K-pop, a global phenomenon with a massive social media following, is no stranger to controversy. K-pop bullying scandals have increasingly marred the industry, with several idols facing accusations post-debut. Here’s a rundown of K-Pop’s most talked about bullying cases.
1. Jiyeon (T-ARA)
Back in 2012, Hwayoung, a former member of T-ARA, accused her ex-bandmates of bullying her. Initially dismissed and ostracized, her claims were later substantiated in 2018, implicating not just her former group members but also their management agency. The scandal led to a significant loss of endorsements and fan support for T-ARA.
2. HyunA
In 2019, HyunA found herself at the centre of a bullying controversy involving a middle school classmate. Her agency, P Nation, vehemently denied the allegations. However, HyunA took the high road by issuing an apology for any misunderstandings, leaving some fans puzzled but appreciative of her maturity.
3. Woojin (STRAY KIDS)
Woojin left Stray Kids in 2019, citing “personal reasons.” Fast forward to 2021, and a former classmate accused him of bullying during their middle school years. Woojin denied the allegations, but the controversy has effectively halted his career in the entertainment industry.
4. Jimin (AOA)
In 2020, Mina, a former member of AOA, accused Jimin of subjecting her to a decade of bullying, which included both emotional and physical abuse. Initially, Jimin denied the allegations but later issued a public apology and stepped down from AOA, causing a ripple effect on the group’s reputation.
5. Soojin (G)I-DLE
Soojin faced accusations of bullying from a former middle school classmate in 2021. Additional accusers, including the mother of an alleged victim, came forward. Despite initial support from her agency, Cube Entertainment, Soojin eventually left the group in March 2021 amid growing public scrutiny.
6. Mingyu (SEVENTEEN)
Mingyu was accused of bullying a middle school classmate in 2021. His agency, Pledis Entertainment, refuted the allegations, but Mingyu chose to issue an apology for any misunderstandings, demonstrating a sense of accountability.
7. Hyunjin (STRAY KIDS)
In 2021, Hyunjin faced accusations of bullying classmates during his middle school years. His agency, JYP Entertainment, acknowledged a physical altercation but denied any broader bullying. Hyunjin apologized and took a four-month hiatus to reflect on his actions.
8. Sunwoo (THE BOYZ)
Sunwoo was accused of bullying classmates in 2021. His agency, Cre.ker Entertainment denied the allegations, but Sunwoo took it upon himself to apologize for any misunderstandings, showing a willingness to address the issue.
9. Chuu (LOONA)
Chuu faced similar accusations of bullying classmates in 2021. Her agency, BlockBerry Creative, refuted the claims, but Chuu issued an apology for any misunderstandings, leaving fans with mixed feelings.
10. Soyeon (G)I-DLE
Soyeon was accused of bullying classmates in 2021. Her agency, Cube Entertainment, denied the allegations, but Soyeon issued an apology for any misunderstandings, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing issue.
11. Kihyun (MONSTA X)
Kihyun faced bullying accusations in 2021. His agency, Starship Entertainment, denied the allegations, but Kihyun issued an apology for any misunderstandings, raising questions about agency accountability.
12. Aisha (EVERGLOW)
Aisha was accused of bullying her classmates in 2021. Her agency, Yuehua Entertainment, refuted the claims, but Aisha took the initiative to apologize for any misunderstandings, sparking debates about the role of agencies in these scandals.
13. APRIL
In 2021, former APRIL member Hyunjoo accused her ex-group members of years-long bullying. The group faced additional accusations, went on hiatus, lost sponsorships, and ultimately disbanded in October 2021, marking a low point in their career. This remains one of the most infamous K-pop bullying scandals to date.
14. Kim Garam (LE SSERAFIM)
In 2022, Kim Garam was accused of bullying classmates. Her agency, HYBE Labels, initially denied but later confirmed a physical altercation had occurred. Garam apologized and exited the group in May 2022, leaving fans questioning the agency’s initial denial.
Oppa’s final thoughts
The success of Netflix‘s original series The Glory has reignited the conversation about school bullying … Which is a serious problem that affects millions of students worldwide. It’s crucial to note that not all allegations against these idols have been substantiated. However, the surge in bullying scandals in recent years has undeniably heightened public awareness and called for greater scrutiny in the K-pop industry.
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