On the 28th of last month, iQIYI Starlight Boys announced its debut lineup, with Yoo Gwan-woo, Xiao Zi Heng, Sun Ying Hao, Han Kyul, Zhang Ji Jun, Penter, Lee Jun-hyuk, Tuan Xingxing and Yang Dong-hwa securing their places among the nine finals. Those classified in Top 9 they receive greater visibility on the platform and a higher probability of debuting.
However, concerns have arisen among Korean fans, particularly regarding the inclusion of 9th-ranked Yang Dong-hwa. Born in 2003, Yang has already participated in the 2022 survival audition show The origin: A, B or what? aired on KakaoTV and MBN, where he was selected as the final member of the group ATBO.
Soon after, allegations of school bullying against Yang surfaced when photos from his school days showing him smoking and drinking with friends were leaked online. Further accusations from alleged victims began to circulate.
In response, IST Entertainment released a detailed statement acknowledging that Yang had engaged in “immature and inappropriate behavior” during middle school that had caused harm to some peers. While the allegations were not entirely true, the agency confirmed some misconduct on Yang’s part. The statement noted that Yang had personally apologized to some of those affected and expressed deep remorse.
Ultimately, IST decided that Yang would not debut with the ATBO, stating, “We concluded, after thorough discussion, that he would not continue his activities as a member of the ATBO.” The agency and Yang expressed intent to make him reflect on his actions and grow as a responsible individual.
Two years later, Yang released a solo album and is now close to debuting Starlight Boys. The show primarily targets Chinese fans and other international audiences, with most fans responding with comments such as, “Hasn’t he been forgiven?” or “Is there any evidence?” However, Korean K-pop fans have expressed concern.
