South Korean boy bands Block B, B1A4 and INFINITE are going to be investigated by the police after allegations of sexual harassment were filed against the female staff members of "SNL Korea" Season 8.
In November this year, a video emerged showing the staff of "SNL Korea" sexually harassing the members of B1A4. The staff members were seen acting aggressively towards the group and touching the members' crotch areas, Koreaboo reported.
A similar incident happened to INFINITE in October, during which member Dongwoo dropped to the floor due to embarrassment.
The members of Block B, B1A4 and INFINITE are being summoned to appear before the police headquarters in Mapo for questioning. In case of failure to appear, the police will go to the groups personally to proceed with the case. A separate date for questioning has been set for Block B as member Zico is still in Hong Kong for the 2016 MAMA.
If comedian Lee See Yung, who is seen as the main culprit of the act, she will face a 10-year prison sentence or a fine of up to 15,000,000 Won.
The staff of SNL Korea has issued an apology for the harassment issue involving B1A4, Block B and INFINITE. In its statement, the staff of the show stated that they usually perform a ritual prior to the show, which starts with a brief introduction of the host and then a group huddle.
"Our staff created a welcome for these hosts from the perspectives of fellow celebrities, in order to relieve them of their nerves and empower them with confidence. It was in hopes that we could get them to laugh, cry 'fighting' along with us, get rid of the butterflies, and partake in the show at tip top condition," the show said in a statement, according to allkpop.
However, the staff admitted that some of the crew members may have surpassed acceptable boundaries that caused the discomfort and irritation of the idol group members and their fans.
Meanwhile, B1A4 also commented that while they are frustrated that the issue came up just around the time they were releasing on their albums, they want to focus more on their promotions.
