Trainee’s Journey: From Canceled Debut Due to ‘School Violence’ to New ‘Korean-Chinese Survival’ Show Premiere

iQIYI’s Starlight Boys Unveils Awaited Debut Lineup

On the 28th of last month, the popular survival show, Starlight Boys, produced by iQIYI, revealed its much-anticipated debut lineup. Among the final nine members are Yoo Gwan-woo, Xiao Zi Heng, Sun Ying Hao, Han Kyul, Zhang Ji Jun, Penter, Lee Jun-hyuk, Tuan Xingxing, and notably, Yang Dong-hwa. Securing a spot in the Top 9 not only enhances their visibility on the platform but also significantly increases their chances of debuting.

Controversy Surrounding Yang Dong-hwa

Despite the excitement of the announcement, considerable concerns have been raised within the Korean fan community regarding the inclusion of Yang Dong-hwa, who placed ninth in the rankings. Yang, born in 2003, previously participated in the 2022 survival audition show The Origin – A, B, Or What?, which aired on KakaoTV and MBN. He was subsequently selected as a member of the group ATBO.

Allegations of Past Misconduct

Shortly after his debut with ATBO, allegations concerning Yang’s past surfaced. Inflammatory photos from his school years depicted him allegedly engaging in smoking and drinking with peers, which drew various accusations of school bullying from purported victims.

IST Entertainment’s Response

IST Entertainment promptly addressed these allegations, releasing a statement that acknowledged Yang’s “immature and inappropriate behavior”during middle school, which impacted some classmates negatively. While the agency clarified that not all the allegations were accurate, they confirmed that Yang had exhibited certain missteps. Importantly, the statement noted that Yang had taken steps to apologize to those affected and expressed genuine remorse for his actions.

Decision on ATBO Debut

After considerable deliberation, IST Entertainment decided against Yang debuting with ATBO, affirming, “We concluded, after thorough discussion, that he would not continue his activities as a member of ATBO.” The agency, along with Yang himself, aimed for him to reflect on his past and work towards becoming a more responsible individual.

Yang Dong-hwa’s Return to the Spotlight

Fast forward two years, Yang has made a comeback, now on the cusp of debuting with Starlight Boys. His new show garners international interest, primarily targeting fans in China. Various responses have emerged on social media, with some fans expressing sentiments like, “Hasn’t he been forgiven?” and “Is there any proof of these allegations?” Nonetheless, a segment of Korean K-pop fans continues to voice their concerns regarding his past.

As Yang prepares for this new chapter in his career, the conversation surrounding redemption, accountability, and personal growth remains pivotal in the K-pop community.

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