manipulated voting throughout the
program's broadcast while the performers were trying to
be selected as the best performer by viewers. However, it is
not confirmed whether Ahn received sexual favors or not. It
was also not confirmed whether Kim, who was also arrested,
cooperated in these crimes.

Police believe that most of the ranking manipulations were based on Ahn's opinions, but Kim was aware
that the rankings were being manipulated.

Police said they were planning an investigation for the fair evaluation of the season 4 participants. In
July, police launched an investigation based on the suspicions of some fans.

Police believe Ahn and Kim announced the results of the vote unfairly after manipulating the results of
the vote, pocketing the earning from the paid text messages from viewers.

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1) the Seoul Central District Court 서울중앙지방법원
2) redemption 구속
3) receiving alcohol 술접대 받기

30 MYEONG-SHIN GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL