Hwayoung Breaks Silence on T-ara Bullying Controversy, Disputes CEO’s Claims After 12 Years
Nov 10, 2024
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On the 10th, Hwayoung shared on social media, “I recently saw my former agency’s CEO, Kim Kwang-soo, addressing the T-ara bullying incident on a TV variety show. I thought long and hard—100 times, 1,000 times—before deciding to speak out. For 12 years, I’ve lived under a scarlet letter due to the 'T-ara bullying' incident and chose not to respond to countless rumors. But hearing Kim’s biased and distorted remarks about the incident, I feel compelled to share the truth.”
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She went on to explain that when her contract with T-ara ended, she had gathered evidence to prove the bullying. Although she wanted to hold a press conference, Kim Kwang-soo reportedly told her that her sister, who was with the same agency at the time, would face contract termination if she spoke out. “At 20, I thought staying silent was best. But in the end, I left without any apology and stayed quiet for 12 years. Meanwhile, the T-ara members denied any bullying on various shows,” Hwayoung expressed.
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Hwayoung’s post came after Kim’s appearance on the MBN show 'Let's Go' on the 8th, where he revisited the T-ara bullying controversy. Kim explained that he had been frustrated and angry at the time, even tearing up the members’ contracts, saying, “Bring Hwayoung and Hyoyoung here, and I’ll let you go without any conditions.” He also mentioned that he initially wanted to hold a press conference with the T-ara members’ parents to share everything, but eventually decided against it, fearing it would ruin the members’ futures. Kim added, “I don’t think T-ara was at fault, and that’s why I continued their activities.”
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▶Full Statement from Hwayoung
Below is Hwayoung’s full statement:
“Hello, this is Hwayoung from T-ara. I apologize for any inconvenience caused. Yesterday, I watched my former CEO Kim Kwang-soo address the T-ara bullying incident on a TV show. I thought about it a hundred or even a thousand times before writing this. In 2012, I took much of the blame for the so-called ‘T-ara Bullying’ scandal, even though the incident caused T-ara’s disbandment and numerous controversies. I’ve always felt sorry for T-ara’s fans and the members, who parted ways amidst talk of bullying and discord.
For 12 years, I’ve lived under a scarlet letter as part of the ‘T-ara bullying’ case and stayed silent. But hearing CEO Kim’s biased remarks on the show, I feel compelled to correct what I believe to be inaccuracies.
Firstly, it’s true that I was bullied. Contrary to claims that I was ‘playing the victim’ without reason, I tried hard as the new member to adapt and avoid troubling the original members. However, the T-ara members subjected me to abuse and assault. I endured it, hoping things would improve.
Secondly, after injuring my ankle, I often apologized to the members. Even when I couldn’t perform on the Japanese stage, I asked to sing one song out of consideration for the group.
Thirdly, yes, I did have my nails done at the hotel, but T-ara often used nail care services while in Japan, so I felt this was a baseless accusation. It’s unfair to imply I was indulging myself when I simply followed the group’s practices.
When my contract with T-ara ended, I had evidence of bullying. I intended to reveal it through a press conference, but Kim offered to terminate my sister’s contract if I remained silent. At 20, I thought it best to comply. But while I stayed silent, T-ara members went on to deny the bullying on various shows, leaving my family and me heartbroken.
I ask CEO Kim Kwang-soo sincerely: why distort the truth and mention my name after 12 years? I am alone, without an agency, and know the risks of speaking against an influential industry CEO. However, I am confident in revealing the facts of that time.”
joyjoy90@sportschosun.com
