"Iljin Jjang, Beaten Like X"... 'Sing Again' Yoari School Violence Controversy, Denies Allegations

Online Community Post Spreads Allegations
'Sing Again' Live Broadcast to Proceed as Scheduled Today (8th)
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Singer Yoari from 'Sing Again'. Photo by JTBC.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Allegations of school violence have been raised against Yoari (real name Kang Mi-jin, 34), who is currently appearing on JTBC's audition program 'Sing Again.'

On the 7th, a post titled 'SingXgain Top 6 Former Bully K' was uploaded on the Nate Pann board.

The author of the post stated, "She was a former bully who beat up kids a lot and caused trouble, leading to her dropping out, but she claims she dropped out due to family circumstances, which is really laughable," adding, "There must be no one in the neighborhood or teachers who don't know her, yet she shamelessly appears on TV singing. She's still the same."

He continued, "Did she think her past would disappear if she lied like that? I still remember vividly. Those who were assaulted must be grinding their teeth, and I wonder if she now lives as a good person while forgetting all the actions she took in the past."

The author pointed to K and wrote, "She was disciplined and dropped out after causing trouble with the bullies in middle school, then re-enrolled in another middle school a year later and dropped out again," adding, "There was a hideout only accessible to bullies 20 years ago, and she was the leader there. My classmate was beaten there and had bruises from the eyes to the mouth and cheekbones. They said they were beaten like a dog by K."

In response to some netizens' demands to "show evidence," the author attached photos from elementary and middle school graduation albums.

He said, "I was not a victim, but I think that child standing in front of the public with lies is wrong," and added, "If people say, 'Everyone can have a past like that, so why go this far?' I will erase it and apologize."

Netizens are speculating that K is Yoari. In a previous 'Sing Again' broadcast, Yoari revealed, "I dropped out in the second year of middle school due to family circumstances and worked at a hair salon earning 400,000 won per month."

The post has since been deleted. However, on the 8th, the author posted again, saying, "It seems the post was deleted because I wrote the name," and added, "Many say this is fabricated because I wrote clumsily and am not a victim of school violence, but please don't say that if you haven't experienced it." He expressed anger, saying, "It's not that I dislike her success, but she was a delinquent who used powerless friends like toys and ignored them when they were no longer needed."

JTBC's 'Sing Again' is in an awkward situation due to the school violence controversy involving a contestant, just before the finals scheduled for that day. Regarding this controversy, the 'Sing Again' team told Edaily, "According to the confirmation with the individual, it is not true. The production team is also investigating the exact facts." It was reported that Yoari will appear as planned in the live broadcast of the 'Sing Again' finals that day.

Meanwhile, Yoari debuted in 2007 as a member of the rock band Springkler. She later gained recognition for her voice by singing the female version of the OST 'Natanah' for the drama 'Secret Garden.' Recently, on 'Sing Again,' she has showcased her charming vocal tone and advanced to the top 6.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.