by Journalist Jo Eunbyul
"We purposely airing ILLIT's episode on New Jeans' comeback date? That's something that someone who knows nothing about broadcasting mechanisms would say."
On the 17th, 'Knowing Brothers' PD Min Cheolgi responded with disbelief regarding the controversy surrounding ILLIT's appearance on the show.
The controversy arose when it was reported that CEO Min Heejin brought up the issue of her request to stop HYBE from practicing their voting rights on her dismissal. The hearing took place in Seoul Central District Court on the morning of that day. During the hearing, ADOR's representatives argued that although ILLIT's promotions had ended, the girls would still appear on variety shows, overlapping with New Jeans' comeback. They claimed that this would interfere New Jeans' comeback.
However, this claim does not make sense at all. Generally, the appearance of guests on variety shows are arranged at least 2 months in advance. According to Min CP's explanation, ILLIT had discussed about their appearance on 'Knowing Brothers' way before their debut. However, due to 'Knowing Brothers' circumstances, the episode will be broadcasted on May 25th. This was before the conflict between Min Heejin and HYBE was publicly revealed.
Min CP stated, "'Knowing Brothers' often invites guests for outdoor filming. Recently, YG Ent.'s rookie group, Baby Monster, filmed at a camping site in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. Typically, top stars' appearances are scheduled according to their promotions, but since ILLIT is a rookie group, the production team couldn't align with their schedule. We asked understanding from ILLIT's side and proceeded with outdoor filming on May 16th in Jebsu Island, Hwaseong city."
The broadcast date was chosen by the local government. Generally, in the case of outdoor filming, the broadcast follows the date designated by the local government. Hwaseong City wanted the episode to be aired on May 25th.
Min CP emphasized, "The production team had no idea when New Jeans are going to have their comeback. Despite the coincidental timing and the conflict between two sides, there is no reason for 'Knowing Brothers' to be dragged into this incident."
-This is too much of a reach.
-"There's no reason for 'Knowing Brothers' to be dragged into this incident." That's true.
-Will Min Heejin apologize to ILLIT for this?ㅋㅋㅋ
-What's their label doing?ㅋㅋㅋ They share the same PR team and they couldn't coordinate this?
-It’s just a coincidence; there's no reason for 'Knowing Brothers' to do such a thing.
-Isn't it HYBE's job to arrange the schedule? The PD's job is to arrange the casting and broadcast.
-It's more of a HYBE problem than 'Knowing Brothers' problemㅋㅋㅋ
-Most idols usually appear on variety shows during their promotion period. HYBE messed up.
-Of course, 'Knowing Brothers' wouldn't have known about New Jeans' comeback date. But shouldn't HYBE have known?ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-It is already stated that the broadcast date was decided by the local government. Criticizing them for this is a bit too much.
-No one blamed the PD.
-From a rookie group's perspective, should they really reject an offer to appear on a variety show just because another group from their label is making a comeback that week? I don't get why this is a problem.
