Revival of the T-ARA Bullying Controversy: Insights from Former Core Contents Media Employees
In a shocking revival of the long-standing bullying allegations surrounding the K-pop group T-ARA, former employees of Core Contents Media have come forward to shed light on the experiences of ex-member Hwayoung. Under the leadership of CEO Kim Kwang Soo, this 12-year-old controversy has reignited, as netizens engage in discussions about the impact and implications of these past events.
Revelations from a Former Employee
On the 10th, an anonymous netizen, referred to as A, made a significant posting, asserting that the allegations of bullying are grounded in reality. A, who had worked at Core Contents Media during T-ARA’s controversial period, stated, “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.” This commentary has sparked renewed interest in the circumstances that led to Hwayoung’s distress within the group.
A went on to detail that Hwayoung’s entry into T-ARA was facilitated by family connections. Allegedly, her sister had the opportunity to join the group but chose to pave the way for Hwayoung instead. A noted, “Hwayoung joined the group not for her skills or looks, but through connections, which naturally caused resentment among the other members.” This sentiment of discord was not limited to the group members; employees reportedly observed Hwayoung’s struggles to adapt to the existing dynamics.
A Pattern of Bullying and Abuse
Continuing with the allegations, A mentioned that another member, Areum, experienced her own challenges adjusting to T-ARA due to the strong personalities within the group. A’s assertion highlighted a troubling culture of bullying, saying, “The bullying and verbal abuse were real. I remember seeing Hwayoung crying after one of the members hit her.” This shocking claim hints at systemic issues that extended beyond individual experiences, indicating a broader concern regarding the treatment of idols in the industry.
A described witnessing instances of bullying firsthand, affirming that other staff members turned a blind eye while noting, “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.” Such disclosures paint a grim picture of the working environment at Core Contents Media.
A closed the narrative with a personal touch, sharing, “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.” To support their claims, A posted a photo of their business card from Core Contents Media.
CEO Kim Kwang Soo’s Regrets
In related developments, CEO Kim Kwang Soo appeared on MBN’s GabojaGO on the 9th, expressing deep remorse over the incident and acknowledging the pain caused by the bullying controversy. He commented tearfully, “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.” His reflections emphasized the heavy burden of leadership decisions and their far-reaching consequences.
Hwayoung’s Response: Confronting the Past
Following Kim’s heartfelt acknowledgment, Hwayoung provided her own reaction, affirming the reality of her experiences. She declared, “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.” Hwayoung further recounted instances of both physical and verbal abuse, emphasizing the gravity of her situation.
She revealed her intent to reveal documented evidence regarding the bullying during her contract termination, stating her frustration with Kim Kwang Soo’s alleged threat to her family. “I left without even receiving an apology and have remained silent for 12 years. Meanwhile, the T-ARA members have appeared on various programs, claiming that they never bullied anyone,” Hwayoung explained, advancing her perspective on how the narrative had been misrepresented over time.
As the discussion continues to gain momentum, the T-ARA saga serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by idols in the K-pop industry and the need for greater awareness and reform.
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