Producer Ahn Joon-young, who was previously charged with votes manipulation to rig the results on Mnet’s K-pop idol survival series Produce 101, is allegedly rejoining Mnet. He fulfilled his sentence of two years imprisonment and has decided to continue his work with Mnet post his release.
This news shocked the netizens who were already criticizing the short prison term of the producer. They believe he should have been punished strictly considering the adverse effects of his fraud on the career of the participants. They commented on the Korean news articles by JoongAng Daily and YTN.
Netizens shocked over producer Ahn Joon-young’s reinstatement in Mnet
CJ E&M’s PD Ahn Joon-young lent his hand to build one of the most notable reality shows– Mnet’s Produce 101. However, he previously manipulated the voting results of the first three seasons which resulted in the debut and disbandment of I.O.I, Wanna One, and IZ*ONE.
He was proven guilty of fraud and charged with two years of imprisonment along with a 37 million won ($32,570) fine. According to recent updates by Korean news outlets, he has allegedly rejoined Mnet after nearly a year since his release from prison in November 2021.
YTN news shares that PD Ahn Joon-young has recently been reinstated within Mnet’s music business department as a producer. This update shocked the netizens who believed his prison sentence didn’t reciprocate the crime and its adverse effects.
They criticized the law for the minimum amount of the fine after PD Ahn received tens of millions of won from various entertainment agencies. In addition to that Producer’s reinstatement left a feeling of injustice among netizens as according to them he didn’t suffer any considerable loss.
PD Ahn Joon-young is guilty of fraud and corruption during three seasons of Produce 101
The third division of the Supreme Court with presiding Judge Kim Jae-hyung held an appeal hearing against PD Ahn Joon-young in 2019. Following this PD Ahn received a sentence of imprisonment on charges of fraud, corruption, and obstruction of work.
The accused appealed in the Supreme court by expressing he has grave remorse for his actions. However, he was once again proven guilty without remorse of rigging the public’s paid text votes for Mnet’s Produce 101.
Due to this, the news of his rejoining Mnet within a year of prison release left bitter feelings among the viewers. Furthermore, Korean news outlet JoongAng Daily reached out for official confirmation of Mnet regarding the controversy.
Mnet’s spokesperson confirmed the reinstatement of PD Ahn Joon-young. However, they refused to share any more details regarding the time and reasons behind the decisions.
What is your take on Produce 101 PD rejoining Mnet after prison release? Is it okay for him to continue his work after fulfilling his punishment? Do let us know in the comments below.
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