Ryu Hwayoung, a former member of the K-pop group T-ara, has stated that the bullying she experienced from other members was real.
On November 9, Kim Kwang-soo, CEO of T-ara’s former agency, appeared on MBN’s Let’s Go Season 3 and discussed the T-ara bullying scandal from 12 years ago. He explained that Hwayoung sprained her ankle during a music show, but her injury was minor according to doctors. Although the group had rehearsed without her for a performance in Japan, Hwayoung went on stage, earning praise from Kim. However, the other members felt unacknowledged for their hard work and wanted an apology from Hwayoung. When a private conversation about the issue 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 the bullying rumors, harming T-ara’s public image. Despite the members’ families proposing to release the full conversation, Kim chose not to, concerned for Hwayoung and Hyoyoung’s future.
The next day, on November 10, Ryu Hwayoung posted on social media, disputing Kim’s account and feeling compelled to reveal her side of the story to correct any misrepresentations.
According to Hwayoung, “Firstly, the bullying allegations are true. Claims that I pretended to be a victim are false. I joined T-ara hoping to integrate well with the existing members, but I was subjected to physical and verbal abuse from them. I endured it, hoping things would improve if I worked hard.” She added that she had apologized multiple times to the members following her ankle injury, seeking to contribute by performing at least one song.
Regarding accusations that she relaxed by getting her nails done at a hotel, she clarified, “It’s true I received nail care, but it was common for T-ara to arrange nail care during Japanese promotions. I only sought maintenance to fix a broken nail before the performance.”
Hwayoung also disclosed that, at the time of her contract termination, she had evidence supporting her bullying claims. 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 20 years old, Hwayoung saw this as the best course, leaving T-ara without receiving an apology and staying silent for 12 years.
Hwayoung ended her statement by questioning Kim’s motives for bringing up the issue after 12 years. “I am currently without an agency and understand I cannot fight someone as influential as Kim Kwang-soo. Yet, I speak out now because I am confident in sharing the truth.”
Source: Nate
