T-ara Producer Addresses Bullying Allegations: “I Terminated Hwayoung’s Contract… The Group Members Are Innocent”

Insights from Kim Kwang-soo on the T-ara Controversy

On November 8, MBN’s popular variety show “Let’s Go” Season 3 shared a sneak peek of an upcoming episode titled “Entertainment Company CEO Kim Kwang-soo Reveals the Truth Behind the T-ara Incident That Shook the Nation.” Kim Kwang-soo, a significant figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, has been recognized for his role in launching the careers of numerous stars, including Lee Mi-yeon and Davichi.

Unfolding the 2012 Incident

The controversy surrounding T-ara emerged in 2012 when allegations of conflict among the group’s members, particularly involving Hwayoung, came to light. In a bold move, Kim Kwang-soo decided to terminate Hwayoung’s contract, which ignited what became known as the “bullying scandal.” During a candid reflection, he stated, “I was furious. We made a crucial decision; I had Hwayoung’s and Hyoyoung’s contracts delivered to me, which I then ripped. I told them, ‘Leave without any conditions.’”

The Aftermath of Public Scrutiny

Kim Kwang-soo explained that the decision to dismiss Hwayoung was heavily influenced by feedback from 19 support staff members, who expressed their concerns about the internal dynamics of T-ara. Despite his insistence that the rumors of bullying were unfounded, public sentiment turned against him and the remaining T-ara members, escalating the backlash.

In recalling that tumultuous time, he shared, “Rumors about bullying spread like wildfire. The parents of T-ara members even proposed a press conference to clarify the situation, including presenting text messages. However, I worried about the future of the other members and decided to move forward, confident they had committed no wrongdoing.”

Taking Responsibility for T-ara’s Future

Kim Kwang-soo expressed a willingness to accept responsibility to protect T-ara’s future, stating, “I could shoulder the blame, but if the members were to stop now, their careers would never be the same. I reassured them, ‘I’ll deal with the public outcry; you focus on moving forward.’” Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the experience marked a significant crisis in his life, repercussions of which may still resonate today.

Reflecting on Regrets

When host Hong Hyun-hee inquired if he had any regrets about his decisions, Kim became emotional, admitting, “The T-ara members sometimes visit me on my birthday. I often end up in tears, feeling a deep sense of remorse. I wish I had exercised more restraint back then. Many around me advised against public statements, but I chose to ignore them. I feel genuinely sorry for the girls.”