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[17.03.23] Kim Kwang Soo leaves a message for T-ara, "thank you for enduring through the scandal." “Thank you to the T-ara who have suffered all this while.” Girl group T-ara members Boram and Soyeon will be terminating their contract with MBK Entertainment. Hyomin, Eunjung, Jiyeon and Qri will be renewing their contract to extend their activities until December 2017. The rumors of T-ara disbanding started to spread and based on MBK’s previous official statement that “T-ara’s final 6-member group album will be released in May 2017,” it seems that their disbandment is certain. T-ara’s fate will be decided at the end of this year. MBK’s CEO Kim Kwang Soo said over the phone, “T-ara’s disbandment is not certain yet. They will release their final full 6-member group album and then we’ll make the final decision of the team’s fate at the end of this year. I wanted T-ara to round off their career together in perfection and it is a pity that they can’t do it together now. The remaining 4 members will be retaining the T-ara name till the end of this year.” All this while, T-ara’s course of actions have always been decided by MBK. But T-ara is after all, a veteran girl group of almost 9 years of experience. T-ara’s persistence and durability are not influenced by MBK but rather, based on all the members’ will. CEO Kim continued, “it’s a matter where the members’ willingness is important. They will release an album in May 2017 after discussing among themselves. Even if T-ara decides to disband after this year, I will respect their decision.” CEO Kim added, “the (remaining) members will be active in their personal schedules, to have their own solo albums or as actresses, etc. They will be working hard for the things they want to do individually. I will be supporting them. I want to thank T-ara for working so hard all this while. I’m really grateful to them for enduring so well, it was really tough for them.” T-ara has been through controversy after controversy all these years. The ‘Hwayoung Bullying Scandal’ back in 2012 has recently surfaced once again. T-ara still remains tight lipped about this matter. It was a painful memory of that time for T-ara. CEO Kim said, “we were afraid that the scandal would blow out of proportion 3 years ago. The matter at that time was a painful memory for T-ara’s members. It would be tough for them if that same thing were to surface again. It’s called a wound because it’s not pleasant. My heart hurts when I think of the members who suffered all this while.” Last but not least, CEO Kim said, “the members have went through a lot of hardships since a young age because of activities and schedules. Because of the members’ suffering, not just the company but also personally, my heart hurts for them. I’m not sure what T-ara’s future will be like but I will sincerely respect the member’s opinions regarding any decisions.” *** Source: Naver

[17.03.23] T-ara to hold events in Japan and SEA, mini concert and fanmeeting in Korea in June T-ara is planning to end their full 6-member group activities with a mini concert and fan meeting in June. Soyeon and Boram, who will be terminating their contract on May 15, 2017, will be included as well. T-ara is planning to promote as a full 6-member group for 3 weeks in late May 2017. In June, they are planning performances in Japan and Southeast Asia for overseas fans as well. It is expected that they will have a mini concert and fan meeting for Korean fans too. It is not a for-profit performance but made with a heart to have one last farewell performance with their fans. According to MBK’s official statement, “Boram and Soyeon will terminate their contract in May 15. Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin and Jiyeon decided to renew their contract till the end of Dec 2017.” After much consideration, Boram and Soyeon decided not to renew their contracts. But after successful persuasion from the other remaining members, they will bid their farewells to fans as a full 6-member group in June even after their contract termination. Eunjung will be appearing in the drama, “Daughter-in-law of all sorts”, Jiyeon will release a solo album, Hyomin will go overseas for activities and Qri will have personal schedules through 2017. *** Source: Daum

[17.03.23] Soyeon and Boram will not renew their contracts, remaining members extend till December 2017 Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin and Jiyeon have extended their contracts with MBK Entertainment until December 2017. Soyeon and Boram have decided not to renew, their contracts will end on May 15. An MBK Entertainment official said, "Soyeon and Boram have decided not to renew their contracts. We respect their decision and will support them moving forward once their contact expires." Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin and Jiyeon had renewed their contracts during last September till February this year. Contract renewals are usually discussed six months prior to the contract expiration. They are expected to have solo activities, drama, overseas and other schedules until December. T-ara will release a new album with 6 songs in May. This will be the last album as 6 members due to the contract expiration. All members will promote the album until the end of June. *** Source: Naver Please note, Soyeon and Boram are leaving MBK Entertainment only, not T-ara. They will properly regroup after December. :)

[17.03.22] T-ara's upcoming album to include a song written by junior group DIA titled 20090729 T-ara's junior group DIA have written a song for T-ara that will be included in their upcoming album, titled 20090729. 20090729 signifies T-ara's debut date and is meaningful song for the final album. An official said, "the song represents how DIA sees T-ara. High quality results can be expected as DIA have been learning to write, compose and play instruments." T-ara will be releasing their album with 6 songs in May. It is the last album to be released before their contract with MBK Entertainment expires. *** Source: Naver

[17.03.20] T-ara's upcoming album to include 6 tracks including a 6 minute medley of 24 songs A MBK Entertainment representative stated on the 20th, "T-ara's new track has been recorded. This last album will have 6 songs in total." According to the agency, the album will include a 6 minute medley of 24 songs such as Lies, TTL, Bo Peep Bo Peep, Why Are You Being Like This, I Go Crazy Because of You, Lovey Dovey, Number 9, Sugar Free and others. 6 members, 6 tracks and a 6 minute medley, to come to a meaningful end as 6. T-ara are currently preparing for their comeback. *** Source: Naver

[17.03.17] T-ara reveal title track composed by Brave Brothers for final album under current contract, 'My Name' Brave Brother's has been revealed to be the composer of the title track of T-ara's final album as a whole group. According to parties involved on the 17th, Brave Brothers wrote and composed the title track 'My Name' for T-ara's final album, under their current contract, in May. My Name is a song about a lover mistakenly calling someone else's name. It a song featuring an addictive rhythm unique to Brave Brothers. Brave Brothers previously composed T-ara's title track So Crazy and Hyomin's solo debut track Nice Body. Brave Brothers' My Name was confirmed as the title song of T-ara's last album as a complete group. T-ara will release their album on May 17th. Their contracts are expected to expire in May, making it the group's final activity as a full group. T-ara will release the album and conduct all promotions, local and abroad, until June. Their agency and the members will discuss contract renewals then. *** Source: Naver

[17.03.16] T-ara to release final album under current contract with MBK Ent. in May... "They are not dismantling" T-ara "is not dismantling." MBK Entertainment revealed their official position on recent concerns on the 16th, "T-ara will complete their activities with their final album in May." "Because the member's contract end at different points, this is T-ara's last album as a complete group, but it is not the dissolution of T-ara," a representative said. "After consulting with the members, we have already decided to release the album and plan to continue all activities, broadcasts, performances, local and abroad, until June." *** Source: Naver

[17.03.11] Eunjung shares more about Mind Memory and her acting career... a Spring flower that blooms once again We met with Hahm Eunjung, who is like a cherry blossom that returns alongside Spring. Once again as actress Hahm Eunjung. Similar with her girl group activities, Hahm Eunjung is persistently challenging herself in the acting environment and has recently made a significant breakthrough in Thailand. She made a great stride recently by acquiring the lead role for the Thailand movie ‘Mind Memory’ which premiered last 23rd of February. Ranking 1st in ticket sales in Thailand, the movie ‘Mind Memory’ draws a romantic story between Thailand top star James Ma and Ham Eunjung and received hot supports from local fans. It is a Sci-Fi-Romance movie involving a daughter of the CEO of a Korean software company, Minji (Ham Eunjung), who is interested in the software developed by a rich and elite young Thai man, Pat (James Ma). Having tried horror and romantic-comedy before, this time she successfully transformed into a mother's friend’s daughter (perfect person) image. BNT News exclusively met up with Eunjung who has once again changed herself into a brand new image. Ham Eunjung said that she wanted to be remembered as a kind person in the future according to her past BNT pictorial. It has been 2 years since then, it is now March and filled with the warmness of Spring. Our interview with her this time is filled with warmth, liveliness and feminine shyness. Q. How was the local response? Mind Memory was released on February 23rd. I’ve been hearing that Valentines’ Day has been switched from the 14th to the 23rd of February instead (laughs). It was a romance movie that was anticipated to this extent. There was a lot of local presence. There were also many reporters present during the premiere, so I thought that was quite a local response. Q. What kind of movie is ‘Mind Memory’ that it was so anticipated? This is a movie that was filmed while I travelled between both Korea and Thailand multiple times. It is a romance movie involving a Korean career woman and a genius who is very engaged in the Thai IT Business world. This movie contains friendship, love and technology and will satisfy your every senses. I watched it myself and found it interesting. (Laughs.) Q. It is said to be a sci-fi-romance movie. I'm curious as to what kind of romance there is. When you mention science fiction, most will think of space science fiction. But this movie contains many technology elements. The use of the term ‘science fiction’ in the movie is fitting as there are many aspects that are yet to be scientifically proven or has sufficient evidence to back it up. It is definitely different from the science-fiction we had in mind. Despite all that, one thing that’s definite is that this movie, unlike other movies, uses technology to serve as a medium for the start of the romance between the man and the woman. Q. While we’re on the topic of romance, I want to know your personal style of dating in real life. Um... compared to my character in the movie, I’m more of an adventurous type. My character is more of a serious and careful type. In the movie, even though the feelings are there, my character refuses to acknowledge it and broods over it, asking herself if it's really the way it is. But I’m more straightforward in real-life and I don’t push-and-pull. Q. You've got your first role in a Thai movie. It feels like something different. Firstly, it's my first time filming for a movie overseas so I am quite worried if I did a good job. The first task I assigned myself is to understand the culture of the country. If I am to film in that country, I have to familiarize myself with it. I wanted the locals to not see me as a foreign actress, but instead just a friend from another country. I think that way when the movie premieres, it will be in the mix altruistically. Of course I’m very fond of Korea, but it needs to be shown as much as I like it. Q. The reason you choose the movie? I’m was very curious when I read the scenario on what kind of synergy there would be between a Korean and a foreigner and what would happen next. It made me want to give it a try. (Laughs.) Of course it was very interesting as well, and I’m also curious about how the CG will appear. Q. Your thoughts on collaborating with Thai actor James Ma? Firstly, before I met him, I had already heard of him being a very popular star in Thailand. And I understood why the moment I met him. (Laughs.) He feels like an oppa despite being younger than me. He has very good manners and he takes charge on scenes. He also took care of me so that it doesn’t feel like I was filming overseas. It has been a good collaboration. Especially, about 80% of the dialogue is in English, and I am not well-versed in the language and that had me worried. Every time that happened, James Ma helped me like a teacher, taking care of the trivial things to make the filming more comfortable and I’m very grateful for that. Q. 80% of the dialogue is in English. Language seems to be the biggest problem present. Um... you can say that the English lines are very long and me doing English looks kind of embarrassing. There were quite a lot of English lines in it. But what I really felt was that language barrier was not that important. Even if we speak different languages, as long as we exchange our feelings and be considerate to one another, it is something possible. Q. What’s your personal favorite scene? It was also revealed in the teaser, it was a scene filmed in Suwon. The male and female leads are sitting under a big tree waiting for other casts. It was very chilly and the male lead takes off his coat and puts it over the female lead. And the female lead in exchange took off her scarf for him. (Laughs.) I think this scene is very natural and romantic. Q. Is there a character you want to play in the future or something you're unsure of? There is no character that I’m unsure of. I’m actually afraid of many things but whens the camera pans on me, I lose that fear. I feel like I can shave my head, or be an animal... I think it’s fun to take on a challenge. I've done many roles where I experience a one-sided love; I want to take on a role where I’m loved by many. (Laughs.) Crime or mystery thriller is fine too. I’d also like to try a sad character like ‘Another Oh Hae Young’, or the opposite, like the role of a level-headed lawyer or detective. I think I’d like to try many roles. That’s why there are no roles that I’m unsure of. Q. Anybody you'd like to collaborate with? Cho Jin Woong senior! As a fan, I think he carries a very good energy. Hence, I’m really curious what it’s like to act alongside him and I’d like to learn from it. As a fan. (Laughs.) Q. Do you treasure singing or acting more? Ah. I’ve received this question many times. (Laughs.) I hardly think about this but I just can’t pick a side. They have different charms but they also have something in common with each other. When I sing, there’s a fantasy element that exudes a strong charm like it’s a short act. And when I act, I express my feelings, that would otherwise be expressed through dance and song, through words as I express them to fellow actors and actresses. The only difference is in the way I express myself, I look at both of them the same way. I think being able to continue doing both is a good fortune. Q. You look very passionate while acting. Is there an acting role model you look up to? Jeon Doyeon senior and Ha Jiwon senior. They’ve been my role model since I was young. They can absorb whatever role that is given to them; I admire their great acting skills. They digest the role so well that they look like a totally different person in different works. I’ve always I wanted to be that kind of actress and that acting should be done like that. Q. What do you do in your free time? I think I’m very similar with my peers. We watch reality shows at home, or we meet up with friends to enjoy ourselves at delicious eateries or pretty cafes. (Laughs.) It’s also interesting to watch the “Animal Farm" with my dog. When there’s a sad scene coming up, I cover my dog’s eyes. (Laughs.) We watch movies or exercise, there’s nothing special really. But I like these kind of ordinary things. Q. That’s right. When you have busy schedules, it's nice to rest at home. You seem like a ‘stay at home’ style. I like both staying at home and going out. Being able to balance both of them gives me great satisfaction. (Laughs.) Q. Any wish you have for 2017? It’s the same every year. I wish everyone around me, including me, to not be hurt, not get into accidents and have many happy days. It may sounds like a textbook and unimaginative answer, but this has always been my biggest wish. It’s really just this one. (Laughs.) Ham Eunjung who always conducts every interview with lots of aegyo and sincerity. She might have said an earnest wish but there’s actually another wish. She’s a great fan of actor Colin Firth and hopes that the release of Kingsman 2 won’t be delayed any further. In other news, she is casted in the upcoming MBC daily-drama “All Kinds of Daughters-in-Law” s the romantic partner of actor Kang Kyung Joon. She has never stopped challenging herself and enjoys changes. Just like Spring that will certainly come, and flowers will bloom and melt the frozen heart. *** Source: BNT Translation by Stew

[17.03.06] T-ara confirmed to make a comeback in May with 13th mini album T-ara will be making a comeback in May! MBK Entertainment has confirmed T-ara will return with their 13th mini album in early May, six months after the release of their 12th mini album, REMEMBER, in November. T-ara's title song Tiamo was the first time the group strayed from their usual dance style but proved to be a warm and refreshing medium tempo song. The new mini album's title has yet to be decided but will be a bright song aimed for summer. Officials state, "it will be a 180-degrees change from from Tiamo." T-ara who are currently in their 8th year have been preparing for a full-length album but will be releasing a new mini album in early May. *** Source: Daum

On February 9th, a former staff spoke out on Hwayoung playing victim and revealed shocking messages from Hyoyoung to Areum. Diadem chose not to report the story as we associate with Hwayoung no longer. However, for everyone’s reading and to finally conclude this 5 year long scandal, we wish to present Dispatch’s true and detailed chronological report of the scandal. Hwayoung left the group on July 30th 2012. On this day, Core Contents Media (now MBK Entertainment) announced that Hwayoung’s contract had been cancelled unconditionally. Hwayoung said, “fact without truth” on her personal SNS. Which is the truth? What is real? What truth was omitted and what is the reality that exists? Let’s start with the reality: Hwayoung appeared at the airport assisted by managers. (24th) Performs only one song (Day By Day) at Budokan. (25th & 26th) Hyomin posted on her Twitter, “difference in determination.” (25th) Hwayoung refuses to go up on Music Bank’s stage. (27th) Official announcement of Hwayoung leave. (30th) 1 to 5 are undebatable facts, but there are some realities omitted from the situation’s background. Hyoyoung did not reveal the reality at that point, and T-ara’s explanation fell on deaf ears. Reality without facts? 5 years have passed since then. On February 9th, 2017, the incident resurfaced. Why Hwayoung received assistance, why Hyomin posted that tweet, why Hwayoung was left out of music bank… the background of the incident was exposed. Is what the staff said real? Is it the omitted truth from the “fact without truth”? Or is it nothing? Dispatch met up with 6 staff who worked with T-ara in 2012, stylists and managers, and asked about the incident 5 years ago. AFTERNOON OF THE 25TH The catalyst to the scandal is the tweet Hyomin made on the 25th. “Difference in determination.” Dispatch asked the staff for the reasoning. They said, let’s take a look from the dressing room of Budokan on the 25th. “The members were all sensitive. It was their first Budokan concert and Hwayoung missed out on the rehearsal for it. She had taken personal time. Hyomin was referring to that part of the situation.” What was Hwayoung’s reaction? Another staff mentioned Hyomin’s reaction at the time. “Hyomin of course talked to Hwayoung. ‘Don’t be like this.’ Hwayoung just raised the volume on her headphones. It was perceived as her not wanting to talk about it. Hyomin gave up on trying to converse and left.” Hyomin tweeted on the 25th at 16:54 “the difference in determination.” It was 1 hour before the concert. AFTERNOON OF THE 24TH The T-ara members sympathized with Hyomin, Eunjung also quoted, “we should look out for the people around us,” agreeing with Hyomin. Soyeon likewise tweeted, “difference in Determination + Attitude + Consideration.” Why did they all voice out similarly? It was the topic of the day they arrived in Japan on the 24th of July. The person responsible for transport explained the incident on that day. Hwayoung looked for a hospital even in Japan. She said she needed a leg cast. In the end, 7 members of T-ara headed for Budokan while Hwayoung headed for the hospital. “Just like what the hospitals in Korea said, the hospital in Japan also said a leg cast was unnecessary. It would heal naturally, but it did need extra attention.” Even so, Hwayoung’s next destination wasn’t straight back to Budokan. Hwayoung left for the hotel, and the absurdity of especially mentioning this whole thing is the nail art part. “She said she wouldn’t be able to perform at the concert anyway so she may as well rest at the hotel, and since we’re resting at the hotel, might as well get some nail art in the mean time. This reached the members’ ears.” 24TH, THE BEGINNING T-ara began practicing the choreography formation for 7 members. It was called the “Without Hwayoung” version at the site. The concert officials told Dispatch, “they changed formations for approximately 22 songs. Not only the members, the sound system, lighting and other staffs had a hard time as well. The rehearsal went on for approximately 8 hours.” T-ara arrived in Seoul from Ulsan at 3 AM on the 24th after the Ulsan Music Core special was over on the night of the 23rd. The members only got roughly 3 hours of sleep before heading out to Japan again. “Everyone was exhausted and the 8 hours of rehearsal only made it worse. If Hwayoung joined the rehearsal, or even arrived on the scene and explained herself, the time would’ve significantly shortened. ” On that day, Hwayoung did not come anywhere near the rehearsal site. It was unclear if she did or did not get her nails done too. The manager at the time did not personally ask the nail artist. Excuses like they couldn’t get a reservation were made. AFTERNOON OF THE 26TH There was a difference in ache and the difference in pan was huge. Hwayoung’s pain is only existent to herself. She made up her own diagnosis that she needed more rest in order to avoid a more serious injury. Misunderstandings piled up and they turned into distrust. They looked at things differently. T-ara wanted to personally hear an apology and appreciation of their had work, but Hwayoung only apologized at the press conference in front of reporters. On the other hand, Hwayoung wanted to hear, “it’s okay, don’t worry about it,” as a form of consolation but the members were already disappointed with Hwayoung’s attitude. They couldn’t understand the logic behind heading straight back to hotel and not attending the rehearsal. T-ara and Hwayoung spent 3 days and 2 nights of schedules together like that and returned to Korea. Afterwards, things spiraled out of hand. It was at the Music Bark dressing room on the 27th. AFTERNOON OF THE 27TH This is the part that was never disclosed previously. It was not an information even the staff who posted on the online communities knew. The reconciling part. Eventually the timing ruined everything. The following is the testimony of a staff member who has been close to T-ara and in his private life “Hyomin tried to start a conversation. She sincerely wanted to address the problem. Hwayoung saw that sincerity too. She said, ‘I got it,” she walked alone afterwards and practiced by herself. Her expression was different.” According to this staff, the situation was thought to be resolved with that. Then Hwayoung’s unnie, Hyoyoung, sent out the text messages exactly 1 hour before Music Bank went live. Dispatch also got in touch with another staff in the dressing room at the tine. She witnessed Areum’s expression turn serious, the members gathering together and Hwayoung’s perplexed expression. “Areum‘s face stiffened. It was a scary expression. She of course asked for help from the unnies. Hyomin immediately asked Hwayoung to resolve the situation. Hwayoung left the dressing room and was on her phone crying.” The staff also added her own guess. “Hwayoung may not have been comfortable in Japan by herself. She may had complained to her sister. But Hyoyoung didn’t know at the time, that they had reconciled and had sent out those text messages looking out for her younger sister. This totally split up the members.” 27TH, AFTER DINNER Water had been spilt. There was nothing else to be done. Then the assumptions started pouring in. Witnesses of “Hwayoung running out crying” will cry out it’s bullying. Afterwards, rumor like “Hwayoung was force-fed rice cake,” “Hyomin stabbed Hwayoung’s eyes,” “Borarn broke Hwayoung’s umbrela,” “Jiyeon did not high five Hwayoung,” started pouring in. T-ara did explain, but they had already become suspects of bullying. They believed nothing. Hwayoung neither confirmed nor denied the case. Instead, Hahm Eunjung tried to stop the drama by coming out clean for the fist time. “It’s true there was a clash of opinions between the members, but using this to further exacerbate the bullying controversy really hurt me. Through distortion of facts. I’ve been hurt a lot and saddened by it.” T-ara and Hwayoung walked their own separate paths. Just like that 5 yeas had passed and Hwayoung appeared on a talk show. She called the incident “something that could’ve happened.” If you have to determine who’s at fault, there won’t be an end to it. Hyomin tweeted about Hwayoung’s attitude Hyomin’s tweet offended Hwayoung Hyoyoung’s threat after Hwayoung is offended Hwayoung booted after Hyoyoung’s threat… If any one of these occurrence was omitted, it wouldn’t be as dramatic as today. To summarize, it’s not about whether or not it would have happened. The start was trivial, emotion played a part, misunderstandings happened, and then T-ara were treated like monsters. Hwayoung become an icon of ‘Pico.’ *** Source: Disptach via Naver Translation: Stew

Aloha kakahiaka ohagi~ The original photoshoot is for this magazine but it only consists of a couple of photos. These photos are from the KWAVE Japan app.

[PHOTOSHOOT] T-ara for KWAVE Japan October 2015 - 133 Unseen Photos (02/04) CREDIT: KWAVE Japan + Jiyeonista + tiaradiadem.com