AOA Jimin "I Was Lacking and Made Mistakes as a Leader... Especially Sorry to the Members" (Full Statement)

AOA Jimin. Photo by Jimin SNS

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] AOA's Jimin has officially apologized to Kwon Mina.

On the afternoon of the 4th, Jimin opened her statement on her SNS by saying, "I cannot express everything in a short message, but I am sorry and apologize." She continued, "It was all my fault for being inadequate and making mistakes in leading the team. I feel regret and guilt, and during the time we spent together, I realize that I did not understand Mina well and failed to pay close attention to her."

She also said, "Yesterday, I cried, begged, and cried again, but I truly apologize as I believe that Mina's feelings toward me, which have built up over time, cannot be easily resolved. When I was young, in my early twenties, I lived with the thought that our team should only show a good image to the staff and outsiders, but that mindset alone made me a leader who was personally very lacking in leading the team," showing remorse for her mistakes.

Finally, she concluded, "I apologize for causing controversy. I apologize for writing this incoherently. And above all, I sincerely apologize to our members who worked hard for both of us."

Earlier, Kwon Mina, also a former member of AOA like Jimin, revealed that she had been bullied by Jimin for 10 years, sparking rumors of discord between Jimin and Kwon Mina. However, at the beginning of the incident, Jimin responded carelessly by only posting the word "novel" on SNS, which worsened the situation. After it was revealed that all of Kwon Mina's allegations were true, Jimin personally visited Kwon Mina to apologize and posted an official apology statement.

The following is the full apology statement from AOA's Jimin.

I cannot express everything in a short message, but I am sorry and apologize. It was all my fault for being inadequate and making mistakes in leading the team. I feel regret and guilt, and during the time we spent together, I realize that I did not understand Mina well and failed to pay close attention to her.

Yesterday, I cried, begged, and cried again, but I truly apologize as I believe that Mina's feelings toward me, which have built up over time, cannot be easily resolved. When I was young, in my early twenties, I lived with the thought that our team should only show a good image to the staff and outsiders, but that mindset alone made me a leader who was personally very lacking in leading the team.

I apologize for causing controversy. I apologize for writing this incoherently. And above all, I sincerely apologize to our members and Mina who worked hard for both of us.