Update: Police Find Suspicions That "Produce 101" Seasons 1 And 2 Were Also Manipulated + Mnet Responds

Updated November 14 KST:

Mnet has apologized again following reports that all seasons of the “Produce 101” series were manipulated.

The network stated on November 14, “We are taking this situation very seriously, and we are truly sorry and feel a great sense of responsibility. We are internally preparing a sincere apology as well as actions fitting with our responsibility, compensation for damages, measures to prevent this from happening again, and steps for reform.”

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Original Article:

Police have reportedly found suspicions that all seasons of the “Produce 101” series were manipulated.

On November 14, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s cyber investigation team forwarded producing director (PD) Ahn Joon Young and chief producer (CP) Kim Yong Bum to prosecution with recommendations for indictment on charges of fraud, breach of trust by taking bribes, and violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

In addition to PD Ahn Joon Young and CP Kim Young Bum, the police forwarded eight more individuals to the prosecution on charges of obstruction of business. Two of them were forwarded with recommendations for non-indictment. When asked if he admitted to manipulating the votes, PD Ahn Joon Young answered, “I’m sorry,” before getting in the car to the prosecutor’s office.

During the previous police questioning, PD Ahn Joon Young admitted to manipulating the results of “Produce X 101” and “Produce 48.” However, the police have reportedly confirmed that the production team manipulated the results of the first two seasons of “Produce 101” as well. According to the police, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s cyber investigation team found differences between the number of votes revealed on the final episodes and the raw data showing the actual votes that were sent in by viewers.

SPOTV reported that PD Ahn Joon Young has partially admitted to manipulating the ranks for seasons one and two of “Produce 101.”

A source from the police revealed, “As the case is receiving much attention from the public, we plan to carry out a detailed investigation regarding the suspicions that still remain.”

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