‘Victims Became Perpetrators’ Former CEO Kim Kwang Soo Sheds Tears 12 Years After T-ara Bullying Scandal

In the Episode 8 of MBN’s reality show Let’s Go! (GabojaGO) Season 3, airing on November 9, Kim Kwang-soo, known as the “Midas of the Entertainment Industry,” finally opened up about long-standing rumors, including the alleged assault incident with Turbo’s Kim Jong-kook and the T-ara bullying scandal.

During the program, Kim Kwang Soo spoke about Ryu Hwayoung, a former T-ara member, revealing details that had not been publicly disclosed before. He recalled, “I was extremely taken aback and furious, so I warned of a major announcement. I called in Hwayoung and her twin sister, Hyoyoung, tore up their contracts, and told them, ‘You’re free to leave with no conditions.’”

Kim then explained how the incident had escalated into a “bullying scandal” among the public. He mentioned that T-ara members and their parents even considered holding a press conference to clarify the truth. However, he stopped them, saying, “What about the lives of those two (Hwayoung and Hyoyoung)?”

Kim added, “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.” He went on to express regret, tearing up, “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 had reached the height of their career in 2010 with their hit “Bo Peep Bo Peep” after Ryu Hwayoung joined the group. Following that, they released a series of hits, including “Roly-Poly,” “Cry Cry,” “Lovey-Dovey,” and “Day by Day.”

However, controversy began in 2012 when Hwayoung injured her ankle on Show! Music Core and subsequently announced she would not be participating in the upcoming Japan concert. The situation escalated when it was revealed that Hwayoung had been getting her nails done in her hotel room instead of preparing for the concert. Members also posted on social media with statements hinting at a lack of motivation, leading to widespread rumors of discord.

The situation intensified after Hyoyoung and Hwayoung’s rap teacher posted negative comments about the T-ara members online, turning the incident into a full-blown “bullying controversy.” Ultimately, the agency decided to terminate Hwayoung’s contract and remove her from the group.

Despite the agency’s insistence that rumors of bullying were unfounded, the public opinion had already turned against T-ara. The group faced massive backlash, culminating in the infamous “Ten Minute” incident where an audience boycotted T-ara’s entire performance by standing with their backs turned.

Years later, a former staff member revealed inappropriate actions by Hwayoung and Hyoyoung, leading to a shift in public perception. The hardships endured by T-ara members were re-evaluated, yet despite the changed narrative, it was challenging for the members to regain their former standing in the industry.