Police Conduct Final Investigation into Higher-Ups' Involvement in Vote Manipulation of Idol School and Produce 101

'Sexual Assault Allegation' Kim Gun-mo Investigation Nears Completion
'Celebrity Cellphone Hacking' Suspect Still Being Tracked

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Amid the dismissal of the arrest warrant for the production team of the cable channel Mnet's audition program "Idol School," which was embroiled in allegations of vote manipulation, the police have announced their intention to investigate whether higher-ups were involved.

On the 19th, Lee Yong-pyo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a press conference regarding the court's dismissal of the arrest warrant for the "Idol School" production team, "We respect the court's decision," and added, "We will investigate whether higher-ups were involved and conclude the case."

The police are investigating whether senior officials at CJ ENM were involved in manipulating viewer votes, including in the "Produce 101" series, whose responsible PD and CP were previously arrested and indicted. It is reported that the investigation into higher-level involvement related to the Produce series is in its final stages.

Regarding the singer Kim Gun-mo, who is accused of sexual assault, the police explained, "Since the summons and investigation on the 15th of last month, additional investigations of the victim and other witnesses have been conducted," and added, "We plan to conclude the investigation soon." When asked about the possibility of summoning Kim Gun-mo again, they said, "Since it is in the final stages, it has not been decided whether there will be an additional summons."

Additionally, the police have secured materials related to the hacking incidents of famous celebrities' mobile phones and are reportedly tracking suspects based on this information.