[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Lee Hyun-joo, a former member of the girl group April, who was involved in a bullying controversy, has revealed her position.
Today (18th), Lee Hyun-joo posted a lengthy statement on her social media (SNS). She began by saying, "I was very scared to speak out amid various situations that started by chance. I am still very afraid." She continued, "Currently, the company has issued statements that differ from the facts, has sued my younger sibling and acquaintances who are still students, and the parents of the perpetrators have sent critical messages to me and my parents."
Lee Hyun-joo expressed her feelings, saying, "The bullying started in 2014 while preparing for debut and continued until I left the team in 2016. At that time, I was seventeen years old, living in a dormitory preparing for debut, and had to spend 24 hours with the perpetrators in a place where I had no one to rely on." She also mentioned, "The information disclosed externally is only a very small part, and I had to endure continuous physical abuse, verbal abuse, harassment, cursing, and personal attacks for three years."
Furthermore, Lee Hyun-joo stated that the company was aware of these facts but only neglected the situation without taking any action. She appealed, "The company unilaterally conveyed the reasons they prepared, and I ended up leaving the team," adding, "Because of that, I had to bear continuous malicious comments, criticism, and the stigma of being a traitor." She also revealed, "All activities through the company have now been suspended. The company unilaterally canceled even new projects without consultation and insists that they cannot terminate the exclusive contract."
Lee Hyun-joo shared her feelings, saying, "Even after seven years, I am still struggling with the trauma and memories from that time," but added, "I believe I should not resign myself to being unable to overcome this and live unhappily." She concluded her statement by saying, "I want to show those who have suffered similar pain that victims can overcome their wounds and live healthily and happily again."
Meanwhile, Kim Chaewon and Yang Yena, who were active with Lee Hyun-joo in April, denied these claims as untrue. Kim Chaewon posted on her SNS, "I have never deliberately caused discord among members," while Yang Yena stated, "There was absolutely no bullying, ostracism, physical abuse, or verbal abuse," and "We will endure until the truth is revealed," denying the allegations related to group ostracism.
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