After Kim Garam released her personal statement concerning her bullying controversy, HYBE has since responded to it. Keep on reading to know what the company said.
HYBE Responds to Kim Garam's Statement About Her Bullying Controversy
On Aug. 10, an Instagram post went viral as it contained Kim Garam's "official" statement clarifying her bullying scandal. A friend of the former LE SSERAFIM member owns the account, and she said that she was posting it on her behalf.
In the statement, Kim Garam clarified that she " never hit anyone or used violence," "never forced to transfer school," "never drunk or smoked," "never bullied or ostracized anyone," and "was just a normal student."
ALSO READ: Kim Garam's Alleged School Desk Full of Writings Surfaces After Leaving LE SSERAFIM
She also said that she quarreled with Yoo Eun Seo as she thought she was helping her friend who was the victim of school bullying. She then admitted she was swearing at that time as she didn't realize the difference between the majority and minority.
The former LE SSERAFIM member added, "Looking back, I was very immature and childish. At that time, friendship was the most important thing for me."
As of this writing, the Instagram post containing her statement has garnered over 34,000 likes.
READ HER FULL STATEMENT HERE: Former LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam Explains Her Side on the Bullying Controversy
On Aug. 11, HYBE officially responded to Kim Garam's statement regarding her bullying controversy through a press release.
HYBE told Korean media outlet Xports News, "As we have terminated the exclusive contract with Kim Garam, we have nothing to say because additional comments are inappropriate."
Kim Garam's exclusive contract with Source Music was terminated on July 20 after being on hiatus for exactly two months. The agency, however, didn't give further details about her bullying case, angering many fans as they appear to just put an end to the situation by terminating her contract and without giving clarifications.
What can you say about HYBE's response to Kim Garam's personal statement? Leave a comment below!
Source Music Requests Fans to Submit Reports of Malicious Activities Against LE SSERAFIM
In other news, Source Music announced to take legal action against those infringing on the rights of LE SSERAFIM, and asked fans to participate in gathering and reporting instances of malicious activity targeting the rookie girl group.
READ MORE: LE SSERAFIM's 'FEARLESS' Becomes 4th Fastest K-pop Group Debut MV to Reach THIS
Here's Source Music's statement:
"Hello. This is Source Music.
Here's how to send a report on allegations of crimes that infringe on the rights and interests of LE SSERAFIM.
We will continue to take legal action against malicious slander, dissemination of false information, and defamation related to LE SSERAFIM and their contents.
Therefore, if you find any suspected cases of crimes such as malicious postings, we request that you report it to the official Source Music legal account (protect@sourcemusic.com).
A more expeditious response is possible if you submit a report in accordance with the application form of allegations of crimes, which is provided below. If you find illegal cases such as malicious postings about LE SSERAFIM, please report it.
We will take strict measures against malicious activities based on reports from fans and evidence collected through self-monitoring, and there will be no leniency or agreement in any case in this process.
We are always grateful for the unstinting support and interest of our fans. We will continue to strive to protect the rights and interests of artists.
Thank you."
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Written by Maria Scott
