"Bullying? Hyunju, Sorry but Let's Speak Up" ... April's 'Bullying Allegation' Turns into a Battle of Truths

Former April member Hyunju is posing at a press conference held on May 14, 2018, at Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Yoon Young, a former member of the group A-JAX who was under the same agency as April, has come forward to refute allegations that former April member and actress Lee Hyun-joo was bullied within the group during her activities. DSP Media, the agency, also denied the claims, stating that "it is a situation where it is impossible to divide perpetrators and victims."

On the 1st, Yoon Young posted a lengthy message on her social media (SNS), saying, "I am so upset that I will only speak with facts."

She said, "Hyun-joo, I’m sorry, but let’s speak honestly. Because of you, our kids look so pitiful," and added, "When something happens, how objectively do you talk to your friends? Hyun-joo must have been upset because things didn’t go her way. But the kids’ hearts were even more torn."

She continued, "While at DSP Media, I watched the entire process of the younger April members preparing. There were frequent incidents where she suddenly disappeared, couldn’t practice, and caused emergencies in the schedule," revealing the situation.

She added, "Being sick and weak is understandable. Then she should have said she wanted to quit quickly. When we tried to communicate, she wouldn’t talk or listen. If she couldn’t keep up well, she should have shown more effort than others, but such things were hard to find," she claimed.

Yoon Young emphasized, "Only very one-sided stories have been posted, so you need to know the facts. Stop saying that everyone is a perpetrator without a ringleader or bystander. Still, the kids really tried hard to protect the group. Hyun-joo, you wanted to shine alone, but the kids prioritized the group and the fans. Bullying? Harassment? Stop hurting people with simple deflections."

In conclusion, she wrote, "We’ve come this far with difficulty, so was it because you didn’t want to see the kids do well?" and "Whatever your feelings, Hyun-joo, I support your future. I hope no one else gets hurt anymore."

April's Nae refutes bullying allegations / Photo by Yoon Young, captured from Yoon Young's SNS

Meanwhile, on the same afternoon, DSP Media, the agency of April and Lee Hyun-joo, also released an official statement regarding the 'bullying rumors' within April.

DSP Media stated, "Lee Hyun-joo joined as a trainee with the intention of becoming an actress. However, at the time of April’s formation, although Lee Hyun-joo wanted to be an actress, after a persuasion process and with the agreement of herself and her family, she joined the team," adding, "However, after her debut was confirmed, Lee Hyun-joo faced difficulties participating sincerely in team activities due to physical and mental issues. At that time, not only Lee Hyun-joo but also other members suffered tangible and intangible damages due to conflicts caused by this."

They continued, "Everyone went through a difficult time and expressed pain, and judging from the circumstances and situation at the time, it was clear that no one could be divided into perpetrator or victim," and "Eventually, during the 'Tinker Bell' promotions, Lee Hyun-joo expressed her intention to leave the team. Although the agency tried to dissuade her, her will was firm, and it was decided that she would leave April. We deeply regret that Lee Hyun-joo and the April members had a hard time during this process."

Furthermore, "Since then, the agency has fully supported Lee Hyun-joo’s desired acting career. Additionally, when she wanted to continue activities as an idol, we also actively supported that. It is a clear fact that after leaving the team, the agency provided all possible support for the activities in the fields Lee Hyun-joo wanted," and they appealed, "We ask you to refrain from spreading unverified facts and rumors."

Earlier, on the 28th of last month, a person claiming to be Lee Hyun-joo’s younger brother, identified as A, posted on an online community, revealing that "my sister was severely bullied and ostracized within the group, suffered from panic disorder, and left the team," sparking controversy.

Then, on the 1st, a person introducing themselves as Lee Hyun-joo’s classmate, identified as B, claimed, "All the April members are perpetrators," which further fueled the April 'bullying rumors' into a widespread issue.

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