Ryu Hwayoung Speaks Out Again on T-ara Bullying Allegations, Calls for Accountability

Former T-ara member Ryu Hwayoung has reignited the controversy surrounding the 'T-ara bullying scandal' that emerged 12 years ago. Despite her revelations, Kim Kwang-soo, the CEO, and the T-ara members remain silent. Additionally, stylist Kim Woori, whom Ryu recently mentioned, has also not responded.

According to TenAsia on the 19th, CEO Kim Kwang-soo has not addressed Ryu Hwayoung's public accusations. T-ara members Jiyeon, Hyomin, Eunjung, and Qri have also remained silent, with their social media accounts inactive since Ryu's initial revelation on the 10th.

On the 18th, Ryu Hwayoung expressed on her personal social media, "After posting my statement last week, I waited for their sincere apology above all else. However, I have decided not to expect anything from CEO Kim Kwang-soo and the T-ara members, who have not made any statements so far." She added, "I find solace in the fact that my sister and I could finally speak the truth and clear many misunderstandings and false accusations."

Ryu Hwayoung further explained, "I felt the need to provide additional clarification, so I am posting this lengthy message," referring to the time when her twin sister Hyoyoung sent a message to former T-ara member Ahreum. Hwayoung stated, "At that time, I cared for and looked after the new member Ahreum like a younger sister, but I was hurt by various manipulations from the T-ara members and Ahreum, so I confided in my sister, who then sent a message to Ahreum."

She continued, "CEO Kim Kwang-soo publicly shared my sister's message on a broadcast without verifying the facts, using it maliciously for personal gain, causing mental harm to me, my sister, and Ahreum. This is factual defamation." Hwayoung accused CEO Kim of neglecting the T-ara bullying incident, stating, "Everyone refused to be my roommate, so I lived in the living room without a room at the dormitory. The T-ara bullying incident, including numerous verbal abuse, criticism, and assault, remains my biggest scar."

Meanwhile, Kim Woori is focusing on commerce through tools, remaining silent on Ryu Hwayoung's statements.

Ryu Hwayoung also addressed the 'shampoo abuse' rumor, stating, "Kim Woori was T-ara's stylist due to his connection with CEO Kim Kwang-soo. However, he was not the stylist when I joined. I have never met or spoken with Kim Woori." She explained, "Kim Woori appeared on a variety show, claiming I had an attitude problem, saying 'Shampoo, let's go' to a salon staff member. He stated that as a new member, I had no manners or discipline and that T-ara was not at fault in the bullying controversy, which is all false."

Ryu Hwayoung clarified, "To accurately convey the facts, I have never visited the 'shop' Kim Woori mentioned, nor do I know the person he interviewed. It was a planned video, and this is also clear defamation." She added, "After I clarified on Instagram that it was not true, Kim Woori blamed the broadcast's 'evil editing' for his lies, showing an irresponsible attitude. While Kim Woori might think 'it doesn't matter,' I am still suffering from numerous malicious comments due to his 'shampoo remark.'"

Ryu Hwayoung concluded, "I believe bullying is no different from murder in our society. My sister and I have nothing more to wish for. We just want to forget this incident. For our sake, we will forgive and understand CEO Kim Kwang-soo and the T-ara members and work harder to heal from the wounds we received." She also stated, "For the sake of my family and myself, I will take stronger legal action against the spread of false information and malicious comments, including on YouTube."

Reporter Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr