Did FNC Entertainment neglect AOA? Following Chanmi's confession, the agency is being criticized for various reasons.
Keep reading to know why.
AOA Chanmi Reveals Difficulties as Idol, Almost Retirement Amid Bullying Controversy
On June 15, Chanmi of AOA appeared as a special guest for the 157th episode of tvN's "Yoo Quiz on the Block."
On the show, Chanmi confessed her difficult times during AOA's activities and thanked her mother for her support. She started by narrating her struggles during her trainee days, especially financial matters.
Despite this, she pursued the path and was able to debut as AOA in 2012. But her entry into the K-pop scene was also not that easy.
Chanmi confessed to almost having no day to sleep due to AOA activities and releases with no breaks, including their consecutive hit tracks "Miniskirt," "Heart Attack" and "Bingle Bangle."
ALSO READ: Missing AOA? Here are the Current Activities of the Members
When the group finally found popularity, then members Youkyung and Choa withdrew from the group, which took a toll on Chanmi's mental health. She confessed she was treated with insomnia and depression in the past.
"I was the oldest sister on the team, but I was still young, so I often wanted to cry while I was active. I found myself getting sick the more I whipped myself."
In 2019, AOA joined Mnet's "Queendom" after reorganization as a quintet and enjoyed temporary popularity in 2020, However, the bullying controversy involving former leader Jimin and former co-member Mina broke.
In the process, AOA, which has been rumored several times since Jimin left the team and retired from the entertainment industry, has gained an indelible stigma.
FNC Entertainment Criticized for 'Incompetence' in Handling AOA
After the broadcast, many viewers expressed their sympathy for Chanmi. At the same time, her agency FNC Entertainment was also criticized for allegedly being incompetent and a bystander.
The Korean media outlet Celeb Media also emphasized FNC's neglect and wrote:
"The "AOA incident" has branded FNC an irresponsible agency due to insufficient artist protection and management. The year before last, Chanmi said she was considering retirement. It roughly coincides with the time when controversy arose over Jimin's bullying.
RELATED ARTICLE: AOA Chanmi Opens on Group's Jimin-Mina Bullying Scandal
The "AOA incident" was also a scar on the remaining members. Members who had no choice but to watch the group being damaged must have needed proper care and care. However, the agency does not seem to have improved significantly since then."
Also, the agency was accused of not properly taking care of AOA members' health, following Chanmi's complaints of physical and mental stress due to excessive schedules.
Fans and media think that FNC neglected the other members excluding Seolhyun who still have her acting activities. Apart from this, AOA has no prominent activities as a trio as of present.
READ MORE: Where Is Shin Jimin Now? Status of Ex-AOA Leader After Bullying Controversy
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Written by Eunice Dawson
