On the 20th, the member debuting as ZB1 (Jebewon) was announced live on Mnet's 'Boys Planet'. The final debut members are Jang Hao, Seong Han-bin, Seok Matthew, Ricky, Park Gun-wook, Kim Tae-rae, Kim Gyu-bin, Kim Ji-woong, and Han Yu-jin.
One by one, the members expressed their feelings about debuting. What caused controversy were the thoughts of Seong Han-bin, who took second place. He said, “I would like to sincerely thank all the star creators who are here today.” He added, “Thanks to the Live family, Studio Glide family, CEO Ravi and Director Jeong Eun, who have always supported me and supported me, I have done many things. “I feel like I gained strength. I am truly grateful,” he said.
Hanbin Seong from Studio Glide. Studio Glide is one of singer Ravi's labels. You can express your gratitude to the CEO of your agency. However, Ravi is a person who caused controversy due to military service corruption. This is why people are asking whether it was necessary to mention Ravi.
Ravi was sentenced to two years in prison by prosecutors on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Prosecutors believe that he attempted to obtain a level 5 exemption by paying tens of millions of won to a broker and receiving advice to postpone his epilepsy. In the process, suspicions arose that he had delayed fainting and made a false report to 119, drawing further criticism. However, since the first trial verdict has not yet been issued, it is true that the principle of presumption of innocence applies.
As he is about to leave his trainee status and make a new start as an idol ZB1 (Jebewon), the assessment is that it was necessary to speak carefully. Seong Han-bin is at an important time when he needs to capture the hearts of the public beyond 'Boys Planet' fans. There was no need to scrape and crumble as he mentioned Ravi.
Not only Seong Han-bin, but the 'Boys Planet' program itself is controversial. 'Boys Planet', which boasted high topicality, was embroiled in suspicions of vote manipulation.
The Korea Communications Standards Commission (CCSC) received a total of 11 complaints related to ‘Boys Planet’. The National Defense Commission announced that it plans to analyze the complaints received and decide whether to place them on the meeting agenda.
The 'Truth Investigation Committee', composed of fans who uncovered the suspicions of Mnet's 'Produce' manipulation, had 'suspicions that they were abusing their broadcasting authority to give certain contestants preferential treatment in internal affairs' and 'announced unclear ranking scores at the survivor announcement ceremony.' They pointed out ‘suspicion of voting fraud’ and ‘supporting participants affiliated with subsidiaries’.
'Boys Planet' said, "Boys Planet's voting system is verified by an external professional agency to prevent vote manipulation from counting to calculating results."
However, it was previously known that votes were rigged for debut members of groups Wanna One, IZone, and X1 created through the 'Produce' series. Fans remained suspicious due to Mnet's record of voting manipulation.
If ‘Boys Planet’ cannot clear the suspicions of vote manipulation, it will be a big obstacle for ZB1 (Zebewon) as well. They will be labeled as ‘manipulative idols’. ZB1 (Jebewon) is struggling even before he officially takes his first step into the music industry.
Ten Asia Reporter Kim Seo-yoon seogugu@tenasia.co.kr