Heo Min-Hee, CEO of CJ ENM, apologized for manipulating the Mnet audition program "Produce 101." On July 30 at 3:00 pm, a press conference was held at the CJ ENM headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. President Huh Min Ho presented an apology letter before the conference.
Mr. Heo said, "First of all, I bow my head in apology for causing much disappointment to everyone with the series of incidents related to Mnet. It is especially heartbreaking to think about the pain received by the many trainees who poured in all their passion just to achieve the dream of debuting. I am very apologetic. I also feel apologetic beyond words to the fans and viewers who took valuable time to support the program through means such as text voting.
Without any excuses, this incident is our fault. I feel a strong responsibility as the CEO. I once again apologize.
Thinking about the pain and disappointment that you have received, I know that no actions will be enough. However, we plan on doing everything we can to at least correct mistakes now and heal the wounds of the victims. First of all, regarding the trainees who received harm due to ranking manipulation of Mnet's audition program including the "Produce 101" series, we will take complete responsibility and compensate them. He further emphasized that in addition to definite financial compensation, we will take the necessary measures to support their future activities and provide practical damage relief through in-depth discussion with relevant individuals.
All profits that have been received by Mnet through manipulated programs, along with the profits that will be received in the future, will be given up. We expect that a fund of about 30 billion won (approximately $25.9 million) can be developed as a result. This fund will be operated by an external independent organization and will be used for the active development of the music industry and the continuous growth of K-pop.
Necessary actions to strengthen the fairness and transparency of broadcasts will also be taken quickly. A Viewer Committee, including individuals such as external content experts, will be hired, and the production processes of programs will be transparent. In addition, the internal broadcasting code of ethics will be renewed, and training on this will be intensified. We promise to diligently cooperate with the investigative agencies until not even a single suspicion remains."
Regarding the activities of IZ*ONE and "Produce X101" final group X1, the CEO said, "We will also provide all possible support for the IZ*ONE and X1 members to resume activities. Considering the emotional pain and pressure that the members are experiencing along with the opinions of many fans who support the resumption of their activities, we will work to continuously discuss plans for IZ*ONE and X1 to be able to resume activities as soon as possible. As mentioned previously, Mnet will give up all profits gained through the future activities of the two groups.
We will quickly carry out specific compensation for damages for everyone who has been harmed due to this incident. This incident is our fault and not the fault of the artists who debuted or of the trainees. We earnestly request that everyone will help protect them together so there will be no more victims. We once again sincerely apologize to the many people who cherish and love Mnet."
In the end, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office charged Mnet's Ahn PD and Kim Mo CP (general producer) for arrest and fraud. The complaint filed to the National Assembly on the 5th of this month was that "Produce" manipulated the voting results from season 1 to season 4, and five entertainment producers were accused of violating the law on the prohibition of receiving money such as trusteeship, fraudulent solicitation, and money.
According to the prosecution, the "Produce" program manipulated the voting result by replacing two trainees who were inside the selection of 61 ranks with two other trainees in the process of selecting 61 in the first season. Also in Season 2, the final 11 debut group selections were manipulated by the votes of one specific trainee, changing the final passers and dropouts. In seasons 3 and 4, all the trainees who made their final debut were set up and the votes were adjusted accordingly.
