ENTERTAINMENT
Ryu Hyo-young Speaks Out on T-ara Bullying Controversy: 'I Regret My Actions'
On November 11, Ryu Hyo-young took to Instagram to express her apologies, stating, "I am deeply sorry for causing concern to many. I am writing to address the bullying incident involving my sister and the text message incident involving myself."
Ryu Hyo-young recalled, "At that time, we were about 20 years old. My sister and I had moved to Seoul, leaving our hometown behind. With no adults to rely on, we were each other's only support."
She continued, "In such a situation, I heard shocking words from my sister. She told me she was being bullied by the T-ara members and expressed how difficult it was, saying, 'I miss you, sister.' The result of trying to stop them from bullying her was my text message incident." She added, "I regret sending that message and still feel remorseful. I have previously apologized to Ahreum for the message, but I remain sorry."
Ryu Hyo-young further explained, "At just 20 years old, there was nothing I could do. I was scared that my sister might make a bad choice if I did nothing. I hope you understand that it was my immature and inadequate best effort to protect my precious family."
Recently, on MBN's 'Let's Go' Season 3, CEO Kim Kwang-soo reignited the controversy by discussing the T-ara bullying incident from 12 years ago.
Hwa-young joined T-ara in 2010, but in 2012, rumors of bullying within the group surfaced. Existing T-ara members posted tweets in a seemingly sarcastic tone, which were speculated to be aimed at Hwa-young. Shortly after, Hwa-young left T-ara.
The controversy was further fueled when a text message from Hyo-young to Ahreum, expressing her anger over the situation, was made public.
◆ Full Statement from Ryu Hyo-young
Hello, this is actress Ryu Hyo-young.
First of all, I am deeply sorry for causing concern to many.
I am writing to address the bullying incident involving my sister and the text message incident involving myself.
At that time, we were about 20 years old. My sister and I had moved to Seoul, leaving our hometown behind. With no adults to rely on, we were each other's only support.
In such a situation, I heard shocking words from my sister. She told me she was being bullied by the T-ara members and expressed how difficult it was, saying, 'I miss you, sister.' The result of trying to stop them from bullying her was my text message incident.
I regret sending that message and still feel remorseful. I have previously apologized to Ahreum for the message, but I remain sorry.
At just 20 years old, there was nothing I could do. I was scared that my sister might make a bad choice if I did nothing. I hope you understand that it was my immature and inadequate best effort to protect my precious family.
