Former Core Contents Media employees, led by CEO Kim Kwang Soo, have reignited the 12-year-old bullying controversy involving former T-ARA member Hwayoung. A netizen, identified as A, posted a revealing comment online on the 10th, stating: “The bullying incident is real.” A shared his experience as an employee at Core Contents Media during the time of the controversy, starting by saying, “I’ll talk briefly about the T-ARA incident. I was working at Core Contents Media at the time and I want to share the truth.”
A claimed that Hwayoung’s family had ties to a company executive and that Hwayoung’s older sister was originally supposed to join T-ARA, but passed the opportunity to Hwayoung. A continuous, “Hwayoung joined the group not because of her skills or looks, but through connections, which naturally caused resentment among the other members. Even the employees at the time noticed how Hwayoung struggled to integrate into the group.”
A also revealed that after Hwayoung joined, another member, Areum, also faced adjustment difficulties due to the existing members’ strong personalities. A further alleged “The bullying and verbal abuse were real. I remember seeing Hwayoung crying after one of the members hit her. She was sobbing and said the member had hit her. Even though I didn’t believe it at first, many staff members saw the other members of T-ARA turning a blind eye to the bullying.”
Finally, “T-ARA bullying is real. There are still many idols in the industry who practice violence and abuse of power. I too was once beaten by a coach for some mistakes I made when I was a coach.” A even posted a photo of his business card from Core Contents Media as proof.
Previously, CEO Kim Kwang Soo appeared on MBN GabojaGO on the 9th, where she tearfully spoke about the 2012 T-ARA bullying controversy, saying: “At the time, T-ARA members were victims, but because of my actions, they ended up becoming the executioners. It’s the biggest regret of my 40 years in the entertainment industry.” He continued, “I thought T-ARA had done nothing wrong, so I continued the broadcast. But the public wondered how powerful I must have been to promote the show. I was worried about Hwayoung and Hyojung, and in the process, I ruined my life. I cry when I see these kids because they could have had an even better peak, but my decision ruined their lives. Even though more than 10 years have passed, the controversy is still ongoing. It’s my biggest regret in my 40 years in entertainment.”
After Kim Kwang Soo’s appearance, Hwayoung immediately responded with a lengthy post, admitting: “It’s true that I was bullied. As a new member of T-ARA, I tried my best to integrate into the group, afraid of causing trouble. However, existing members have resorted to physical and verbal abuse against me.” He also revealed that when his contract with T-ARA was terminated, he had evidence to support his bullying allegations and planned to hold a press conference to reveal his side. However, Kim Kwang Soo reportedly suggested that if she remained silent, her sister’s contract would also be terminated. Hwayoung said: “I left without even receiving an apology and remained silent for 12 years. Meanwhile, T-ARA members appeared on various programs, claiming that they had never mistreated anyone, effectively closing the matter between them with false statements.”
