Despite the high anticipation surrounding the debut of ATBO, the newest boy group sensation from IST Entertainment, the group has encountered a significant setback as one of its members, Yang Dong Hwa, faces allegations of school violence.
The seven members of ATBO, which included Yang Dong Hwa, were selected after a rigorous process that was featured on the reality show “The Origin.”The show aired from March to May.
Yang Dong-hwa, who was selected as a debut member as “ATBO”in the survival program “THE ORIGIN –A, B, Or What?”. .. .. . https://t.co/9Erw4LxKas pic.twitter.com/aUGK3g0g7C
— KpopCeleb (@kpopceleb) June 14, 2022
The much-anticipated debut of this promising group was scheduled for the second half of the year, and fans were eagerly anticipating its arrival.
Despite the initial excitement, dismay quickly took over as multiple online platforms and social media channels began reporting on Yang Dong Hwa’s involvement in school violence.
In response to the allegations, IST Entertainment promptly took action by launching a comprehensive investigation into the issue.
On June 13th, IST Entertainment issued an official statement through their social media platforms, acknowledging the gravity of the accusations and revealing their investigations.
“After reading the posts regarding Yang Dong Hwa on social media and online communities, we received the artist’s consent to contact the school officials, alumni and acquaintances to discuss the issue and confirm the facts. Along with this, we also proceeded with fact-checking procedures.
Though some of the assertions turned out to be different from the truth, we found out there were students who were hurt because of Yang Dong Hwa’s immature and inappropriate remarks and actions.”
Although certain claims were found to be untrue, it was verified that Yang Dong Hwa did, in fact, make inappropriate remarks and engage in actions that caused harm to his classmates.
In a sincere display of regret for his previous actions, Yang Dong Hwa personally offered apologies to those impacted by his behavior.
“We were able to get through to some of the students, and Yang Dong Hwa offered a sincere apology to them in person. Yang Dong Hwa reflects on his past actions that were unbecoming of a student, and he is deeply ashamed of how he offended people around him with his lack of consideration.
Apart from the students he had the opportunity to meet with in-person to apologize, he knows there may be more students who went through a hard time because of him, and he has a heavy heart thinking of them.
Following the fact-checking process mentioned above and an in-depth discussion with the artist, we have decided that he will no longer be joining ATBO in their debut and promotions.”
Despite his genuine remorse, IST Entertainment ultimately decided to remove him from the ATBO lineup, effectively cutting short his journey with the group.
The agency reiterated its dedication to upholding the integrity and reputation of its artists, acknowledging the potential negative repercussions that Yang Dong-hwa’s controversy could have on ATBO and other associated acts such as Apink, Victon, The Boyz, and Weeekly.
“Although he hasn’t made his debut, Yang Dong Hwa and his parents have expressed their desire to be reprimanded for the mistakes, and will take this time to self-reflect and repent.
We know this does not make up for the past, but we hope the artist’s sincerity was delivered to those he has hurt.
For the artist himself, we hope this serves as a chance to look back on the past and turn over a new leaf. Yang Dong Hwa will continue to work toward his goal.”
Despite being a major setback for Yang Dong Hwa’s ambitions, he and his parents have taken responsibility for his actions and are willing to undergo a period of self-reflection and redemption, acknowledging the impact of his actions.
Given the sensitivity of the matter and the potential impact on the group’s future endeavors, IST Entertainment’s commitment to prioritizing accountability and integrity demonstrates their unwavering dedication to maintaining industry standards and public trust.
Despite facing obstacles in his career, Yang Dong Hwa continues to navigate through this difficult chapter. It is yet to be seen how he will overcome this setback and if he will be able to achieve his dreams in the highly competitive world of K-pop.
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