Korean K-pop fans are expressing frustration over the treatment of X1, the boy group formed through Mnet's 'Produce X 101.' Many of these fans are arguing that the group was unfairly disbanded compared to the other groups from the 'Produce 101' series, alleged to be chosen through vote manipulation.
While IOI, Wanna One, and IZ*ONE were able to continue promoting despite manipulation controversies, X1 was forced to disband shortly after their debut. Many fans feel this created a double standard, as other groups and agencies faced little to no consequences, while X1 "bore the brunt" of public scrutiny.
Fans also point out that the true victims were the manipulated members themselves, not just X1. They argue that the program staff and agencies responsible for manipulation were not adequately punished, and only the group members suffered the fallout.
One netizen argued in a popular online forum, "X1 should have just gone ahead with activities. IOI, Wanna One, and IZ*ONE were all allowed to appear during 'Boys Planet' and 'Boys II Planet,' but only X1 didn't. Looking at this, they should have just gone ahead. X1 is the only group that’s facing disadvantages."
This triggered a discussion online with many agreeing with the sentiment. They commented:
"Seriously, X1 should have promoted. All the manipulated groups ended up doing well, and now people don’t even think about the manipulation anymore lol."
"The main PD of the program was arrested and sentenced, right? Went to jail, both him and another person."
"The funny thing is, people who say they care about the victims. Only X1’s victims are considered? Everyone who was on Produce X also suffered. When interest dropped while the victims were still fighting until the end, a few of us kept posting, but no one paid attention. In the end, only the innocent trainees had their image damaged. Think carefully about whether you want to criticize the manipulation itself or the powerless beneficiaries. The real problem—the program staff and agencies—weren’t properly punished. In the end, they promoted anyway, people didn’t boycott or even curse them, so I don’t understand why criticism is selective."
"It’s really funny. Other groups are still mentioned, people talk about reunions, and someone might think X1 was the only manipulated group."
"I was a little shocked seeing IZ*ONE finish so well…"
"Honestly, people say we should boycott Mnet or stop watching survival shows… lol I was so done with Mnet manipulations that I don’t even want to watch survival shows."
"Exactly lol. Seeing other manipulated groups glorified still makes me mad."
"Honestly, all Produce X participants got the short end of the stick."
"I feel so bad for the trainees."
"The manipulation was revealed during X1, that’s why they couldn’t promote them."
"IZ*ONE should have disbanded early, too."
"I understand X1’s disbandment, but seeing IZ*ONE continue and be treated as legendary… not so great."
"Yeah, all were manipulated, yet some get mentioned, some don’t—it’s funny."
"Seeing IZ*ONE promote openly is still hilarious…"
"The double standard is so annoying… not the public, Mnet."
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