Following Kim Kwang Soo’s remark clearing T-ARA’s name from their past bullying issue, Ryu Hwayoung issued her rebuttal, still standing firm in her claims that she was the victim.
On November 9, Kim Kwang Soo, founder of Core Contents Media (hereinafter MBK), spoke out about the bullying scandal of former girl group T-ARA for the first time.
In a show, he recalled the conflict between the members 12 years ago and clarified that contrary to what Hwayoung said, the others were innocent and the former was actually the bully. Then he bowed his head after taking a long time to reveal the truth.
However, on November 10, Ryu Hwayoung, the victim-turned-villain, labeled all of Kim’s statements as biased and distorted statements.
Although she regretted what happened to the team, the former idol felt obligated to correct the inaccuracies revealed by Kim on the program.
Ryu Hwayoung stated through an Instagram post:
“First, the bullying story is true, but it is false that I wasn’t the one being bullied and that I was ‘cosplaying’ as the victim.”
Here, she insisted that the original members gang up on her despite her efforts to merge as an additional member. Hwayoung did not explicitly state how, but confirmed that she had been physically and verbally abused.
Later, she also clarified the issues regarding her going to a beauty salon despite having an ankle injury. At the time, he only performed one song and later took a break from their Japanese activities, leading T-ARA to work twice as hard due to the revision of line distribution and changes in choreography.
She did not deny having her nails done at a hotel before performing, but explained that it was to fix a broken nail and not for her own satisfaction.
READ ALSO: Here is the truth behind the T-ARA bullying scandal, according to the founder of MBK: “The victims have become executioners”
In the long letter, Hwayoung further states:
“At the time of terminating my contract with T-ARA, I had a lot of evidence that could prove bullying, so I tried to announce my position through a press conference, but CEO Kim Kwang Soo suggested that if I remained silent without holding a press conference discussion, he would also terminate the contract of my older sister (twin Ryu Hyoyoung) who was working with the same agency at the time. I was only 20 years old, so I thought it was the best thing to do the group without even receiving an apology and remained silent for 12 years.”
Hwayoung expressed the pain her family must suffer as they watch T-ARA give “distorted” positions to clear their names on various shows.
After finishing the letter, he called Kim Kwang Soo.
“I would like to sincerely ask CEO Kim Kwang Soo, what the hell was your intention in appearing on a show and mentioning real names to make such completely distorted statements about a story that happened 12 years ago?
I am currently alone without agency. I also know that I cannot oppose the CEO who has exerted consistent influence in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. Despite this, the reason I can tell you this is because I am confident that I can reveal the truth about that period.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Where are Hwayoung and Hyoyoung now? Status of the “Ryu Twins” after T-ara’s bullying scandal
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
