Former director of 'Company B' defends 'Boys II Planet' contestant Kim Geon Woo in new interview

A former director of 'Company B' has stepped forward to deny the bullying allegations raised against 'Boys II Planet' contestant Kim Geon Woo.

Earlier this week on July 16 KST, an anonymous netizen came forward via SNS to accuse Kim Geon Woo of bullying other trainees during his time at 'Company B'. The accuser, who called Kim Geon Woo the "King of Company B'", alleged that the 'Boys II Planet' contestant had received preferential treatment due to the influence of two employees within the rookie development team and that Kim Geon Woo also bullied the other trainees until they were forced to seek treatment for depression and anxiety. 

Now, in an interview with YTN Star, a former director of 'Company B' (hereby referred to as 'A') refuted the claims made by the anonymous netizen, instead stating, "At the time, Geon Woo was the oldest trainee and was designated as the leader of the team. He was burdened with significant responsibility." 

'A', who is known to have been a director at the rookie development team at 'Company B' from 2022 through 2024, argued, "There was never any form of favoritism demonstrated by the rookie development team. Back then, the monthly evaluations were carried out with all of the upper-ranking officials of every branch of the company present. Structurally, it was not a situation where one branch could control the opinions of every employee present. Kim Geon Woo simply received good evaluations because he was the most talented." 

Regarding the anonymous accuser's claims that Kim Geon Woo "vacationed in Japan" with 2 company employees who favored him, 'A' responded, "The trip in question was a schedule formally approved by the company. It was a filming scheduled with 3 of the 7 fixed members of the debuting team. All funds used for this trip underwent company approval." 

Finally, 'A' stated, "Kim Geon Woo spent around 4 years training and honing his skills at major entertainment companies. He was more ambitious and responsible than any trainee out there."

Meanwhile, in response to the accusations raised against Kim Geon Woo, the producers of Mnet's 'Boys II Planet' told media outlets on July 17 KST, "We are currently confirming the facts regarding these accusations. We will uncover the exact details by not only contacting the accuser but also by consulting 'Company B' affiliates." 

The contestant's audition, in the meantime, was aired without editing on the July 17 broadcast of 'Boys II Planet'.