Choi Yena, a former IZ*ONE, revealed her true feelings after being maliciously linked with a conglomerate through a sponsorship rumor. In the broadcast of the YouTube channel's "SINGOSIK~ Newmedia K-POP Station," Choi Yena and her older brother, former SPEED member Seongmin, appeared as special guests.
Choi Yena Opens Up on Feelings After First Hearing 'Chaebol Sponsorship' Scandal
ALSO READ: Choi Yena Shares How Ex-SPEED Sungmin Inspires Her to Become an Idol – Their 'Sibling Goals' Interaction Is Truly The Cutest!
On this day, Yena and Seongmin looked back to past controversies they were once involved in and responded that they were embarrassed by the latter's school violence rumors. The conversation then naturally flowed into the rumors about Choi Yena getting a fixed position in entertainment with the help of a "chaebol" chairman.
In response, the "SMiLEY" singer expressed her feelings when she first encountered malicious rumors with the chairman of the "chaebol" family.
"I was eating with my brother, and I got a call from the company, so I heard, 'These emails are continuing to come now,' and 'This story is hilarious.' I replied, 'What are you talking about?' and turned it over. At first, I didn't understand what it was about," she narrated.
"Then I went in to play games on the Internet, and I was on the main page. 'What is it?' I thought, 'Am I the only one who didn't know?" expressing both confusion and embarrassment she felt at that time.
Choi Yena's Involvement in 'Chaebol Sponsorship' Scandal – Here's What Happened
RELATED ARTICLE: Choi Yena Personally Responds to Malicious Rumors about Her Involvement with Jaesan Holdings Chairman
In December last year, a sponsorship controversy involving CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae Hwan was revealed. He was accused of sponsoring a female idol and without evidence, people are quick to point to Yena.
Yuehua Entertainment, the agency of the star, immediately responded as soon as the rumor circulated and denied it by saying, "We are trying to respond with zero tolerance to malicious commenters who have caused mental pain and damage to Choi Yena, who is now chasing her dreams at the age of 20."
At that time, Yena also expressed her anger and frustration, attesting that she has no contact with the alleged CJ Group Chairman.
"I’m not the person in the rumors. It doesn't have anything to do with me, so don’t worry.
I was just upset to have experienced this, and my mental health was also badly shaken. However, I’m going to dust myself off and work hard even more with the thoughts of you."
On the other hand, Yena, who made her debut in IZ*ONE through Mnet's "Produce 48," is now pursuing her solo career. After the project girl group's disbandment in April 2021, Yena debuted as a soloist in January this year with her first EP, "SMiLEY."
READ MORE: Choi Yena Mentions IZ*ONE and Talks about the Creation of 'SMILEY' during Her Online Media Showcase
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Written by Eunice Dawson
