Mnet's audition program 'Idol School' producer in charge Kim Tae Eun, reportedly admitted to manipulating votes, was handed over to trial on charges of fraud and obstruction, pleaded not guilty of such offenses in court. Following allegations of electoral fraud in Produce X 101 resulted in a lawsuit, including 'Idol School' in the investigation of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, according to Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation.
On November 9, the Seoul Central District Court held a trial on charges of business and fraud against Chief Producer Kim Tae-Eun of 'Idol School' and previous Mnet business manager, only known by the surname "Kim." Chief Producer Kim Tae Eun and Mr. "Kim" accused of obstruction in CJ ENM's broadcasting production work by manipulating the viewers' votes in 'Idol School,' and fraud against viewers who participated text voting.
CP Kim Tae Eun's lawyer admitted the charges at the trial but pleaded not guilty. In particular, he emphasized the innocence of the alleged obstruction and said, "The victim of interference of business is CJ ENM, but they are also the beneficiary of the fraud. It is a strange framework."
The lawyer further stated that votes were ten percent of the general results through text messaging, while online polls have no weight. Due to the low viewership ratings and the viewers' participation rates are poor, the results were mainly with just family and acquaintance votes.
According to CP Kim, it is not that they did not reflect the text votes; the weight of online options adjusted five times more without noticing viewers. So, he wondered if it is manipulating and deceiving.
Kim Tae Eun's lawyer further denied the charges by claiming that part of the producer's responsibilities is the tallying up the votes and ranking the contestants. He also added that it was for the well-being of the firm.
There might be instances where an individual may be at fault if acting for the company's betterment would negatively affect the third party. But, in this case, it was like an overinterpretation of the obstruction charges of business.
Moreover, for Mr. "Kim," his lawyer stated that the indictment is conspiring with Kim Tae Eun. But, no conspiracy took place. Mr. Kim pleaded, not guilty. Consequences related to being an accessory will be reasonable even if the charge is acknowledged.