LIGHTSUM Chowon Opens Up on Real Rank in IZ*ONE Without 'Produce 48' Vote Manipulation
Han Chowon, who was supposed to join the final lineup of IZ*ONE, spoke about the manipulation of Mnet's "Produce 48" ranking. In the video, the now LIGHTSUM member emphasized her actual ranking, correcting an internet user.
On August 11, LIGHTSUM Chowon reacted to a compilation of various comments on a video, titled "HELLBAYAH."
In particular, Han Chowon looked back on the cover video of BLACKPINK's "BOOMBAYAH," which she participated in as a mission song during her appearance in Mnet's "Produce 48."
The video, uploaded by the YouTube channel Icon Chips, showcased the legendary "Produce 48" performance cover that garnered hilarious reactions from K-pop fans.
It was deemed as "HELLBAYAH" because of the poor performance that the team of Chowon showed at that time.
LIGHTSUM Chowon Emphasizes Real Rank in 'Produce 48' Finale if There Wasn't Voting Manipulation
While watching the video, Han Chowon couldn't help but laugh at the hilarious reactions of netizens to their iconic meme performance, "HELLBAYAH."
Witnessing their mistakes in the choreography and sloppy performance again, Chowon apologized to BLACKPINK for their poor dancing and singing.
Nevertheless, she said, "BOOMBAYAH members are a very precious team to me. If you watch this video, please contact me," showing her affection for the members who performed with her.
On the same day, Chowon expressed her dissatisfaction to a commenter who said that her final ranking in the show was 13th place.
Han Chowon emphasized, "Please correct the comment. (My) ranking went up from 80th place to 6th place, not from 80th place to 13th place. This is important for me."
Internet users who saw the video responded, "It must have been unfair," "Cheering for you," and, "It must have been upsetting."
ALSO READ: LIGHTSUM Han Chowon Reveals Her True Feelings about ‘Produce 48’ Voting Manipulation
Han Chowon: 'Produce 48' Voting Manipulation and Debut in LIGHTSUM
In context, Han Chowon who joined Mnet's "Produce 48" in 2018 wasn't able to debut in IZ*ONE after ranking 13th place. The show only selected 12 members to join the final lineup, that was why numerous fans expressed their regret that the female idol wasn't able to make it to the cut despite incredible vocals and improved dancing skills.
In 2020 then, it was revealed that the voting for "Produce 48" was rigged, and Chowon's real rank is actually No. 6 — which means that she was supposed to debut in IZ*ONE.
But Chowon decided to move up from the unfortunate experience, and signed with Cube Entertainment. In June 2021, she was introduced as a member of the girl group LIGHTSUM.
Chowon debuted as the main vocalist and received praises after dropping the group's single, "Vanilla."
READ MORE: Mnet Compensates 11 of the 12 Contestants Victimized by 'Produce 101' Voting Manipulation
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Written by Eunice Dawson
