nathaniel

[12.08.06] Jevice's Jiae reason for leaving T-ara, "I wanted to try various music styles" T-ara's original member Hana (real name Jiae) debuted in the female duo Jevice. In the past, she was confirmed as a member of T-ara with Eunjung, Jiyeon, Hyomin and Jiyeon and debuted with the OST "Good Person" for MBC's "Cinderella Mna". However, she withdrew for personal reasons but after three years of studying she is back. Hana (Jiae) said, "Before I debuted, I was free enjoying different music styles and band live performances and also went to Russia to experience different music. Then, through a friend, I found out and prepared to audition for a girl group." "I felt like being in a girl group would be interesting. I thought singers are also in groups, so I could join a group to continue singing. I dreamed to be a singer and even a girl group seemed fine to me," she said. Continued by, "When the time came closer (to debut) there were restraints. I wanted to try a lot of music styles and show different colors, but I felt like the music we would do in the group was not what I wanted." "When the group came out (T-ara) it was hard to endure because I was a kid still, I didn't know what the future would hold for me and it was hard to think about," she said, "Now that I'm in a group that focuses more on vocals and I can try various musical styles. It's fun and not what I expected. I'm free to do whatever styles I want." The other member of the group, Juri, debuted as a soloist in 2009. *** Source: Newsen Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.05] True or not, the public will only believe what they want about T-ara's bullying situation "Tara-'s Hwayoung Was Not Bullied!" Written by Kim Yong Hyo, a reporter who has written many editorials on hot issues within the entertainment industry for the column [연예세상 비틀어보기] T-ara’s Hwayoung never once mentioned the word “bullying.” And in reality she was not bullied. Netizens are merely creating evidence of bullying. (Those who seek the truth about such ‘bullying evidence’ please see the post http://thetaratruth.tumblr.com). Nevertheless, the public now believes “Hwayoung was bullied” as the truth. Why is this? Probably because from the very beginning, many believed in the rumour that there is bullying among girl groups in the entertainment industry. But some activists used what is claimed as ‘evidence’ to cleverly fabricate stories and to stir up the innocent and trusting public. The first time I heard about the news of Hwayoung being bullied, I asked “So you’re saying that T-ara’s Hwayoung was bullied”? Because this it not the truth. Recently, I went with T-ara to their Tokyo Concert to gather information, and Hwayoung and the other members got along very well. Used in relation to her, the word ‘bullied’ is inappropriate. Born with a beautiful appearance to a relatively well-off family, she grew up lacking nothing. And also with her father’s vigorous support for his daughter to become an artist. (Personally finding his way to a large agency company for his twin daughters to become artists, and interfering with CCM with all his might, a father like this, if his daughter really was bullied, would he really stand by and do nothing?) Of course, because young girls are grouped together in girl groups, issues of envy and jealousy will come up sometimes. (This is true not only with T-ara, but also other girl groups). But to part of the public who are on a witch-hunt against T-ara, these issues were not small conflicts, but collective violence. I can guarantee, such incidents did not, and could not possibly exist. But the public believes that T-ara members are bullies, without a doubt. Therefore, some of the members’ past and private life etc have also been dragged out into the public for discussion. Even more cunningly, netizens have packaged and claimed their actions on the internet as done to protect the victim Hwayoung from the other members’ violence and bullying. T-ara is now fully wounded. But the cruel public continues to use their hatefully crafted products (i.e the ‘evidence’) to mock them. They truly see their own actions as legitimate and just. T-ara’s Hwayoung was not bullied. Even if there was conflict with Hwayoung, the level of intensity and strength compared to the bashing now done to Tara is not even one in a million. The public only believes what it wants to believe. The more frightening part is that they will never admit or accept any rebuttals to the contrary. Their reaction to this article will probably be, “Oh, he must have received money from Kim Kwangsoo.” But this is not a rebuttal. It is the truth that those who hate T-ara never want to believe. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120805n15192 Translated via Chinese translations by: @kckclalala

[12.08.04] Backlash after T-ara appears on "Sebakwi", "We demand an apology" After T-ara's appearance on Sebakwi, the message boards have been flooded. T-ara appeared on MBC's "Quiz To Change The World" (Sebakwi) on the 4th and with the recent controversy T-ara is involved in, backlash followed shortly after the broadcast. T-ara previously were in involved in a bullying situation where Hwayoung got her contract terminated and then they canceled all promotions and postponed their concert date. Before the controversy, T-ara had already finished recording for Sebakwi and viewers expected them to be edited out of the broadcast, but that wasn't the case. In the broadcast they performed their new song "DAY BY DAY" and their new member Areum showed off a solo dance while Eunjung and Jiyeon discussed various topics. After the broadcast, netizens flooded the message boards with comments like, "We demand an apology from the 'Sebakwi' crew", "The bullying problem can suddenly be ignored now?", "T-ara's smile was still there on the broadcast", "Wish they would have edited this" and so on. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120805n00596 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.04] CEO Kim Kwangsoo public apology, "One misunderstanding lead to another misunderstanding" CEO Kim Kwangsoo of Core Contents Media has revealed a handwritten apology. On August 4th, Core Contents Media said, "On the 3rd, CEO Kim Kwangsoo met with the owner of Sajeongyeon 아르빛 (Nickname) and talked about the misunderstandings between the two." After this, Kim Kwangsoo has released a public handwritten apology to the press. He said in his public apology, "This is Core Contents Media's CEO Kim Kwangsoo. After Hwayoung's contract was terminated, there were many people who misunderstood what was said and lead to more misunderstandings about bullying and a blur to what happen. I apologize and bow my head." He continued to talk about T-Jinyo, Saejeongyeon and T-ara's anti-cafes. "There is a lot of love for T-ara. I consider all the T-Jinyo and Sajeongyeon members to be people who love T-ara. I would like to thank the many who held interest and concerns and watched over T-ara and will meet with whoever necessary to clear the air." He also talked about Hwayoung, who stands in the middle of the controversy. "I hope that she finds an agency that will help her study music and become a better rapper and artist. Please give a lot of interest and support to Hwayoung's next move in music." He finished with a comment on himself which was, "I'll strive to be more careful and not as reckless in front of the public's eyes. Again, I'd like to apologize for causing a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of social interest over this topic," he finished. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120804n07298 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.04] Hwayoung not focusing on signing a new contract right now After being removed from T-ara and Core Contents Media, Hwayoung will study music on her own. Hwayoung actually received various love calls from different agencies, but she'll take the time to calm her mind down first. Last night, a friend of Hyoyoung and Hwaoyung met with Star News and said, "Hwayoung is tired from all the recent controversy and wants to calm down and straighten her mind. She's preparing to take on new opportunities." Rumors surfaced that Hwayoung would find a new contract with a new agency. The friend said, "Hwayoung needs time to find a new agency and has no idea yet. She wants to relax before concentrating [on that]." Following, "Online speculation has upset her a lot. After leaving, she has the opportunity and wants to began studying music more with lessons." Netizens began speculating that Hwayoung would join Supernova's agency Maru Planning after she visited it. In regards to this, the friend said Maru Planning's CEO has watched out for Hwayoung since she was a trainee. "The only had a deep conversation but speculation was created from that," they said. *** Source: http://star.mt.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2012080314522371122&outlink=2&SVEC Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.04] Hwayoung-Hyoyoung cousin "A," "I don't know anything about the situation" After T-ara's situation grew bigger, an online bulletin community posted a post about Hwayoung and Hyoyoung's cousin and her relationship. In a telephone with "A," she said, "The things posted by me on the online community about Hwayoung are not true and are false. They are ridiculous." A said, "Because of these posts, T-Jinyo is making unreasonable demands at T-ara. I'm strictly only acquaintanced with T-ara, and I don't know anything at all related to the situation." Meanwhile, the issues of the bullying has caused T-ara to stop activities in advance. *** Source: http://media.daum.net/entertain/enews/view?newsid=20120803151803884 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.03] Are Hwayoung and Hyoyoung joining Maru Planning? "Only rumors" Rumors are being cleared about T-ara's former member Hwayoung and her twin sister Hyoyoung (5dolls). An insider reported, "T-ara's member who got kicked out, Hwayoung, and Hyoyoung from the group 5dolls met has an intimate talk with the CEO of Maru Planning." After leaving T-ara, speculations of Hwayoung joining a new agency was raised. Maru Planning said, "It's true Hwayoung and Hyoyoung visited our office, but rumors of signing a contract are not true." They continued, "The CEO of Maru Planning and Hwayoung and Hyoyoung's father have a close relationship. With the recent events that happened, he wanted to meet with them to be a supportive figure to them. The CEO of Maru Planning, Lee Jaehyok, previously served as an executive in Core Contents Media. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120803n12851 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.03] Core Contents Media will file seven criminal complaints against the media T-ara's agency has filed criminal reports against seven different media sites and plan to take action. On the 3rd, Core Contents Media said, "Unconfirmed Internet postings lead to articles being posted without filtering the content (verifying) and we have filed seven criminal charges against the media." They continued, "Following the bullying situation that arose after Hwayoung's termination, there were posts by a "second-year trainee," a "back-up dancer," a imposter CEO Kim Kwangsoo on Twitter, someone manipulating Hwayoung's tweet images and another imposter who posted a reckless internet posting. Because of these it's set-back and hurt a lot of people." "Media published stories including imposter accounts by a two-year trainee, T-ara's back-up dancer, CEO Kim Kwangsoo, Hwayoung and so on. They also published stories related to the bullying issue taken from Internet websites with text and images that were not confirmed before being posted, thus fueling the fire." "We are not suing the first publishers of the Internet postings, but the media who published these as fact without properly verifying it. When media plans it, it makes a big wave through the social network and is seen by everyone then. We have hired two lawyers to begin criminal complaints on the 6th." In addition, he said that in the future all media websites should verifying things as fact before posting. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120803n14085 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.03] CEO Kim Kwangsoo to T-Jinyo: "Come meet with me" Girl group T-ara's agency CEO Kim Kwangsoo has proposed to meet with representatives from T-Jinyo (We Want The Truth From T-ara). CEO Kim Kwangoo said on the 3rd, "I'm proposing to meet with three representatives from T-Jinyo. All their questions and curiosities can be cleared without a doubt if they meet with me. I'll also listen to what they have to say." Following, "If they want to, three people can post a notice today (3rd) by 5:00 PM KST on the T-Jinyo cafe. I'll confirm with them and I'll say it again, there is absolutely no bullying." Prior to the news, it was announced T-Jinyo will have a protest in front of Core Contents Media at 5:00 PM on the 4th. The protest will be legal, because T-Jinyo has already submitted documents to authorities to verify it. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120803n14509 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

None of the other members defended her because it was after they all left Jewelry. Seo Inyoung said she was bullied when she joined, and people automatically assumed it was her and Jihyun and bashed them continuously (mostly Harang) but nobody got involved. :/ I think something did happen between Seo Inyoung and the other members for real though, but people always blow up the situation and make assumptions without evidence just like in T-ara's case.

[12.08.03] T-ara are victims of reckless reporters T-ara are victims of unconfirmed reports in the media. Recently, the bullying situation began with a few tweets and reports saying Hwayoung was bullied in T-ara. Suspicions that idol groups have bullying in them have been around forever, and didn't just start yesterday. But the recent bullying accusations have exploded and attracted more attention than ever before. A problem that lies within this is that there is so much interest in the case, that reports are being published in the press just to increase views and clicks on their website which is the wrong attitude. To confirm the allegations that first began about bullying, netizens went and dug up various things that happened in the past. Excerpts from various different broadcasts were brought up through screen-captures and questioned, but they were not originally a problem when they first aired. The reports spread throughout the media were written without going through a verification process. Reports that were contacting representatives from the broadcasts were also hard to find. In addition to making screen-captures of various broadcasts, rumors have been circulating about T-ara. False and malicious rumors, such as "gangs" and the like, have been circulating online because of "netizens suspicions," but like the screen-captures, they have not been verified. The "trainee" was proven to be false, and the "back-dancer" report as well, but both spread before any confirmation had been done. Some even have gone far to force evidence and say that Hwayoung left a hidden message, "fans only know," in her Twitter message but the truth is it's different depending on where you look at the image. Websites gain revenue through clicks on ads on their website, and these reckless and unprofessional reports being spread attract attention and revenue for whoever reports it. The bullying allegations first started on July 28th through Twitter messages and continued until the 2nd. T-ara related searches dominated every popular search ranking on various portal sites. The Olympics began, but T-ara's scandal has attracted more attention and higher interest. The topic located at the center is that journalists recklessly report things posted online without getting confirmation just for a few more clicks on their website. Hwayoung recently posted on Twitter, "Please stop now and look forward to when I'll return with a new more mature and sophisticated image." The situation is at a point where it's finally calmed down. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120802n20672 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.02] T-ara to reach 150,000 fans in Japanese arena tour next year T-ara plans to embark on an arena tour next year in Japan. T-ara's Japanese agency EMI JAPAN and J-ROCK have said, "All artists dream of being able to have arena tours. T-ara is planning to have an arena tour in Japan next year." According to their Japanese agency, T-ara want to reach over 150,000 Japanese fans in the arena tour which will begin next year. T-ara had a Japanese tour earlier this year with performances in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo and their finale on the 25th and 26th at the Budokan Hall in Tokyo. Performing at Budokan is a dream for Japanese artists, and T-ara was one of the first Korean acts to perform there. Despite being on a weekday, the 20,000 two-day concert was completely sold out. EMI JAPAN and J-ROCK said, "T-ara have received an explosive reaction with Japanese fans. We're begining the early preparations for the arena tour right now." T-ara finished "Day by Day" promotions and now Eunjung, Hyomin and Soyeon are persuing individual activities in dramas. Core Contents Media said, "We hope that the public can welcome back T-ara a little bit by a little bit. They will return with good music and a more mature image after having time to self-reflect and they will continue to try harder and harder." Meanwhile, T-ara will release a new Japanese song "Sexy Love" at the end of October. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120802n11303 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.02] D-Unit's Wooram, "I was looking forward to the first stage with my sister" After the situation with Hwayoung's contract being terminated and her leave from T-ara, it was announced T-ara would stop all activities and schedules. T-ara's Boram's sister Wooram, who is part of the group D-Unit, has said she was disappointed she couldn't share the stage with her sister yesterday. T-ara was supposed to perform at the SBS "K-POP EXPO Super Concert" yesterday (August 1st). T-ara Boram's real little sister, Wooram, who belongs to the girl group trio D-Unit, also performed. Because of the forced cancellation of activities, Wooram wasn't able to stand next to her sister on stage, which was something she was looking forward to. D-Unit's Wooram said, "I was so excited to stand on the same stage as my sister Boram. But due to the recent internal group problems, we couldn't. I'm a little disappointed by this, but I know my sister will return giving the best of her ability in performances." D-Unit will officially debut on August 3rd. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120802n11010 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] Quick News - Jaemin (Eunjung's friend from WGM) tweets supportive message for her - Today I rested for the whole day, secretly browsing the internet and I found EunJung’s news, it’s really sad. She is a very kind hearted child actually…FIGHTING-ah dongsaeng!!!!!!….. - The EunJung I know is very innocent and lonelier than anybody, unlike of a celebrity’s personality. After coming back straight from Japan, not even sleeping for a bit, [she] went to watch the performance by her same age graduates, even until the very end of performance, she is this kind of friend. To her, taking care of people beside her is something she ought to do naturally, even after ten years she is still the same (they have been friends for ten years). Normally I won’t talk about T-ara’s things, but I am too shocked when this incident happens. After [knowing each other] so long, we have become like a family, so I am very heartbroken. Seems like now she is [mentally] exhausted, FIGHTING! Praying that as time passes, everything will turn out fine. I love you, sister. If you watch WGM, you will know he is very, very close to Eunjung! *** Source: @actorajm (Ahn Jae Min – EunJung’s andWooJung’s friend) via http://woojungislove.com/2012/08/01/august-1-jaemin-tweets-supportive-messages-to-eunjung/Kor-Chi Trans: Shapley水の滢 @ WooJung baidu Chi-Eng Trans: @catgoh92

[12.08.01] Hwayoung and Hyoyoung have a meeting with a new agency After Hwayoung's contract being terminated with Core Contents Media, her next move and if she'll join a new agency is being closely watched. Hwayoung and her sister 5dolls Hyoyoung were revealed to have met with agency officials in Nonhyeon, Seoul. Hwayoung was removed from her group after "bullying" became a hot topic, but her agency said they will watch for her if she joins a new agency. Lee Jaehyok is the former Director of Media for Core Contents Media and now owns Maru Planning. He's closely connected with Core Contents Media's CEO Kim Kwangsoo and it's known that this is who Hwayoung and Hyoyoung met with. However, Maru Planning said today, "There is a very small chance of her signing a contract," dismissing rumors. T-ara's agency said earlier, "For now, T-ara will remain as a 7-member group." *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120801n31671 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] Haeundae Lovers PD, "Soyeon is courteous and works hard" "Haeundae Lovers" PD reveals his thoughts on T-ara's Soyeon. On August 1st, "Haeundae Lovers" had it's press conference at Imperial Palace Hotel and spoke about Soyeon. Director Song said, "Soyeon is very courteous. She's the youngest amongst her seniors and is trying trying to learn a lot from them. I hope people watch her well. I hope the recent issues going on about her group also will be solved soon." "Haeundae Lovers" first broadcast is on August 6th. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120801n21343 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] T-ara's concert postponed until the end of the year After the controversy with T-ara gets bigger, now they have announced that their concert on August 11th is postponed. Core Contents Media made a press release today saying, "T-ara members and Kim Kwangsoo talked yesterday (31st) and agreed that because of the things happening, they will be unable to show a bright, fun, cheerful and positive image in front of the fans. They asked to postpone the concert until they can show a good image to fans." Core Contents Media decided that they will postpone the concert to the end of the year. Refunds for ticket reservations will be announced later on Interpark. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120801n19958 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] Core Contents Media, "Dani will not join T-ara early" Core Contents Media said that there is no plans for Dani to join T-ara early. Core Contents Media made a press release on the 1st saying, "Online rumors are circulating that Dani will join T-ara earlier than planned, but that is a false rumor." Following the news that was posted on T-ara's Japanese homepage, rumors circulated that Dani will join T-ara earlier to replace Hwayoung's position. Core Contents Media also said, "Right now T-ara will promote as a 7-member member group with Areum and be joined by Dani in December." *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120801n12512 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] Hwayoung says to a reporter before apologizing to Kim Kwangsoo, "I'm alright" "I just posted an apology. I'm now on my way to apologize to my boss." On July 31st at 10:30 PM KST, a Newsen reporter bumped into Hwayoung and Hyoyoung on the street outside of Core Contents Media's office. The reporter was headed home at the time in their car, but stopped when he saw the sisters. After approaching her, Hwayoung had a bright smile and said, "Mr. Reporter, hello." "Where are you going?" I asked Hwayoung. She replied, "I just posted an apology. I'm going to say sorry to the boss now. I'm so sorry to our boss. They have treated me so well." The reporter had a somewhat sad expression on his face and Hwayoung asked, "What's wrong? I'm alright. Even if you guys don't worry about me I will be fine," although she smiled after the statement, the reporter still found it disconcerting. Hwayoung also said, "I don't resent our boss (Kim Kwangsoo). I feel apologetic to him for being so good to me, but because of me, he's suffering a lot of damage. That's why now I'm going to offer an apology." *** Source: http://www.newsen.co...208010919463610 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] An industry insider says, "Hwayoung was crying outside T-ara's waiting room unable to enter" An industry insider is claiming that Core Contents Media's claim that Hwayoung "acted like a top star" and "threw her crutches in a fit" are not 100% true. According to a report made by OBS on the 31st, is is true that Hwayoung threw her crutches while at KBS 2TV's "Music Bank". But before she did that, she was seen crying outside the group's waiting room and was unable to even enter the waiting room. The music industry said, "CEO Kim Kwangsoo's reports on the situation is a bit different from the real situation. All before Hwayoung threw down her crutches and refused to perform, she was crying. She wasn't even crying in her waiting room, but in the hallway outside the waiting room at the broadcast station because she was unable to enter the waiting room. I wasn't the only one who witnessed this because other artists and representatives saw this moment too." The T-ara controversy which originally started on the 27th with a few Tweets gets bigger each day. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120731n13665 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] Over dramatic? "T-ara and Hwayoung both shed tears last night" Hwayoung and T-ara cry. Meeting each other every day, but today was different. According to Core Contents Media, last night on July 31st, Hwayoung and her twin sister Hyoyoung came to Core Contents Media's office is Gangnam, Seoul to meet with Kim Kwangsoo. Through a phone interview with Star News in the morning, Kim Kwangsoo admitted to meeting with Hwayoung and Hyoyoung. He said, "I was surprised that Hwayoung came to the company last night, but we have already talked. After apologizing to the other members, staff, and fans and apologizing for breaking her promise and reflecting on her actions, Hwayoung burst in tears." Followed by, "It broke my heart seeing Hwayoung cry. Seeing Hwayoung cry, I realized her heart has not had a break [from aching]." CEO Kwangsoo said he first met with the T-ara members before Hwayoung came to the office. "The T-ara members also are saddened and shed tears over this incident," he said. "The writings T-ara and Hwayoung wrote on Twitter without any meaning behind them have all caused a ripple effect. I talked frankly to all of them yesterday, and each of them shed tears," he also said. "I hope the fans can give their love and keep watching T-ara and Hwayoung rather than posts on the Internet." Kim Kwangsoo terminated Hwayoung's contract, but then quickly said there was a possibility to re-join. *** Source: http://media.daum.net/entertain/enews/view?newsid=20120801093712273 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.08.01] Hwayoung apologized to CEO Kim Kwangsoo in tears Ex-T-ara member Hwayoung has approached and apologized to CEO Kim Kwangsoo in tears. On July 31st, she went to go see their CEO Kim Kwangsoo to apologize (in tears) after she wrote an apology on her personal Twitter account. Hwayoung's tweet read: "I am sorry for giving so much disappointment to all the fans that have given me love up until now. I will now stop (all of this), please anticipate a more mature and improved side of me. Because I have made everyone worried, I am very sorry. I also want to apologize to the people at Core Contents Media. I will greet everyone with a better (Hwayoung in the future)." Core Contents Media CEO Kim Kwangsoo said that Hwayoung apologized and said, "I don't know why it's gotten this far. I'm sorry. To the president, members of our company family.. I'm sorry to everyone." Kwangsoo said that Hwayoung went on to say, "When I decided not to proceed to appear on 'Music Bank' that day, I made a big mistake. I failed to keep a promise I made with the people viewing and the fans." Kwangsoo stated again, the reason Hwayoung was removed from T-ara is because of her decision to not appear on Music Bank. CEO Kim Kwangsoo continued to say he didn't originally plan to remove Hwayoung from the group, but it ultimately got to that point. He said, "In the future, I believe Hwayoung can be a successful artist and rapper in a different company. I hope she'll grow and be able to perform on grand stages in the future." *** Source: http://media.daum.net/entertain/enews/view?newsid=20120801085710159 Translated by: Nathaniel + Elly @ Diadem

[12.07.31] T-ara's Eunjung, "Thank you.. and I'm sorry" T-ara's Eunjung has left a heartfelt message. On the 30th, Eunjung left a message on her official fansite "EunChanNet" that said "Thank you very much.. I'm sorry." Since Hwayoung's contract with T-ara was terminated, this is the first statement from any of the others members of T-ara. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120731n31334 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[12.07.31] CEO Kim Kwangsoo, "Hwayoung brought this upon herself" CEO Kim Kwangsoo sat down for an interview after the Hwayoung bullying scandal has reached a new level. A ripple effect of scandals has followed T-ara since member Hwayoung's contract with the agency was terminated. "A back-dancer claimed Jiyeon slapped Hwayoung during practice," an Internet cafe with over 310,000 people has appeared demanding the truth from T-ara. During this drama, Core Contents Media's CEO Kim Kwangsoo has sat down for an interview at his office. "We've gained serious damage and losses by bullying rumors (Hwayoung and the relationship between her and the other members). Minor conflicts between members is simply expected and human nature. Hwayoung's removal from T-ara is not due to bullying, but because a refusal to appear on a live TV music program on the 27th." — There's been a lot of material regarding the things done against Hwayoung by the other members, such as force feeding. "In every relationship that we have as humans, there's conflict bound to take place. After their debut, there's already been some bullying cases that surrounded Eunjung, Soyeon and Boram, but even then, it wasn't anything serious. Hwayoung's problem (now) is just like one of those. Because [Hwayoung] joined the group late, people must have thought that [she was experiencing] bullying; but Areum, [too], has joined the group late and she's not having a hard time. That rice-cake "force-feeding" scene only looked the way it did because of how it was cut." — There's been stories surfacing that Hwayoung's sweet and courteous as compared to the other members. "A rumor has spread stating that Hwayoung was slapped on the face during a dance practice and it spread before being confirmed. Through a police investigation, we learned the rumor was created by kids. These are just rumors." — The comments in the press release saying "jealous younger members" and "small arguments" - what did you mean by these? "In the other T-ara members' perspective, being the one who joined the latest (Hwayoung) and causing an issue was not something they wanted to see. Hwayoung's personality is tough and somewhat manly. [Therefore], living with the T-ara members was a little difficult for her. So of course, the other T-ara members will also have some problems with that because they're not able to adapt well with her." — There was a statement said in the press release saying "Staff members complained about Hwayoung." "Staff members are underpaid and are hurt by everything happening now also. A person who is close to Hwayoung even sent a message out of hate to a T-ara member." — If there wasn't any bullying going on and Hwayoung's departure was brought upon by herself, do you have any other thoughts or evidence to reveal? "[What happened] started out as something like a joke amongst young people and it's unfortunate that it was blown out of proportion the way that it did. But if people publish information [with no proper proof] whatsoever, that just causes more trouble to stir. T-ara will continue [to attend to] their schedules as planned." Hwayoung recently posted an apologize to her fans and Core Contents Media family on Twitter. *** Source: http://news.nate.com.../20120801n02809 Translated by: Nathaniel + Elly @ Diadem

[12.07.31] A photo of Hwayoung at CCM offices a few hours ago becomes a hot topic A photo captured of Hwayoung at her agency's office is becoming a hot topic. At midnight on August 1st, a picture title "Hwayoung office" became the #1 search in real-time keyword searches on portal sites. Just a few hours earlier at night on the 31st, Hwayoung said to fans on Twitter, "My fans who have loved me until now, I apologize for disappointing you. Now, please stop and just look forward to a more mature and sophisticated side of us." Following, "I'm sorry for making you worry. To my Core Contents Media family, I'm also sorry. Next time, I'll appear with a better image," showing signs of reconciliation. *** Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20120801n05735 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem