The former employees of Core Contents Media, led by CEO Kim Kwang Soo, have reignited the 12-year-old bullying controversy involving former T-ARA member Hwayoung. One netizen, identified as A, posted a revealing comment online on the 10th, stating, “The bullying incident is true.” A shared their experience as an employee at Core Contents Media during the time of the controversy, beginning by saying, “I will briefly speak about the T-ARA incident. I worked at Core Contents Media at the time, and I want to share the truth.”
A claimed that Hwayoung’s family had connections with a company executive, and that Hwayoung’s older sister was initially supposed to join T-ARA, but passed the opportunity to Hwayoung. A continued, “Hwayoung joined the group not for 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 fit in with the group.”
A also revealed that after Hwayoung joined, another member, Areum, also faced difficulties adjusting due to the strong personalities of the existing members. 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 turn a blind eye to the bullying.”
A concluded, “T-ARA’s bullying is real. There are still many idols in the industry who engage in violence and abuse of power. I, too, was once beaten by a manager for a few mistakes I made when I was a manager.” A even posted a photo of their business card from Core Contents Media as proof.
Earlier, CEO Kim Kwang Soo appeared on MBN’s GabojaGO on the 9th, where he tearfully spoke about the 2012 T-ARA bullying controversy, saying, “At the time, the T-ARA members were victims, but due to my actions, they ended up being the perpetrators. 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 pushed forward with the broadcast. But the public questioned how powerful I must have been to push the broadcast. I was worried about Hwayoung and Hyojung, and in the process, I ruined my own 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 it’s been more than 10 years, the controversy is still ongoing. It’s my biggest regret in my 40 years in entertainment.”
Following Kim Kwang Soo’s appearance, Hwayoung immediately responded with a long post, admitting, “It’s true that I was bullied. As the new member of T-ARA, I tried hard to integrate with the group, with a fear of causing any trouble. However, the existing members resorted to physical and verbal abuse against me.” She also revealed that when her contract with T-ARA was terminated, she had evidence to support her claims of bullying, and planned to hold a press conference to reveal her side. However, Kim Kwang Soo allegedly suggested that if she kept quiet, her sister’s contract would also be terminated. Hwayoung stated, “I left without even receiving an apology, and I have remained silent for 12 years. Meanwhile, the T-ARA members have appeared on various programs, claiming that they never bullied anyone, effectively closing the issue among themselves with false statements.”
