Responding to these allegations, DSP Media that oversees APRIL denied the allegations and claimed to be taking legal action against Hyunjoo and the people who posted the accusations on the internet. Now on Sunday (04/18), Hyunjoo for the first time wrote a statement through her Instagram account.
She wrote, “Hello, this is Lee Hyunjoo. Due to the many situations that arise by chance, I am very afraid to release my own statement. Even now, I'm still very scared."
“Currently, my agency released a statement that is different from the truth, and they have sued my little brother, who is still a student, and also my acquaintance. The perpetrator's parents have also sent me and my parents text messages blaming us."
"It's true I hesitated for a long time because I was afraid how they would make me suffer if I released the statement in my own voice. However, apart from that, for the sake of those who show courage for me and those who support me, I feel like I have to appreciate it at least now, so I'm writing this down."
“The bullying started in 2014, when I was preparing for my debut and until 2016, when I left the group. I, who was 17 at the time, had to live in a dorm while preparing to debut, so I had to spend 24 hours with the actor where there was no one I could rely on."
“Unable to hold it any longer, I told my parents about my suffering, and my parents tried to talk to the CEO of the agency. However, I repeatedly found myself in situations where I was being blamed. After seeing this, they tortured me even more. I'm only allowed to call my parents briefly and in front of our manager, this way, the situation is getting worse, and I keep feeling like I'm getting smaller."
“What the public knows is only a small part of what is happening. During those three years, I had to suffer from violent actions and behavior, ridicule, curse, and attacks on my character, as well as insults and baseless attacks on my precious grandmother, mother, father, and little brother. The agency is aware of the matter, but just watched without taking any action."
“Because of this, I fell into a darkness that I couldn't see at last, and I made an extreme decision, but they didn't seem to feel anything or even the slightest bit of regret. Using the excuses the agency had unilaterally prepared for me, I ended up leaving the group, and as a result, I had to face repeated malicious comments, ridicule, and even the stigma of being a traitor.”
"Because I felt like it was my fault for giving my family an unsolvable scar, I am trying to live a more diligent, positive, and healthier life."
“However, even after time has passed, it's not easy to forget the memories of my hardships. Dark memories of that time lingered in the corners of my heart, and it became a trauma that seemed like it would always remain intact. I had to go through a difficult time that had a negative impact on not only myself, but also the people around me."
“When I experienced it, the people around me gathered a lot of courage for me, that's how we came to the current situation. Now I'm also trying to muster up courage for my younger brother and acquaintance."
“As a result of this experience, I learned that there are many people who cheer me up and whom I should be grateful for. Thanks to the people who worry about me and ask how I'm doing every day, I can get strength. I also learned that there are many people who suffer emotional scars similar to mine."
“It seems that the bullying and exclusion we experienced when we were young will always be with us as trauma. I thought it was impossible for everyone in the world to get along with me, and feelings of hatred could develop naturally over time. However, I don't think that violence or bullying is justified for any reason. I believe that isolation and oppression of anyone, anywhere, must be eliminated no matter what."
“Even though I still struggle with the trauma and memories of that time even now, after seven years have passed, I believe I shouldn't surrender to the fact that I can't recover and live my life unhappily. That's why I want to show people who have experienced the same pain as me that victims can also recover from their wounds and live a happy and healthy life again. I also want to repay the people who supported me by showing them that I had overcome this situation."
“I sincerely thank you for giving me a lot of support and strength. You have given me a lot of courage."
“Currently, all of my activities through my agency have been stopped, and any new jobs that have been offered to me have been unilaterally rejected without consulting me. The agency has also stated that they cannot terminate my exclusive contract."
“From now on, I will no longer stand up without taking action to protect myself, my family, and my acquaintances. I will also respond to the criminal suit my agency has filed against me with the help of the people who supported me."
"Even though it's not easy, I will try to show you that I have recovered through various activities and a new, healthier, brighter side than before, after I have done well and left my difficult past. To me and everyone who reads these words, I hope that the rest of this month will be happy and warm. Thank you" she wrote. (www.onkpop.com)
