K-Pop band X1 have announced they are disbanding after it was revealed the TV talent show which chose their members was rigged.
It was alleged late last year that Mnet series Produce X 101, which formed the 11-member band in July, had pre-determined its results despite a public vote to choose the final members from 101 trainees.
The show’s producing director Ahn Joon Young admitted in November to manipulating the vote to ensure certain members came out on top and formed the South Korean band.
Ahn – who was arrested – also admitted to manipulating votes for Produce 48, which resulted in the formation of 12-member girl group Iz*One.
K-Pop band X1 (pictured) have announced they are disbanding after allegations the TV talent show which chose their members was rigged
Chief producer Kim Yong-bum and six other entertainment agency representatives were later indicted for charges including obstruction of business, fraud, and bribery in December.
X1, who released their debut album Emergency: Quantum Leap in August, went on hiatus in the wake of the scandal and cancelled numerous public appearances and concerts, The National reported.
Members of the band have now confirmed they have parted ways in a joint statement, despite reports last week that they would ‘resume activities’.
‘This is Play M Entertainment, Yuehua Entertainment, TOP Media, OUI Entertainment, MBK Entertainment, Woollim Entertainment, DSP Media, Starship Entertainment, and Brand New Music’, the statement read.
‘The X1 members and each of the agencies negotiated under the condition of unanimous agreement, but we could not come to an agreement, so we have decided on their disbandment’.
It was alleged late last year that Mnet series Produce X 101, which formed the 11-member band in July, had pre-determined its results despite an apparent public vote
In November, the show’s producing director Ahn Joon Young admitted to manipulating the vote to ensure certain members came out on top (Pictured: X1)
Kim Woo Seok, 23, who was a member of X1, shared a letter to the band’s fans on Twitter after the disbandment was announced on Monday.
He wrote: ‘Through X1, I learned a lot of things and had the precious experience of receiving lots of love from many people. When everything that I thought was only a dream finally came true, you were by my side. Once again, I thank you.
‘It was an honor to work together with the X1 members, and I will cherish the memories of our time together in my heart for the rest of my life. I ask that you send the X1 members, with whom I cried, laughed, and spent many days together, a kind word instead of criticism’.
Three people, including Kim Yong Bum and Ahn, allegedly met two days before the Produce X 101 finale in July to decide which of the 11 contestants they wanted to pick for the band, Metro reported.
Kim Woo Seok, 23, who was a member of X1, shared a letter to the band’s fans on Twitter after the disbandment was announced on Monday (Pictured: X1)
X1, who sold more than 500,000 copies of their self-titled EP in the first week of release, had a contract intended to last five years after their debut.
The split comes after it was reported last week, in the midst of the scandal, that both X1 and IZ*ONE would ‘resume activities as soon as possible’.
CJ ENM’s CEO Heo Min Heoi said in a statement: ‘I bow my head in apology to have disappointed you with the series of incidents related to Mnet.
‘It’s heartbreaking to think of the trainees that only dreamed of debut. I’m so sorry. I’m also sorry to the fans and viewers who spent their precious time sending text votes. There is no excuse for it. It’s our fault. As CEO, I feel responsible.
‘We will also provide all possible support for the IZ*ONE and X1 members to resume activities. Considering the emotional pain and pressure that the members are experiencing along with the opinions of many fans who support the resumption of their activities, we will works to continuously discuss plans for IZ*ONE and X1 to be able to resume activities as soon as possible’.
Following the news of X1’s disbandment, Mnet told AllKPop it was ‘positively considering the continuation’ of IZ*ONE’s activities.