The T-ARA bullying controversy was reignited on the November 9 broadcast of MBN’s “Let’s Go”, where T-ara‘s former CEO Kim Kwang-soo discussed the bullying scandal from 2012. At the time, new member Hwayoung was embroiled in rumors of internal discord and bullying, leading to her departure from the group. During the program, Kim Kwang-soo claimed the bullying accusations were untrue.
In response, Ryu Hwayoung refuted Kim Kwang-soo’s claims, alleging that the bullying did happen. She posted a lengthy statement, “It was a tumultuous departure, but I acknowledge that T-ara’s presence shaped who I am today. Despite multiple traumas and injustices, I chose to remain silent until now.” She explained that Kim Kwang-soo’s recent comments prompted her to speak out.
On November 18, Hwayoung released a second statement, providing more details about her experiences and expressing hope for apologies from the T-ara members and Kim Kwang-soo. She also warned of taking strong legal action against any false accusations or malicious comments targeting her and her family.
Areum, another former T-ara member, also addressed the controversy. Having joined the group later than the others, she admitted struggling to adapt to the sudden tensions among the members. She shared that Hwayoung had always been particularly kind to her, and she remained grateful, siding with Hwayoung in the controversy. Areum further revealed that her time in T-ara left her feeling isolated and that the experience became a source of deep emotional scars.
Meanwhile, Kim Kwang-soo and the remaining T-ara members have continued to maintain their silence. In 2021, the original members of T-ARA released a full-group album, “Re:T-ara”, showcasing their solidarity. Though they have not been active as a group since then, they held a fan meeting in Macau last month to celebrate their 15th anniversary.
With many second-generation K-pop groups reuniting and resuming activities, there was growing interest in T-ARA’s future. However, Hwayoung’s recent allegations have led to widespread criticism of both Kim Kwang-soo and the group. As fans and the public revisit the controversy, questions remain about how the scandal will impact T-ara’s legacy and whether it will ever be fully resolved.
Source: Daum
