Ha Min Ho, a contestant on "Produce 101" Season 2, has withdrawn from the show following his sexual harassment scandal. His contract with his agency, Vibe Label, was also canceled as a result of the accusations.
The aspiring singer was among the top 60 (no. 47) who were picked in the first elimination round that was held on May 5. Unfortunately, after screenshots of his supposed inappropriate chat conversations with a minor fan were posted online, he was forced to drop out of the contest.
The screenshots show his same ID on Instagram and Facebook so many were convinced that it is his real SNS accounts. The leaked conversations were snaps of DMs or direct messages between Ha Min Ho and a female fan. The exchange was controversial because it contains messages where the trainee seems to be suggesting a sexual relationship with his fan.
As translated by Soompi, part of chat conversation sent by Min Ho reads, "Will you come? It's a bit dangerous because it is at my house. If you don't want anything like that, you'd better not to come."
Now, in response to the controversy, Vibe Label issued its official statement on May 8. The agency apologized to everyone who has been affected, especially the fans and Mnet production team.
"We are sorry for the fans who have been supporting Ha, and the production crew and other trainees of the show," Kpop Herald quoted Min Ho's agency rep as saying. "After the discussion with Ha Min-ho, we have decided to withdraw from the show and cancel the agency contract."
Vibe Label added that Min Ho is now deeply reflecting on his actions. He stirred up a big controversy while he has not even debuted yet so the trainee is said to be very regretful on what he did.
Finally, with Ha Min Ho's departure from "Produce 101" Season 2, Vibe Label now only have two trainees left competing in the reality survival TV program. Yoon Jae Chan and Kim Tae Dong are doing fine and have good chances of advancing to the next levels.
