With more than 324,000 individuals (at the time of writing) joining 'T-Jinyo' ('We Demand the Truth from T-ara') and alleged witness accounts popping up left and right, it seems the frustrations and angers of fans, ex-fans, and netizens will not easily die down.

In the midst of all the controversy, Core Contents Media's CEO, Kim Kwang Soo, held an interview with reporters on August 1st at the agency office and stated, "We do not believe that the relationship between Hwayoung and the other members was a severe case of bullying or ostracism. It was definitely not a case of the whole group bullying one individual."

Although he acknowledged that there had indeed been some "problems" between Hwayoung and the other members before, he stressed, "They were frivolous conflicts that arise during the everyday lives of people, that's all. The reason for Hwayoung's leave is not because of bullying or ostracism, but because her refusal to appear on the live music broadcast."

Q. Footage and pictures of T-ara members forcing Hwayoung to eat rice cakes have been surfacing on the internet

Wherever you go, aren't there conflicts up to a certain point in the relationships between people? After debut, there were stories about Eunjung, Soyeon, and Boram being bullied or ostracized, but it was never that serious. Hwayoung's problem was of this nature as well. It's not a case of the group bullying against one individual. If members were bullied because they were added into the team later, then Ahreum, who just joined, should be having a hard time as well, but she isn't. Those clips that show the members forcing Hwayoung to eat the rice cakes have been cut out from the whole context, so that's why they seems like that.

Q. There are criticisms saying that the reason for the discharge of Hwayoung before the truth has even been unveiled is to cover up the stories of bullying.

It doesn't make sense that after returning from having successfully concluded a concert last week in Japan that we would suddenly discharge a member because of bullying. The reason for the termination of Hwayoung's contract is not because of bullying. It is because Hwayoung refused to attend a live broadcast and thus broke her promise with the public.

Q. It's been said that Hwayoung is nicer and has better manners than the other members.

Even the person who spread the rumor of Hwayoung being slapped in the practice room was found to be a youth who has nothing to do with T-ara. Unconfirmed reports are being spread.

Q. What did you mean by "the jealousy of the young members" and "subtle arguments" that you mentioned in a previous press release?

To the other T-ara members, it probably wasn't appealing to see the maknae Hwayoung, who had joined late, cause disorder rather than make efforts to adjust. Hwayoung's personality is a bit boyish and tough. While spending time with the T-ara members, there were times when they hurt each other's feelings. Of course, the problem also lies with the other T-ara members as well for not being able to embrace and foster Hwayoung.

Q. In the press release, there was also a line that stated that the staff had negative comments about Hwayoung.

The staff members, who work so hard for little pay, have been really hurt. A person close to Hwayoung even sent a message to one of the T-ara members with not so nice comments.

Q. If there was no bullying and Hwayoung was discharged for her own wrongdoings, do you not have thoughts of revealing all the evidence?

It's upsetting that something that started out like play between the young members is heading towards the direction of condemning individuals. (Waves the documents he is holding) However, if I reveal these documents, then it'll create an even bigger problem. T-ara will go on with their activities like nothing had ever happened.

Meanwhile, on this same day, Hwayoung left a tweet apologizing to her fans as well as Core Contents Media.

Source + Photo: Chosun