Photo of X1
It is now being reported that K-Pop boy band X1 is breaking up because of a voting scandal on the TV show that created them.
The group was formed as a result of a South Korean television show called Produce, which ran from 2016 and 2019 and let audiences discover young stars. The most popular singers would then debut in K-Pop groups.
Apart from X1, the following bands were created:
- I.O.I
- Wanna One
- IZ*ONE
Last year, after X1 formed, it was revealed that the competition was actually rigged in favor of certain contestants. There were also reports of bribery and backstage deals between members of the show’s staff and music management companies.
All this has resulted in police charges, and an investigation is still ongoing.
The members of X1 released the following joint statement in conjunction with the news:
“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.”
Individual members of the band also left video messages for their fans, who have helped “We trust X1” trend on Twitter.
CJ ENM, which produced the show, also issued a statement. They said, “Although we did our best to continue X1, we honor the decision of each individual label/agency that came to a conclusion to disband the group.”
The company went on to say that it would “take necessary steps” in order to “compensate” all those adversely affected by the scandal.
In August of last year, X1 released their first album, which was entitled Quantum Leap. The album quickly established a leading chart position, thanks to the baked-in TV audience.
Both IZ*ONE and I.O.I have been on hiatus, with IZ*ONE’s layoff apparently being related to the controversy as well. Though IZ*ONE has agreed to continue performing as a group.
Wanna One has been inactive since 2018.
“singing competition”……………..
Why does this happen to them? They struggled, had issues, broke bones, left families. Just for this to end? Let us start a protest against pdx 101. Redebut X1 and make sure the new pdx 101 seasons are fair!
Seriously the kpop industry is still the hardest thing for everyone. So many things are manipulated… These great artists are only humans, sometimes the industry and the management forgets that. Treat them please like normal young man’s.
Honesty why do this to some group that actually wanted to be real idols. Like that is so messed up disbanding them. SMH that is just messing with their dreams
Why is this happening to them?? They’ve already struggled so much but for what? To end up being disbanded? Even if the competition was rigged, they’ve already released an album that got a leading chart position… Can’t you just consider them as some lucky trainees that got to debut in a kpop group that is on the path to success? Why are you trying to run them off that path? They worked so hard and in vain. I really dislike this.