It has been confirmed that PD Ahn Joon-young, who was sentenced to prison for manipulating the cable channel Mnet's 'Produce 101', has re-entered Mnet.
On the 3rd, Mnet announced on News 1, "Producer Ahn Joon-young, who left the company last year, has re-joined Mnet."
PD Ahn was accused of manipulating the results of viewer paid text voting for a total of four series of Mnet's 'Produce' and receiving entertainment at entertainment establishments on several occasions from 5 entertainment agency officials from 2018 to 2019. The price for improper solicitation is known to be equivalent to 46,837,500 won for 47 occasions.
In March 2021, the 3rd Division of the Supreme Court (Chief Justice Kim Jae-hyung) confirmed the original trial sentence of 2 years in prison and a fine of 37 million won in the appeal of Mr. Ahn, who was indicted on charges of fraud. PD Ahn completed his sentence and was released in November 2021.
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr