"Did they decide on ILLIT's appearance to coincide with NewJeans' comeback date? That's something only someone who doesn't understand the broadcasting process would say." 

Min Cheol Gi, the CP of JTBC's 'Knowing Bros,' responded to the controversy that popped up on May 17 surrounding ILLIT's scheduled appearance on the show, which coincides with NewJeans comeback date, calling the accusations absurd.

This controversy began when CEO Min Hee Jin filed an injunction against HYBE to prohibit the exercise of voting rights. The hearing was held that morning by the 50th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon). During the hearing, ADOR claimed that "ILLIT's album activities have ended, but they are appearing on an entertainment program coinciding with NewJeans' comeback date," arguing that ILLIT's activities were interfering with NewJeans' comeback.

However, JTBC refutes this claim doesn't make sense. Typically, casting and scheduling for entertainment programs are arranged at least two months in advance. According to CP Min, discussions about ILLIT's appearance on 'Knowing Bros' took place before their debut, but due to scheduling issues on the show's end, the episode was set to air on May 25. At that time, the conflict between CEO Min and HYBE had not yet become public.

CP Min explained, "For 'Knowing Bros,' we usually invite guests when there is outdoor filming. Recently, for a shoot at a camping site in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, YG Entertainment's rookie group BABYMONSTER appeared. Generally, top stars' appearances are scheduled to align with their promotional activities, but since ILLIT is a rookie group, the production team couldn't adjust to their activity period. We asked for ILLIT's understanding and conducted the outdoor filming on the 16th at Jebudo, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province."

The broadcast date was determined by the local government. Typically, for outdoor shoots, the broadcast date aligns with the date requested by the cooperating local government, and Hwaseong City wanted the broadcast to air on May 25.

CP Min emphasized, "The production team did not know NewJeans' comeback date. The timing is coincidental due to the conflict between the two parties, but 'Knowing Bros' should not be dragged into this issue."

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