‘Five Fingers’ producers break silence on Eunjung’s exit and refute CCM’s claims

The production company of SBS‘ weekend drama ‘Five Fingers‘ has broken their silence on the controversy surrounding Ham Eunjung‘s exit from the series.

Production company Yein E&M released a press release on August 28th that read, “This was not an unilateral decision made by the staff members, and the PPL issue was not a reason for her exit. We hope that Eunjung’s agency will stop forcing their assertions, and if they continue, we will have no choice but to respond with appropriate legal action.”

They continued, “The reason why we did not respond even when news articles made inaccurate presumptions which Eunjung’s agency was asserting, was because we thought remaining silent and not arguing would be the last considerable act we could offer to Eunjung.”

They explained the situation behind Eunjung’s exit saying, “We were waiting for the agency to resolve the T-ara issue and even concluded our difficult press conference, however, the external noise did not seem to die down and therefore we held an emergency meeting with the production company and the staff members.”

They also talked about the PPL issue that was pinpointed by T-ara‘s agency and the media as the reason why Eunjung was thrown out of the drama. “Though the production company had already seen a loss of 1,000,000,000 KRW (~$880,000 USD), because the broadcast has already began, it was not a situation where throwing Eunjung out would have restored or resolved anything.”

In regards to the assertions that said they issued an official document which consisted of conditions that were worse than the original contract, they said, “It is not true that we sent official documents of any kind. The ‘agreement’ that Eunjung’s agency is talking about, is just a proposal first made by Eunjung’s agency, knowing her exit was becoming a controversy. They proposed that they would lower the conditions and be responsible for compensation. Throwing [Eunjung] out of the drama is not a decision the staff members can make on their own.”

Yein E&M also needed to explain the claims that said they did not properly deliver the decision to replace Eunjung to her agency. “SBS and the production company officially delivered the message. Being considerate towards Eunjung, we proposed she voluntarily step down from the drama, but the agency forced their assertions in the media and to various associations. Because we had no trust for the agency, we had no choice but to hold an emergency meeting with the staff members and production company, and we decided that it would be best for Eunjung to be removed.”

The company assured that this was the best decision by adding, “The reason why we did not remove her in the beginning was because we thought the bullying controversy was just a rumor, and that time would resolve everything. We trusted that the agency would take measures to try and resolve this, however, the controversy did not die down even after the broadcast began, and we decided to remove [Eunjung] for the sake of the other actors, actresses, and staff members.”

“We hope that Eunjung will be able to overcome her pain and stand on her own two feet again,” they said in conclusion. “We truly hope she will be able brightly stand before the viewers one day soon.”

In related news, T-ara’s Ham Eunjung was cast for the role of pianist Hong Dami in ‘Five Fingers’, but was removed from the drama a day before filming began.

Source & Image: Kuki News via Nate

Core Contents Media denies rumors of Dani joining T-ara early

T-ara‘s agency Core Contents Media has denied rumors that new member Dani will be joining the group earlier than expected.

CCM released a statement on August 1st KST that announced, “The rumors that have appeared online about Dani joining T-ara early are false.”

“[T-ara's] Japanese homepage states, ‘With new member Ahreum joining, T-ara will promote as a 7-member group, and after preparations are made, another member Dani will be added, and they’ll be promoting as an 8-member group,’ but this was decided when Ahreum joined and is planned for later this year.”

The agency added, “T-ara will maintain a 7-member system for now until Dani joins after this December as planned.”

With CCM’s recent issues with the T-ara members, what are your predictions for later this year when it’s time for Dani to join?

Source: Hankook Ilbo via Nate

CCM’s Kim Kwang Soo speaks of a possibility for Hwayoung to rejoin T-ara

After Core Contents Media announced that they would immediately terminate the contract of T-ara member Hwayoung, netizens and fans alike stepped up to argue that the other members have bullied and outcasted her, and that the agency is to blame rather than Hwayoung.

The agency, however, is arguing that the bullying claims have nothing to do with the contract termination, and that Hwayoung has until now displayed behavior unacceptable for a member of a girl group, and showed no hope for improvement. Thus, Hwayoung is not a victim of bullying, but rather the staff and group members are the ones who have suffered extreme stress due to Hwayoung.

Regardless of whose fault it may be, fans are shocked to say the least to hear of Hwayoung’s departure from the group. The most ideal scenario that loyal fans are hoping for is for the girls and the agency to resolve these matters and for Hwayoung to return to the group.

CCM CEO Kim Kwang Soo informed StarNews on July 30th, “If Hwayoung realizes her faults and feels genuine sorrow and regret, it is possible for the staff and group members to discuss her return to the group. I say this again, but in order for that to happen, Hwayoung must reflect back on her actions and never repeat them again in the future.”

The chances of Hwayoung returning to the group may be slim, but this shows that it isn’t completely out of the question.

You can read the full press release regarding Hwayoung’s departure from T-ara here.

Are you in favor of Hwayoung returning to T-ara? Toss us your thoughts below!

Source & Image: StarNews via Naver

T-ara/Hwayoung Controversy: Cliff Notes Edition

Over the weekend, T-ara has been the hot topic throughout the world of K-Pop, causing many fans to worry. Fans’ worst fears were then confirmed, when they announced that Hwayoung would no longer be a part of T-ara. Let’s take a look at how this chaotic story came about.

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The Initial Spark

• [July 25th/ July 26th] T-ara puts on special unit performance at their Japanese Budokan Concert


• [July 25th] T-ara members’ tweets following Budokan concert receive some criticism

The Fuel

• [July 27th] Core Contents Media to make a major announcement regarding T-ara


• [July 27th] T-ara’s Hwayoung leaves an ambiguous tweet


• [July 28th] Netizens uncover meaning behind T-ara Hyomin’s Twitter profile picture


• [July 28th] T-ara’s Boram unfollows Hwayoung on Twitter?

The Fire

• [July 29th] Performances from July 29th’s episode of SBS ‘Inkigayo’


• [July 29th] What is the big announcement from CCM? T-ara breakup? Member kick out?


• [July 29th] Netizens share more incidents of T-ara’s Hwayoung supposedly being bullied


• [July 29th] Fans demand T-ara’s Eunjung be kicked off ‘We Got Married’ and ‘Five Fingers’

The Explosion

• [July 30th] [BREAKING] CCM announces Hwayoung will leave T-ara


• [July 30th] Hwayoung’s sister, Hyoyoung, tweets in response to Kim Kwang Soo’s announcement


• [July 30th] Hwayoung strikes back on Twitter


• [July 30th] Full press release from Core Contents Media regarding Hwayoung’s departure from T-ara


• [July 30th] CCM’s CEO Kim Kwang Soo interviewed regarding Hwayoung’s departure


• [July 30th] CCM reveals the dark side of Hwayoung, mudslinging ensues

The Aftermath/ Damage Report

• [July 30th] T-ara to proceed with their August comeback as scheduled


• [July 30th] SBS PD states he will no longer cast T-ara, T-ara concert may flop


• [July 30th] Netizens dig up evidence of Hwayoung being bullied? T-Jinyo group formed demanding truth

 

Stay tuned to allthatkpops, as the story is still developing and we will update as soon as we learn more.

[BREAKING] CCM announces Hwayoung will leave T-ara

T-ara‘s parent company Core Contents Media announced today that one of its members, Hwayoung, will be leaving the group effective immediately.

CCM’s CEO, Kim Kwang Soo, announced the departure in a press release written by the president himself. “In deference to the complaints by T-ara’s staff of 19 people (5 stylists, 7 hair & makeup, 5 on-site managers, 2 team mangers), Hwayoung’s contract as an artist will be voided effective immediately with no conditions.”

Kim Kwang Soo denied any correlation with the recent controversy that erupted following tweets from the T-ara members that were interpreted by many as one-sided bullying against Hwayoung. “We wish to impress upon the fact that this has nothing to do with the ‘bullying’ reports surrounding T-ara,” CCM said. “Although the staff of Core Contents Media stayed up into early morning discussing with the T-ara members who all wanted to stay with Hwayoung, we apologize in saying that we could not forsake the arguments of the staff members.”

“We deeply apologize for the many incidents which made everyone who loved T-ara nervous and worried, and we have nothing but sadness to convey such an unsettling incident on their third anniverary. We also apologize again to the T-ara members and wish Hwayoung all the best as a powerful rapper,” CCM concluded.

Hwayoung will leave T-ara after 20 months, leaving original members Boram, Qri, Eunjung, Soyeon, Hyomin, and Jiyeon, as well as new member Ahreum.

Source: Star News via Nate

New CCM artist Grace to debut with ‘Miracle’

Upcoming singer Grace will debut as a Core Contents Media artist with her first album titled ‘Miracle‘ on April 26th.

Singer turned producer, Yang Jung Seung, produced “Miracle“, while Grace helped to write the lyrics to the track, which has a ballad and funk version.

To produce a holy feeling for the ballad version, they tried to retain the delicacy of Grace’s vocals as much as possible. To deliver emotions of both joy and tears, the funk version of “Miracle” includes a captivating groove. It also features Grace singing 3-octave high notes, which add a refreshing and fun intensity to the track.

Grace commented, “I’m so happy and thankful to release my debut album. I want to be a singer that spreads the gospel through music to lots of people.”

Grace is currently serving as a worship leader for MME Ministry, a group of young Christians dedicated to culture, media, and entertainment. She’s reported to be the younger sister of actress Kim Ye Rang.