Music Bank Defends Its Decision To Allow IZ*ONE Perform Their Latest Single 'FIESTA' At The Show

The rigged voting system of Produce 101 is not the fault of IZ*ONE members. That was the decision of Music Bank for its decision to let the group promote their comeback single at the show.

The K-pop female group has been allowed to appear on Music Bank's broadcast on Friday. This is amidst the petition from some netizens to ban IZ*ONE on the show because of the voting manipulation controversy involving Produce 101. 

IZ*ONE is one of the groups that were created through the TV talent competition show. The show has been the center of vote manipulation investigation after its most recent season, Produce X 101, wrapped up.

During the investigation, the show's producer Ahn Joon-young partially admitted to rigging the votes of all seasons of Produce 101, including the one where IZ*ONE was formed in 2018. He was later arrested over allegations of bribery and fraud in the franchise.

X1, the group that was formed by Produce X 101, got disbanded. IZ*ONE was forced to take a hiatus because of the scandal but resume promotions earlier this year. The group made their comeback with a new single "FIESTA" and currently on group promotions.

However, some netizens filed a petition on music shows to bar IZ*ONE in promoting their new song. In response, Music Bank released a statement saying they would allow the group to perform on the show despite the petitions. The show's decision was met with heavy backlash.

Kwon Yong Taek, head CP of Music Bank, to explain their stand. He revealed that they received an equal amount of petitions requesting the appearance or ban of IZ*ONE on their show.

He explained that they do understand the sentiments of netizens about the problem that may arise when they allow a group from a rigged program to appear on TV especially when it was found that the allegations were true. However, Music Bank also respects the opinion of netizens who insisted that the members of the K-pop group have nothing to do in the rigging of the votes and their current promotions have no connection to Mnet, the company who is found responsible for vote manipulation.

Kim said ultimately decided to follow KBS's list of prohibited appearances such as from artists who caused problems in society or commit a crime. The show noted that IZ*ONE has not violated any of KBS's rules, hence they are not on the list of prohibited personalities from appearing on KBS shows.