[TW/CW: Mentions of bullying]
Earlier this week, APRIL was accused of bullying former member Hyunjoo from the group by the latter's younger brother. DSP Media has denied these claims, but Hyunjoo's brother has clapped back with more details concerning the bullying controversy. Keep on reading to learn more.
Was Former APRIL Hyunjoo Bullied by the Group?
Following DSP Media's statement denying the bullying allegations made against the APRIL members, former member Hyunjoo's brother has once again made a post to an online community forum, refuting their claims. He reveals that his sister, Hyunjoo, had always been training to be an idol, unlike how DSP Media claims she started as an actress trainee. Initially, Hyunjoo was hesitant to join the group due to the bullying, but the company persuaded her to take a few days to think about it.
ALSO READ: User Claiming to be Former APRIL Hyunjoo's Brother Alleges She Was Bullied in the group + Label Investigating the Facts
Hyunjoo agreed and returned under the impression that the bullying would be better. According to the brother, however, "It became worse, and since she was unable to take back her decision, she took it upon herself to just endure the situation. Because of this, his body showed signs of being unable to bear it for this long."
He reveals that the bullying got so bad for his sister that Hyunjoo had started experiencing physical pain, such as difficulties breathing. She was fainting on the way to and from her home and the company. Despite knowing her physical condition, the company did not bring her to the hospital and simply left her there to faint. It was Hyunjoo herself who sought out medical treatment.
ALSO READ: Did APRIL Naeun Make a Rape Joke Pre-Debut? DSP Media Releases Statement
The company allegedly did not allow her to take her medicine properly for the sake of APRIL's promotions and rehearsals, as the medication would make her drowsy. Hyunjoo's brother included a medical slip in his post, showing that Hyunjoo had admitted herself to the hospital on May 10, 2016, at 11:38 PM KST. The cause of admission was a drug overdose. It is noted that this lines up with Hyunjoo's absence from APRIL's promotions on music shows. Previously, she had not attended two broadcasts dated May 12 and May 13 that year.
He then spoke about the "shoe incident," in which the company gifted the member's sneakers as presents. Hyunjoo was the last member to pick and had a different design from other members. Since they had the same size, a member stole Hyunjoo's shoes and claimed she bought them. She only returned the shoes after Hyunjoo checked for her name.
Has DSP Media Responded to the Claims?
As of press time, DSP Media has not responded to any of the new information mentioned by Hyunjoo's brother. Previously, they had denied the initial allegations made against the members.
ALSO READ: [UPDATE] DSP Media Addresses the Bullying Rumors Involving Hyunjoo and APRIL Members
What do you think of the situation?
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Written by Alexa Lewis
