Prosecutors Demand 3 Years for PD An Jun-young in 'Produce' Ranking Manipulation... "Betrayal of Viewers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The prosecution has requested a three-year prison sentence for PD Ahn Jun-young, who was indicted on charges of vote manipulation in the idol audition program 'Produce 101' series on the cable channel Mnet.

On the 12th, at the final trial held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 (Presiding Judge Kim Miri), the prosecution asked the court to sentence PD Ahn accordingly.

The prosecution also requested a three-year prison sentence for Kim Yong-beom, the executive producer (CP) who was indicted together. Assistant PD Lee was requested a two-year prison sentence, and five executives from entertainment agencies were each requested a one-year prison sentence.

The prosecution pointed out, "The Produce series gained popularity across various age groups because viewers felt vicarious satisfaction in the fairness of the rankings, which rose based on trainees’ hard work and recognized skills regardless of their agency affiliation or size," adding, "Since it was revealed that a significant part of this was manipulated, there must have been great disillusionment and betrayal regarding the ideal of fairness in society."

The prosecution stated, "Now is an era where broadcasting not only reflects public opinion but also shapes it and leads the public," and added, "We hope that this case will serve as a reminder for those involved in broadcasting and media to not forget their responsibilities and to play a positive role in society."

In his final statement, PD Ahn tearfully said, "Since my detention last December, I have been praying every day to be sincerely forgiven by the citizens, trainees, and viewers who have been deeply hurt," and "I will live repaying for all these sins for the rest of my life."

PD Ahn and others were indicted on charges of manipulating paid text message votes from viewers during the live competitions of 'Produce 101' seasons 3 and 4 to benefit specific candidates.

PD Ahn is also accused of receiving entertainment expenses worth tens of millions of won multiple times from entertainment agency officials since last year (embezzlement and bribery).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.