Heartbreaking Tale of a Trainee Unfairly Eliminated From ‘Produce 101’: “I Opened the Car Door to Jump Off”

Kim Kook-heon, a former member of the boy band MYTEEN, has recently attracted significant attention following his heartfelt appearance on the new ENA variety show, “Baek Jong-won’s Les Misérables,” which debuted on November 30.

Confronting a Difficult Past

During the show, Kim Kook-heon bravely opened up about his past challenges and present situation, evoking a strong emotional response from the audience. Introducing himself as a “former failed idol and current 28-year-old unemployed Kim Kook-heon,” he skillfully blended humor and vulnerability, creating a memorable viewing experience.

Kim debuted in 2017 as a member of MYTEEN; however, the group struggled to achieve enduring popularity and ultimately disbanded. In 2019, he sought to jumpstart his career by participating in Mnet’s survival reality show, “Produce X 101,” where he, alongside fellow MYTEEN member Song Yuvin, captivated viewers with his impressive looks, stage presence, and vocal abilities while consistently ranking high in the competition. Despite his talent, Kim faced the disappointment of elimination during the third ranking announcement, dashing hopes for a final appearance.

A Victim of Vote Manipulation

In a shocking revelation in November 2020, it came to light that Kim was among the participants affected by the notorious vote-rigging scandal connected to the “Produce 101” series. His removal from the competition stemmed not from a lack of fan support but rather from fraudulent voting practices.

The resulting emotional turmoil severely impacted Kim’s mental health. He candidly shared his harrowing experience, stating, “There was a time I opened the car door on the highway, ready to jump. It’s a memory so painful that I genuinely wanted to end it all.”

Produce 101 Kim Kook-heon and Song Yu-bin

Amidst this challenging time, Kim found hope in an advertisement featuring the renowned chef Baek Jong-won, who spoke about the importance of “resetting one’s life.” This inspiring message reignited Kim’s drive, leading him to join “Baek Jong-won’s Les Misérables,” where 20 contestants undertake cooking tasks under Baek’s mentorship, striving to transform their lives.

Kim emphasized that the idea of “resetting” his life was a pivotal factor in his decision to participate in the show, signifying a new beginning in his journey.

Life Post-MYTEEN

Following MYTEEN’s disbandment, Kim and Song Yuvin formed a duo called B.O.Y, collaborating on various projects. In 2021, Kim appeared on TV Chosun’s “National Singer,” but despite his efforts, he was unable to progress beyond the preliminary rounds.

Additionally, the pair ventured into digital content creation by launching a YouTube channel titled “Give You an Empty House, Take My House,” where they explored creative avenues and connected with their fanbase.

The Journey Continues

Kim Kook-heon’s participation in “Baek Jong-won’s Les Misérables” shines a light on his resilience and unwavering determination. The program airs every Saturday at 8:30 PM, showcasing participants as they embark on a path toward personal development and transformation through culinary challenges, guided by Baek Jong-won’s expertise.

Source: Wikitree

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