Former T-ara member Hwayoung’s statement posted on Instagram
“First of all, I would like to sincerely apologize for causing concern with an uncomfortable topic. After seeing the broadcast of a certain variety show yesterday, where former agency CEO Kim Kwang-soo spoke about the T-ara bullying controversy, I thought deeply—hundreds and thousands of times—and finally decided to write this message.
In 2012, as the central figure of the so-called “T-ARA Bullying” incident, I caused various social controversies and witnessed the disbandment of my beloved group, T-ARA. Regardless of who was right or wrong, I have lived with a great deal of self-reproach. I have always carried feelings of guilt toward all the fans who loved T-ARA and the members with whom I parted ways under terms like “bullying” and “conflict.”
For 12 years, I have carried the label of being involved in the “T-ARA Bullying” incident, choosing not to respond to numerous rumors and living with the consequences. Although the breakup was tumultuous, T-ARA’s existence allowed me to be who I am today. Despite having trauma and feeling wronged, I chose to remain silent.
However, upon hearing CEO Kim Kwang Soo’s statements on that particular show, I couldn’t understand why he would bring up the incident from 12 years ago with biased and distorted claims. This prompted me to speak up and correct the inaccuracies with my truth, despite how difficult it is.
Firstly, the fact that I was bullied is true. The claim that I did not experience bullying and merely pretended to be a “victim” is false. As the new member of T-ARA, I worked hard with the determination not to burden the original members and to blend in. However, the original members often subjected me to violence and constant verbal abuse. The reason I endured was that I believed things would improve if I tried harder.
Second, after I injured my ankle, I apologized to the members multiple times. Even when I sprained my ankle and couldn’t perform on stage in Japan, I begged the director to let me sing just one song. This was because I felt immense guilt toward the members who had to work much harder due to me, and I thought singing even one song would help.
Third, it is true that I received nail care at the hotel. However, it was common practice for T-ARA to call nail technicians to our hotel for maintenance during Japanese activities. Getting my nails done was in the same context. Portraying this as if I received nail care solely for my own pleasure before a performance felt like an unjust attack on me.
When my contract with T-ARA ended, I had plenty of evidence to prove that I was bullied and planned to express my side through a press conference. However, CEO Kim Kwang Soo proposed that if I kept quiet without holding a press conference, he would terminate the contract of my older sister, who was also under the same agency at the time. At just 20 years old, I thought that was the best option. In the end, I left without even receiving an apology, and I have kept silent for 12 years.
After that, the T-ARA members appeared on various shows, claiming they had never bullied me, and settled the bullying issue among themselves with statements that were far from the truth. Watching those broadcasts, my parents and I felt helpless, shedding tears as we realized there was nothing we could do.
I sincerely want to ask CEO Kim Kwang Soo: What is your intention in bringing up this 12-year-old story on a show and mentioning my name with such distorted remarks?
Currently, I am without an agency and on my own. I am well aware that I cannot fight against someone who has been influential in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. Despite that, I am speaking up because I have confidence in the truth of what happened back then.” – cr koreakoo
1. I knew Hwayoung was the victim but now the atmosphere has changed and people are saying T-ara is the victim?? I’m speechless
2. I feel sorry for Hwayoung
3. Kim Kwang Soo, why did you suddenly do this..?? Are you crazy?;;;
4. Kim Kwang Soo, why is that bastard bothering T-ara and Hwayoung who are living well? It only hurts both of them
5. Please leave Hwayoung alone, I really feel sorry for her
6. Are they really idiots? If Hwayoung was going to stay quiet, why did they go on air and lie first? Did they think Hwayoung would stay quiet until the end?
7. T-ara fans have been spreading rumors that it’s Hwayoung’s fault and have been bullying her for over 10 years
8. Kim Kwang Soo and T-ara really have no conscience
9. I feel so sorry for Hwayoung….
10. I feel sorry for Hwayoung. She went through something like that when she was only 20
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