Former T-ARA member Areum has spoken up again 12 years after a past bullying incident. Areum’s boyfriend, Mr. A, recently shared on his social media, “I hope that questions about Areum’s past group activities will now stop. It’s a story from 10 years ago, and even Areum does not know much about it.” He also expressed his hope for the controversy to pass naturally, questioning the importance of past traces to the present.
T-ARA debuted in 2009 and gained immense popularity with hit songs like “Bo Peep Bo Peep,” “Roly Poly,” and “Lovey-Dovey,” but faced a major crisis in 2012 when rumors of HwaYoung being bullied emerged. Since then, the members pursued individual paths, but recently, EunJung, JiYeon, HyoMin, and Qri have resumed activities as a four-member group. However, former agency representative Kim KwangSoo’s remarks have brought the incident back into the spotlight.
Kim KwangSoo stated on a broadcast program that Ryu HwaYoung was not a bullying victim but rather a perpetrator. In response, Ryu HwaYoung refuted the claim, asserting she was a victim of bullying. Her twin sister, Ryu HyoYoung, also claimed that Ryu HwaYoung was bullied and that she was compelled to send threatening messages to Areum. Areum, who joined the team as the youngest member at the time, received such messages but currently distances herself from the issue, stating she is not well-informed.
Areum joined T-ARA in 2012 and left in 2013, later getting embroiled in various controversies in her personal life. Recently, she found herself in legal issues alongside controversies regarding her relationship with Mr. A. Nonetheless, Areum has announced legal action against malicious commenters after giving birth to her third child and has also shared news of her fourth pregnancy.
This incident has reignited interest by reopening old wounds from the past. Attention is focused on how Areum’s stance might change and how T-ARA’s future activities will unfold. The developments ahead are eagerly anticipated.
