CJ ENM CEO Calls Sudden Press Conference About "Produce 101" Series Controversy

CJ ENM has unexpectedly called for a last-minute press conference later this afternoon regarding the “Produce 101” series controversy.

On the morning of December 30 KST, CJ ENM suddenly announced that its CEO Heo Min Heoi would be holding a press conference in order to make a formal apology.

A spokesperson for the company stated, “We will be holding a press conference to read an official apology regarding the vote manipulation on Mnet’s audition programs today at 3 p.m. at the CJ ENM Center Studio.”

CJ ENM went on to announce that following his apology, Heo Min Heoi would be answering questions regarding the controversy. The company also apologized for notifying the press of the event at the last minute, just hours before it is scheduled to begin.

Earlier this month, eight people were indicted in connection to the vote manipulation controversy surrounding Mnet’s “Produce 101” series. At their pretrial hearing on December 20, the defendants—including producing director (PD) Ahn Joon Young and chief producer (CP) Kim Yong Bum—admitted to the majority of the charges, with further details to be hashed out at the second pretrial hearing on January 14.

Meanwhile, Mnet has stated that it will no longer be producing audition programs.

Stay tuned for updates.

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