YouTube channel Midnight Theories created a 12-minute video, compiling all of the cruelest pranks in K-Pop that took things way too far. The entire video is incredibly well done, but perhaps what jumps out the most is this prank from PRODUCE 101.
Midnight Theories observed that during the first season, the girls were subjected to a hidden camera prank that was downright cruel.
In season one, the producers played multiple pranks on the girls. In this particular hidden camera prank, producers pretended to individually interview the girls and test their personality and responsibility levels.
—Midnight Theories
Then the girls were put to the test to see if they would help and take the blame or watch as the staff member panicked.
—Midnight Theories
During the prank, the trainees took responsibility for the damaged camera and were told that it cost $30,000 to replace.
They were only trainees at the time and already in debt to their company. This was such a cruel experience to put the girls through because many thought they would be in more debt to their company and punished by getting no screen time on the show—or worse, having to leave their company.
—Midnight Theories
Eventually, the girls were given a phone to call their company or parents, and that was when it was revealed that a hidden camera prank was being played on them.
The trainees’ relief is palpable when they discover it was all a prank — but seeing them worry so much is heartbreaking and it was undeniable cruel of the show to put them through such psychological trauma.
Watch the entire video below for a compilation of pranks that went too far:
