Ryu Hwayoung, former member of K-pop group T-ara, said the bullying he experienced from other members was real.
On November 9, Kim Kwang-soo, CEO of T-ara’s former agency, appeared on MBN Let’s go season 3 and I discussed the T-ara bullying scandal from 12 years ago. He explained that Hwayoung sprained her ankle during a music performance, but according to doctors, her injury was minor. Although the group rehearsed without her for a performance in Japan, Hwayoung took the stage, earning Kim’s praise. However, the other members felt unrecognized for their hard work and wanted an apology from Hwayoung. When a private conversation on the subject was leaked, the bullying scandal erupted.
The CEO revealed that, angered by the situation, he tore up the contract with Hwayoung and her sister Hyoyoung, advising them to pursue their careers independently. This response inadvertently fueled bullying rumors, damaging T-ara’s public image. Although the members’ families proposed releasing the entire conversation, Kim chose not to, out of concern for Hwayoung and Hyoyoung’s future.
The next day, November 10, Ryu Hwayoung published a post on social media, disputing Kim’s account and feeling obligated to reveal her side of the story to correct any misrepresentations.
According to Hwayoung, “First, the bullying allegations are true. Claims that I pretended to be a victim are false. I joined T-ara hoping to fit in well with the existing members, but I was subjected to physical and verbal abuse from them. I endured it, hoping that things would get better if I worked hard.” She added that she apologized to the members several times following her ankle injury, trying to contribute by performing at least one song.
As for the allegations that she was relaxing by getting her nails done in a hotel, she clarified: “It’s true that I received nail care, but it was normal for T-ara to organize nail care during Japanese promotions. I looked for maintenance just to fix a broken nail before the show.
Hwayoung also revealed that when she terminated her contract, she had evidence to support her bullying allegations. She initially intended to hold a press conference to express her position, but Kim Kwang-soo offered to release her sister Hyoyoung from her contract if she remained silent. At the age of 20, Hwayoung saw this as the best thing to do, leaving T-ara without receiving an apology and remaining silent for 12 years.
Hwayoung concluded her statement by questioning Kim’s motives for raising the issue after 12 years. “I am currently without agency and understand that I cannot fight someone as influential as Kim Kwang-soo. Yet, I speak now because I have faith in sharing the truth.”
Source: Nate
