PD Ahn Joon Young Of "Produce 101" Series Returns To Mnet

Producing Director (PD) Ahn Joon Young, who had been indicted on suspicions of manipulating the votes of the “Produce 101” series, has returned to Mnet.

On April 3, an official from Mnet confirmed, “It is true that PD Ahn Joon Young has rejoined [the company] again after resigning from the company last year. As for the specific timing, it is difficult to confirm.”

After his return, PD Ahn Joon Young is expected to work under Mnet’s music business division.

Previously, PD Ahn Joon Young and CP (chief producer) Kim Yong Bum were suspected of manipulating viewers’ votes for all four seasons of the “Produce 101” series. Ahn Joon Young was also under suspicion of receiving money from entertainment agency representatives at an adult entertainment bar.

In late May 2020, Ahn Joon Young received a prison sentence of two years as well as a fine of 36 million won (approximately $27,346) in his first trial over the case. In June 2020, Ahn Joon Young appealed against the ruling but was found guilty at both the first and second trials and the case went to the Supreme Court. In the end, the Supreme Court upheld the original sentence.

At the time, Ahn Joon Young admitted to most of the charges, including vote manipulation, but had stated that he did not do it out of personal greed but due to pressure about the program’s success and ratings.

Ahn Joon Young was released from prison in late November 2021.

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