Internet users expressed divided opinions after the accuser who "exposed" Kim Garam's school bullying controversy complained that HYBE sued them. Here's why people think it will affect the LE SSERAFIM's member more.
Accuser 'A' Revealed They Got Sued After Exposing LE SSERAFIM's Garam School Bullying Issue
On April 20, accuser "A" who first exposed Kim Garam's school violence said on their SNS:
"I was sued. I just got a call from my mom."
As they revealed the status of the complaint, "A" retweeted HYBE-affiliated label Source Music's statement where the agency denied that the soon-to-debut idol was involved in any school violence during her pre-debut days.
In particular, the issue sparked earlier on April 5, when HYBE released the profile of Kim Garam, the second LE SSERAFIM member to be introduced.
Shortly after the release of the members, social networking service Twitter and various online communities simultaneously raised revelations and suspicions about Kim Garam's past.
The repercussions grew when high-level past photos were revealed. This includes Kim Garam posing in front of a blackboard with a male genital shape and making hand gestures that depict sexual activity.
ALSO READ: LE SSERAFIM’s Kim Garam Draws Attention for Past Problematic SNS Posts
Later on, Source Music x HYBE denied that Kim Garam was a former "iljin" (school bully), saying:
"The recent allegation was that the accuser harmed the member by deliberately editing the problems that occurred when she made friends early after entering middle school.
Contrary to some claims, it was confirmed through a third-party statement that the member was actually a victim of malicious rumors and cyberbullying."
In addition, HYBE confirmed that Source Music will launch legal actions against distorted allegations or false information related to the case.
It seems like the agencies were taking this case seriously, given that the accuser immediately received a lawsuit over "exposing" Kim Garam's past.
LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam, HYBE Draw Mixed Responses After Suing Accuser
Amid the confession of the accuser being sued by Kim Garam's side, internet users expressed frustration over HYBE and Source music.
In context, netters emphasized how the agency sued the accuser, which is believed to be a minor.
On online communities, some web users left the comments:
"This is disgusting. HYBE really sued a minor? This is crazy!"
"Well, if Kim Garam is really a school bully, suing an innocent minor are them taking it too far. "
"This will destroy Kim Garam's public image even more."
Some people implied how it could actually affect the LE SSERAFIM member negatively, as suing the exposer will create more noise.
On the other hand, amid controversies ahead of LE SSERAFIM's official debut, the sextet continues to make personal best records such as exceeding 270, 000 pre-order album sales.
On April 21, Source Music stated that based on YG Plus, the album distributor, LE SSERAFIM surpassed 270,000 album copies. This shows that they are already establishing their name as a big sensation in the music scene.
What do you think?
READ MORE: LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam’s Friends Allegedly Threaten User Who Revealed School Violencem
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Written by Eunice Dawson