On January 22, it was confirmed that former Mnet producer Ahn Joon-young, who served a prison sentence for manipulating votes in the series Produce, recently contacted some members of X1 with a proposal to join a new reality variety program. While the show is still in the planning stages and hasn’t yet been confirmed for air, the outreach alone has sparked speculation about a potential return for the disbanded group.
This development follows Mnet’s decision to reunite the members of Wanna One, who were selected via Produce 101 Season 2, for an upcoming reality program. With this wave of nostalgia for Produce alumni gaining traction, fans are watching closely to see if X1 can rise from the ashes and shed the stigma of their past.
X1 debuted in August 2019 but disbanded in January 2020 after the vote manipulation scandal came to light. Members of the group returned to their respective agencies, facing backlash and being labeled a “rigged group.” A reunion could mark an opportunity to reclaim your image and reconnect with fans.
Curiosity is also growing as to whether Ahn Joon-young will personally direct the new reality show. After being sentenced to two years in prison in May 2020, he completed his sentence and was released in November 2021. If the show goes forward under his leadership, it could spark both controversy and interest.
It remains to be seen whether this potential reunion will actually happen and whether it can lay the foundation for the rebirth of X1. Fans and industry observers alike are keeping an eye on further developments.
Sources: Daum
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