[Trigger Warning/Content Warning: Mentions of Self-Harm, Bullying, and Suicide]
Former AOA's Kwon Mina shocked the K-pop community after her confession that she was bullied by her former bandmate, Shin Jimin.
Mina shared a lengthy post about how she suffered because of Jimin. While the said post instantly garnered sympathy and support from netizens who are against bullying, Jimin, the person in question, posted a cryptic message on her SNS but is now deleted. With screenshots circulating all over social media, netizens believe that Jimin's "Novel/Fiction" post on her account was her response to Mina.
Then, in her most recent Instagram post, Mina published a photo of her scarred wrist, which is deemed as a visible sign of her suicidal attempts.
Accompanying the disturbing image is a lengthy caption, mentioning AOA's leader, saying, "Novel? It's too scary to say. I've done it 3 to 4 times. It's gotten lighter. But I can't forget you. I am going crazy every day. Jimin, how am I supposed to do this? Lawsuit? I don't have enough money. I don't want to do anything. I just feel so bad that I'm ruined because of you.
The idol-actress went on, "I'm tired. All I want is for you to come to me and say, 'I'm sorry.' That's all I need. You're doing so well. It's painful for me to open my eyes everyday, but I have to take care of my household, so I need you to admit and apologize for me, and I'm going to let it go, okay?"
While social media users are flocking to Mina's Instagram account to shower her with positive messages, and that Jimin is instantly painted as the bad guy, some netizens stated that it is wrong to conclude things without knowing the other side of the story.
Here are some fans' two cents about this issue.
"AOA Jimin is trending with Choa and Mina. Instead of sending threats, cursing Jimin, why don't you send love, care to Mina? 'Cause if you are just going to bully Jimin online, you are exactly doing what she did to Mina if confirmed true," said one netizen on Twitter.
"There [are] always two sides of the story. Please, let us not be quick in throwing out judgment to Jimin. Still, [I'm] sending my love to Mina too," said one fan.
"Okay. I'm out. Now everyone cares for AOA??? Don't assume things without listening to both sides. You people were so quick to judge T-ARA too. Look what happened? Also, Don't compare the situation now with Choa. Let them settle this matter. Hear both sides," a Twitter user wrote.
Another hint that the two K-pop idols are not on good terms is that keen-eyed netizens noticed that Mina is following all the other AOA members, except Jimin.
In early June, fans of Mina asked for support and to send some words of encouragement for the celebrity after speculating that Mina is going through hard times in her life as hinted by her Instagram post.
It was also revealed that she lost her grandmother and her dog earlier, which were also speculated to be the reason for her sadness. A photo that was rumored to show that she is self-hurting is now confirmed based on her latest SNS update.
FNC Entertainment, AOA's label, is yet to give a statement on this issue.
