Producer in hot water for 'healthy pornography' comment

"Produce 101" producer Han Dong-chul has apologized for his remarks. / Yonhap

By Yeo Ye-rim

Han Dong-chul, producer of Mnet's K-pop girl band audition show "Produce 101," is under fire for referring to the show as"healthy pornography."

Online star magazine High Cut asked the producer how he would attract male viewers for the male version of "Produce 101" scheduled for next January.

"The reason I made ‘Produce 101' was to make healthy pornography for guys," he said.

I.O.I

"You know how the participants were all cute and adorable like your younger sisters or cousins?"

"I wanted to make a type of porn that gives you such feelings."

"Any show of good quality will attract viewers regardless of their gender."

"The male version will be healthy pornography for female viewers."

"But because it has a lot of entertainment and fun elements, males will also watch."

On July 22, Han officially apologized for his inappropriate comments.

But netizens continue to complain that he treated the girls as sexual objects.

Han is considered a "star producer" on Mnet, a popular TV music network. He also directed the audition shows "Show Me the Money" and "Unpretty Rapstar."

Eleven winners of "Produce 101" formed girl group I.O.I, which debuted in May. They will release a second album in October.

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