Update: Yonhap News Reports On Agencies That Provided Bribes To Ahn Joon Young + 8D Creative And Around US Respond

Updated December 6 KST:

The eighth individual who was recently indicted in the “Produce 101” series manipulation controversy has been revealed.

According to Yonhap News, Around US Entertainment’s Kim is the eighth individual along with PD Ahn Joon Young, PD Lee, CP (chief producer) Kim Yong Bum, two Starship Entertainment executives Kim and Kim, former Woollim Entertainment employee Lee, and former 8D Creative employee Ryu.

In response, Around US commented, “It is true that [Ahn Joon Young] was treated to drinks, but no bribery regarding the trainees took place.”

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Updated December 6 KST:

8D Creative has released a statement regarding reports of the agency’s involvement in bribing the “Produce 101” series PD (producing director) Ahn Joon Young.

The statement reads as follows:

Hello.

This is 8D Creative.

Ryu, who is currently being mentioned regarding the bribery of “Produce 101” production staff, was in charge of album PR duties for our agency at one point. However, Ryu already established their own agency Enfant Terrible Company last year and no longer has relations with our agency.

To our knowledge, Ryu was investigated in the process of a trainee from his agency Enfant Terrible participating in “Produce X 101.” 8D Creative has never been investigated at all regarding the ranking manipulation and has not participated in bribery.

We request for everyone to refrain from spreading additional speculative rumors and news reports in order for our artists to not receive harm.

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Original Article:

A new report has been released regarding the indictment of eight people in the “Produce 101” series manipulation controversy.

On December 6, Yonhap News reported that the eight individuals include PD (producing director) Ahn Joon Young, PD Lee, CP (chief producer) Kim Yong Bum, two Starship Entertainment executives Kim and Kim, former Woollim Entertainment employee Lee, and former 8D Creative employee Ryu. The eighth individual has not been revealed yet.

They have been indicted for suspicions such as breach of trust through bribery and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

It was previously reported by SBS that Ahn Joon Young was treated at an adult entertainment establishment by entertainment agency representatives. According to Yonhap News, the agency representatives provided bribes worth between 10 million won (approximately $8,400) and 50 million won (approximately $42,000).

It has not been confirmed whether these bribes influenced the final rankings.

Starship Entertainment and Woollim Entertainment have not responded to the reports yet. 8D Creative commented that the employee is no longer with the agency.

Stay tuned for updates.

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