K-pop bullying: April’s Hyunjoo in war of words with ex-bandmates, (G)I-dle’s Soojin removed from group’s newest song

Associates of Hyunjoo alleged in March that her April bandmates had bullied her, and this week she posted details of the alleged bullying on Instagram

April members Chaewon and Yena hit back, accusing her of victimising bandmates. Meanwhile Soojin, recently accused of bullying, is off the band’s new single

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The K-pop world continues to reel from more bullying scandals, including former April member Hyunjoo elaborating on Instagram about being bullied by bandmates. Photo: DSP Media

Published: 10:15pm, 20 Apr 2021Updated: 8:31am, 21 Apr 2021

Bullying and abuse issues continue to rock K-pop, and girl groups April and (G)I-dle have updated fans on recent allegations.

In March, people claiming to be acquaintances of former April member Hyunjoo (Lee Hyun-joo) came forward with allegations she had been bullied by bandmates, notably Naeun (Lee Na-eun). The band’s company, DSP Media, issued a denial and threatened to take legal action. Members of the group, including Hyunjoo – who is still signed to DSP – released statements this week addressing the issues.

On Sunday, Hyunjoo posted a missive on Instagram describing her alleged hardships and bullying at the time, and revealed that since the situation came to light she has lost out on work and is embroiled in a legal battle with DSP.

“The bullying began in 2014 while I was preparing for my career, and continued through 2016, until when I left the group [that October],” she wrote, adding that she had been a young teenager at the time living in a dormitory with the perpetrators.

April members Chaewon and Yena responded on their own Instagram accounts, denying various claims and allegations made by Hyunjoo and her associates, and saying it had been her victimising attitude that was at fault rather than their actions. DSP also issued a statement, saying that band members and company staff have faced emotional turmoil over the allegations, and that they are pursuing legal action against Hyunjoo.

(G)I-dle member Soojin took a hiatus from the group last month after a series of allegations arose claiming that she had been a perpetrator of school-time bullying. Photo: Cube Entertainment

In related news, Cube Entertainment announced on April 19 that (G)I-dle member Soojin would not be featured on the group’s upcoming song, Last Dance, released through the entertainment app Universe.