Hello, this is Lee Hyunjoo.
I was really afraid to speak up about everything that happened. I am still afraid even now.
The company has released an official statement that was different from the truth. They are now processing to sue my brother and my acquaintances. Not only that, the bullies' parents have been sending hateful messages to me and my parents as well.
I hesitated a lot before speaking up, I was afraid they would make me go through another hard time if I do.
However, because of people who have been encouraging and supporting me all this time, I think I needed to speak up and here I am writing this letter.
I was bullied from the moment we prepared our debut in 2014 until I withdrew from the group in 2016. I was only 17 at that time, I had to live in a dormitory to prepare for my debut. I had to spend my 24 hours with the bullies in a place where I had no one to rely on.
I couldn't bear it any longer so I told my parents about it. My parents tried to talk to the company's CEO several times, but they blamed everything that happened on me. When the bullies found out about this, their bullying got even worse. I was only allowed to talk to my parents on the phone for a very short time in front of the manager. The situation got worse and I kept getting smaller.
Everything that has been revealed on the Internet is just a small portion of what actually happened. I was physically and verbally abused, harassed, and attacked for 3 years straight. It was very unbearable to me when they also attacked my precious grandmother, mother, father, and younger brother. My company knew about all of this, but they only watched and didn't take any further action. I felt like I was in an endless dark, I tried taking my own life but they don't seem to be sorry at all. I ended up withdrawing from the group with an excuse that the company had one-sidedly prepared beforehand. Since then, I continued to get hate and even being called a betrayer.
I feel like all the wounds that my family got were all because of me, and they can't be healed. I feel sorry for them, therefore I put effort to live my life healthily and happily.
Even so, those memories can't just easily be erased as time passes by. The dark memories and trauma that took up a portion of my heart were slowly eating me alive. This didn't only harm me, but also the people around me. It was giving me a hard time.
That was when people around me showed courage and stepped up. That's how I got this far.
I'm showing my courage to help my younger brother and acquaintances.
Through what happened, I came to the realization that there are a lot of people who are supporting me and I am very grateful for them. They always ask how I'm doing every day. I'm gaining strength because of that. Not only that, I also realized that there are a lot of people out there who are struggling because of similar wounds like mine.
The bullying I received has traumatized me. Not all people can get along with me and sometimes we can dislike some people. But I think violence and bullying can't be justified. No matter where it is, bullying and harassment should be stopped.
I am still having hard times because of the bad memories and trauma I got, even when 7 years have passed. However, I don't think it should weigh me down and causes me to live in hell. That's why I want to show people who have gone through similar situations that we can overcome this and live our life happily again. I want to repay all the support I have received by overcoming this situation.
Thank you for all the strength and support you have given to me. It gave me big courage.
My current company has halted all of my activities and turning down all offers I got without talking to me first. They also delivered that I can't terminate my contract either. However, I won't stay silent and protect myself, my family, and my acquaintances. I will take legal action against them with the help of people who are supporting me.
It wouldn't be easy, but I will make everything come to an end, let go and overcome my past, and show you a healthier and brighter side of me. I hope for everyone who took their time to read this and also for me a warm and happy April. Thank you so much.
-Hyunjoo-ya, I will be rooting for you. Everything is going to be okay.
-I am tearing up after reading this post. Good luck to you, Hyunjoo.
-I'm literally crying. I wish for all the happiness in this world for her and I hope karma will bite those bullies back in their asses.
-Hyunjoo, you've gone through a lot... There are only flowery paths to walk for you from now on. I hope those bullies and their parents get the punishment they deserve.
-I can't imagine how hard it must've been for her... I hope things will be turning out well for her from now on.
-Thinking about it, isn't her younger brother is still underage?? And yet the company is suing him??;;
-Hyunjoo... I can't imagine all the hardship she had to go through at such a young age.
-She seems to be a really strong woman. Good luck, Hyunjoo!
-It must've been hard for her, even just to write that letter. Thank you for showing your courage, Hyunjoo-ya. I will always be rooting for you!!
-Hyunjoo-ya, I will always be by your side
-I feel so sorry for not being able to do anything for herㅠㅠ Good luck, Hyunjoo. Everything will be okay.
-I will always be rooting for her. I really want to help her in any wayㅠㅠ
