PD Ahn Joon Young, CP Kim Yong Bum, And Agency Reps Receive Sentences For "Produce 101" Manipulation Charges

On May 29, the Seoul Central District Court announced the sentences for eight people including Ahn Joon Young and Kim Yong Bum for the “Produce 101” series manipulation case.

Previously, PD (producing director) Ahn Joon Young and CP (chief producer) Kim Yong Bum were suspected of manipulating viewers’ votes for “Produce 101.” Ahn Joon Young was also under suspicion of receiving money from entertainment agency representatives at an adult entertainment bar.

Previously during the final hearing for the case on May 12, the prosecutors demanded three years in prison for Ahn Joon Young and Kim Yong Bum.  In addition, the prosecutors demanded two years in prison for assistant PD Lee Mi Kyung and one year in prison for five agency employees and representatives.

For the sentence hearing on May 29, all eight members were present. The judge announced, “We acknowledge them to be guilty of all charges.” Kim Yong Bum received a sentence of one year and eight months, and Ahn Joon Young received a sentence of two years. PD Lee Mi Kyung received a fine of 10 million won (approximately $8,081), two entertainment agency representatives “Kim” and “Kim” received fines of 5 million won (approximately $4,041), and three entertainment agency representatives “Lee,” “Kim,” and “Ryu” received fines of 7 million won (approximately $5,657). Ahn Joon Young additionally received a fine of 36 million won (approximately $29,093).

On the assessment of CP Kim Yong Bum and PD Ahn Joon Young’s case, the judge stated, “Kim Yong Bum should have led the directing to match the aims of the nation’s producers, and his responsibility is great for not having done so. As the main producer, Ahn Joon Young’s accountability is not light, and the public’s mistrust is great due to his improper solicitation.”

Source (1)