Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, JTBC's highly anticipated boy group audition show, 'Project 7', has issued a public apology after a wave of criticism arose regarding its stringent verification methods for audience members attending the first competition round.

Details of the Backlash

The show is set to premiere on October 18 at 8:50 PM KST, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to participate in this unique interactive experience.

The controversy ignited on October 4, when an attendee revealed online that entering the venue involved an exhausting series of seven verification steps. Requirements included a valid photo ID, a proof of address, detailed ID checks via Kakao and Naver, a credit/debit card, and even ten solo selfies! The process culminated in needing a government-certified identity document, which many deemed excessive and overwhelming.

Response from the Production Team

Acknowledging the backlash, the production team for 'Project 7' released a statement expressing gratitude to fans and confirming that some audience members indeed faced excessive verification.

They emphasized that while identity checks are essential—especially considering the interactive nature of the show, where live audiences will have the power to vote—there was significant confusion about the procedures in place.

Official Apology

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused," said the production team. They explained that, initially, all audience members were informed of the verification requirements, but due to high registration numbers, their transition to using an external company for the checks resulted in miscommunication.

Future Improvements

Moving forward, the production team has pledged to improve their processes to ensure a smoother entry for fans. This includes simplifying verification steps to create a more enjoyable experience for the live audience, which is crucial as they work to build the future global idol group.

Conclusion and Anticipation

As anticipation builds for the show's premiere, 'Project 7' promises to be a groundbreaking platform, combining audience engagement with the search for the next big K-pop stars. Fans eagerly await the chance to see how the show unfolds, especially after this dramatic start!

Stay tuned as we continue to cover more updates on 'Project 7'. Will they manage to turn this setback into an iconic success? Only time will tell!