Former T-ara CEO Kim Kwang Soo Reflects on Bullying Scandal, Claims ‘Victims Became Perpetrators’ 12 Years Later

Kim Kwang-soo Addresses T-ara Bullying Scandal on Let’s Go! Season 3

In the much-anticipated Episode 8 of MBN’s reality series Let’s Go! (GabojaGO) Season 3, which aired on November 9, renowned entertainment figure Kim Kwang-soo, dubbed the “Midas of the Entertainment Industry,” confronted longstanding controversies surrounding Turbo’s Kim Jong-kook assault allegations and the T-ara bullying scandal.

Revelations About Ryu Hwayoung

During this pivotal episode, Kim Kwang-soo provided insights into Ryu Hwayoung’s departure from T-ara, sharing previously undisclosed details. He recounted a moment of intense emotion, stating, “I was extremely taken aback and furious, so I warned of a major announcement. I called Hwayoung and her twin sister, Hyoyoung, into my office, tore up their contracts, and told them, ‘You’re free to leave with no conditions.’” This dramatic turn of events significantly impacted the group’s trajectory.

T-ara Group Image — T-ara during their peak artistic period.

Escalation of the Bullying Controversy

Kim elaborated on how the situation spiraled into a national “bullying scandal.”He revealed that T-ara’s members and their families contemplated a press conference to set the record straight, but Kim intervened, prioritizing the well-being of Hwayoung and Hyoyoung by stating, “What about the lives of those two?”

With palpable regret, Kim expressed, “When netizens start pointing fingers, that becomes the ‘truth.’ In my view, T-ara did nothing wrong, so I allowed them to continue their activities.” Overwhelmed by emotion, he added, “Whenever the T-ara members visit me on my birthday, I feel so sorry. I should have held back a little more back then.”

T-ara Performance — T-ara’s iconic performance of “Roly-Poly.”

The Rise and Fall of T-ara

T-ara experienced a meteoric rise in 2010 with their hit “Bo Peep Bo Peep,” following Ryu Hwayoung’s entry into the group. This success was bolstered by a string of popular tracks, including “Roly-Poly,” “Cry Cry,” “Lovey-Dovey,” and “Day by Day.” However, turmoil surfaced in 2012 when Hwayoung sustained an ankle injury during Show! Music Core and later opted out of a concert in Japan. Tensions heightened as it surfaced that Hwayoung was seen receiving nail care in her hotel room instead of preparing for the show.

Hwayoung's Announcement — Hwayoung’s announcement controversy led to significant scrutiny.

As the narrative developed, social media activities from T-ara members hinted at dissatisfaction, leading to rampant speculation about inter-member relationships. The situation worsened when negative remarks from Hwayoung and Hyoyoung’s rap instructor emerged online, solidifying the narrative of a bullying scandal that resulted in Hwayoung’s contract termination and exit from the group.

Public Perception and Aftermath

Despite the agency’s firm denial of bullying allegations, public sentiment quickly turned against T-ara. The group faced immense backlash, exemplified by the infamous “Ten Minute” incident, where concertgoers boycotted T-ara by turning their backs during a performance.

Years later, changing perspectives emerged when a former staff member disclosed inappropriate behaviors by Hwayoung and Hyoyoung, initiating a reevaluation of T-ara’s past struggles. While some aspects of the narrative shifted in favor of the group, T-ara continued to grapple with the challenge of restoring their reputation within the fiercely competitive entertainment industry.

For a deeper dive into the evolving narrative surrounding the T-ara bullying scandal, click here.