Singer Kim Gook-hun expressed criticism towards the production team as allegations of manipulation spread following the 'Produce' series and now the 'Boful' series.
Kim Gook-hun shared a video of Mnet's 'Boys Planet' broadcasted on the 24th on his social account on the 27th. This video captures the ranking decision battle of Dripin's Lee Hyup and Kim Dong-yun, edited from previously unreleased full footage that had been uploaded through the official account after the main broadcast.
In the video, Lee Hyup and Kim Dong-yun performed Infinite's 'Let's Get It'. With five years of debut experience, the two showcased stable live performances and sharp choreography. However, their performance during the ranking decision battle was completely cut from the main broadcast. Subsequently, Lee Hyup received harsh criticism despite stable skills during the signal song test and dropped from 2 stars to 1 star, ultimately being eliminated as 'No Star'.
'Boys Planet' is divided into ranks of 1 star, 2 stars, and All Stars. However, in the ranking decision battle, participants deemed ineligible by the master are immediately eliminated as 'No Star'. Amid this, the news of the elimination of Lee Hyup, who had outstanding skills, without a reasonable process explained to viewers led to further allegations of manipulation.
Previously, it was revealed that Kim Gun-woo and Kang Woo-jin, who participated as individual trainees in 'Boys Planet', are affiliated with Wake One, a subsidiary of CJ ENM, raising suspicions of favoritism. Kim Gun-woo was the center of the 'K Group', and Kang Woo-jin stood out for his remarkable skills in the first broadcast, receiving high praise from the masters and earning the title of 'All Star'.
When it was revealed that the two were trainees of Wake One rather than general contestants, the Wake One side issued an official statement noting, "Trainee Kim Gun-woo was in the process of applying for the program and assessment before signing with Wake One," and "Trainee Kang Woo-jin had differences in musical concepts compared to existing trainees preparing for the program and lacked experience in professional idol training. Therefore, it was judged more appropriate for him to participate as an individual rather than as part of the Wake One team," adding that they decided to end the trainee contract through discussion for responsible decision-making.
Additionally, as criticism arose over the complete editing of Lee Hyup and Kim Dong-yun's ranking decision battle, Kim Gook-hun posted, "Please do not take advantage of the earnest hearts of those individuals. You do not know how they have practiced day by day," targeting the production team of 'Boys Planet' and Mnet.
Kim Gook-hun participated in Mnet's survival program 'Produce X 101', which aired in 2019. At that time, he failed to make it into the top 20 during the third ranking announcement and was eliminated; however, it was later revealed that he was a victim of vote manipulation in the 'Produce' series, generating sympathy. He was originally expected to survive in the third ranking announcement but was eliminated due to manipulation. Afterward, Kim Gook-hun re-debuted as a duo with Song Yoo-bin called B.O.Y. but, after ending activities in 2021, he made his appearance on ENA's 'Paik's Les Misérables' last year, where he was eliminated and reported that he is now working in a budget market.
Despite Mnet's large apology and promises of victim compensation and prevention of recurrence, as suspicions of favoritism for certain participants arose through 'Boys Planet', Kim Gook-hun seems to have spoken out as a victim of manipulation. The public has been pouring out support for Kim Gook-hun and protests against Mnet.
[Photo] OSEN DB, social media
[OSEN]