MEP-C: 4 Controversies That Are Casting A Shadow On The New Girl Group’s Debut

Near the end of 2022, it was announced that MEP-C, a new girl group under GBK Entertainment, would debut sometime this year. The group was shared to be multi-national and garnered attention from fans worldwide because of this face.

Unfortunately, their debut has been marred with multiple controversies involving the group’s management. Here are three issues that cast a shadow on their upcoming debut.

1. Pre-Debut Profiles

When the group was first announced, the profiles of each member were shared but found to be highly problematic by K-Pop fans. Each member was rated in six different categories (visual, performance, dance, rap, vocal, and character) by the company, which many believe should not have been shared in this manner.

Former trainee Aria was ranked low in vocals. | @mepc_official/Instagram Former trainee ROA was ranked low in character and visuals. | @mepc_official/Instagram

2. Sudden Member Changes

The group attracted attention again after realizing many previously shared trainees would no longer be in the group’s debut lineup without any explanation.

GBK explained that the hopefuls would fall under three categories — “WANTED” (meaning they signed a contract to train), “BUSTED” (those who signed an exclusive contract and are being considered for debut, and “MISSING” (those who did not get a contract or transferred to another agency.

Five former MEP-C trainees debuted as X:IN. | Escrow Entertainment

3. Fears of Exploitation

Many netizens worried for the pre-debut trainees after it was revealed that most were international and participating online. GBK announced that only 12 of the 50 trainees would be selected to join its program Girl’s Universe. Many feel these young trainees could be easily taken advantage of in the hopes of reaching their dreams.

| @mepc_official/Instagram

4. Extreme Photoshop In Teasers

Recently, new concept imagery for the group was released featuring what some called AI levels of Photoshop. Not only does it appear the members’ faces were photoshopped, but their bodies as well. Many feel the levels of photoshop were completely unnecessary.

Venus’s concept image. | @mepc_official/Instagram Venus in her concept video. | @mepc_official/Instagram