In 2019, Mnet released the survival reality program, "Produce X 101," the fourth season of its "Produce" series. In particular, the program birthed three top K-pop groups including I.O.I, Wanna One, and IZ*ONE. For this reason, the support for "Produce X 101" trainees also poured.

In August of the same year, the group X1 was launched, comprised of 11 final members from the same show. However, it was speculated by fans that the show was rigged, leading to an investigation.

(Photo : Timothee, Keum, Kook Heon, Jin Hyuk (Instagram))

In 2020, it was confirmed that there was a vote manipulation that happened from the show. Six trainees lost their opportunity to debut as X1.

Three years after the bittersweet experience, where are the trainees who are unfairly eliminated now?

The Current Status of 6 'Produce X 101' Trainees Who Were Eliminated Due to Vote Manipulation

1. Anzardi Timothee

Due to his body proportion and stunning visual, Anzardi Timothee attracted the attention of fans in the show. However, in the first round, he failed to join the top 60, after ranking 61. It was already a painful ranking, but it became more regretful after it was revealed that he was unfairly eliminated.

After the show, Anzardi pursued his career as a model under ESteem Entertainment, a sub-label of SM Entertainment for modeling.

2. Kim Kook Heon

Although Kim Kook Heon cemented his fandom during the program, the male star was also eliminated in the third round due to vote manipulation.

Initially, fans thought Kim will continue his career in MYTEEN, but the group which debuted in 2017 disbanded shortly after PDX101 ended in 2019.

In January 2020, Kook Heon re-debuted in a duo group B.O.Y. with his former MYTEEN member Yuvin but in April 2021, the team met another disbandment.

In 2022, there is no official update on his career, but fans are hoping he will pursue his solo career.

3. Lee Jin Woo

Due to his cute appearance, Jin Woo gained huge support throughout the show. Thus, many were shocked when he was eliminated. Fans were even more angered when they found out that the trainee was also unfairly removed from the show.

But Jin Woo was not discouraged to pursue his idol career and debut shortly as TEEN TEEN after PDX101. In 2020, the trio joined GHOST9, a rookie group launched by Maroo Entertainment.

On April 7, GHOST9 will release their sixth mini-album, "ARCADE: V."

4. Koo Jungmo

Koo Jungmo reigned as one of the most popular trainees during the show, but he failed to debut as X1 after missing two places to secure a spot in the 11-member group due to vote manipulation.

However, it was revealed that he actually ranked sixth, meaning he is one of the original members.

Nevertheless, after the heartbreaking experience, Jungmo decided to start anew as a CRAVITY member which debuted under Starship Entertainment.

On March 22, CRAVITY dropped "LIBERTY: IN OUR COSMOS," which will be followed by their first concert, "CENTER OF GRAVITY" on April 2 and 3.

5. Lee Jin Hyuk

Jin Hyuk who initially made his name in the K-pop scene as an UP10TION member was also unfairly eliminated after ranking No. 14 in the show's finale. However, he was supposed to debut in X1 after it was revealed that he originally ranked seventh.

Despite sad events, Jin Hyuk continued his career as an idol as a soloist and is now building his name as an actor.

6. Keum Dong Hyun

Lastly, Keum Dong Hyun who was ranked No. 17 during the show's last episode was revealed to be an original X1 member (8th place).

It took him about two years before his official debut under a new group. All of his experiences were worth it after debuting as EPEX's main dancer, center and rapper.

On April 11, EPEX will release its third EP, "Prelude of Anxiety Chapter 1" along with its lead single, "21st Century Boys."

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Written by Eunice Dawson