Origins of the AOA scandal
The AOA scandal, which rocked the K-pop industry in 2020, began when former AOA member Kwon Mina made a series of public allegations against group leader Shin Jimin. On July 3, 2020, Mina posted on her Instagram, accusing Jimin of having bullied her for ten years, from their trainee days to their time as active group members. Mina detailed how the alleged bullying severely impacted her mental health, leading to her withdrawal from the group in 2019 and attempts at self-harm.
Among the specific incidents Mina cited was Jimin's lack of empathy when Mina's father was dying. Mina claimed that during this difficult time, Jimin told her that crying would "ruin the mood" and showed little compassion. Mina also alleged physical abuse, claiming Jimin hit her as a trainee. These posts, which included photos of self-harm scars, quickly gained widespread public attention and condemnation for Jimin and AOA's agency, FNC Entertainment.
The fallout and public reaction
The allegations triggered a massive public outcry and backlash against Jimin. The online community rallied behind Mina, and pressure mounted on FNC Entertainment to take action. Initially, Jimin responded with a now-deleted Instagram story simply stating "fiction," which only intensified the public's anger. The situation escalated rapidly as more details emerged from Mina and a meeting between the members was held, which Mina later described as unsatisfying.
On July 4, 2020, facing immense pressure, Jimin left AOA and announced her retirement from the entertainment industry. FNC Entertainment also issued an apology and pledged to take responsibility for the situation. However, the controversy did not end there. Mina continued to post on social media, at times making additional claims and revealing personal details about Jimin, which led to a complex and often-confusing narrative. The public's perception began to shift as some questioned the inconsistencies in Mina's claims and her behavior online.
The long-term impact on AOA and its members
The scandal effectively ended AOA's activities. The group, which had already seen several members leave over the years, went inactive after 2020. While the group has not officially disbanded, the members have all since left FNC Entertainment and pursued individual paths. The careers and reputations of the members, particularly Seolhyun, were heavily affected, as she was accused of being a bystander to the bullying.
Impact on AOA members: Before and after the scandal
| Member | Status Before Scandal | Status After Scandal | Effect of Scandal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jimin | AOA's leader and main rapper, solo career activities | Left AOA and retired from entertainment industry in 2020, with a return in 2022 | Massive public backlash, career halted |
| Mina | Left AOA in 2019 to pursue acting | Became the main accuser; continued to struggle publicly with mental health | Her public accusations initiated the scandal; public perception shifted over time |
| Seolhyun | Very popular member, successful actress, model | Faced public backlash for allegedly being a bystander to the bullying | Reputation temporarily damaged; continued acting career |
| Other Members | Continued as a smaller group after Mina left | Group activities ceased, members departed FNC over time | Careers impacted by association; forced to move to individual activities |
Shifting public sentiment and broader implications
As time passed, public sentiment became more complex. When Dispatch, a South Korean media outlet, published chat logs in 2021, they provided additional context to the situation, revealing seemingly amicable messages between Mina and Jimin around the time of the alleged incidents. This, combined with Mina's subsequent behavior and inconsistent statements, led to a re-evaluation of the narrative by some netizens. The complexities highlighted the dangers of social media trials and the intense pressures placed on K-pop idols.
Ultimately, the AOA scandal became a cautionary tale about several aspects of the K-pop industry. It exposed the harsh realities of trainee and idol life, the importance of mental health support, and the complexities of inter-member relationships. While Jimin faced severe career consequences, the shifting details underscore the importance of withholding judgment until all information is available, especially in highly public and emotionally charged cases. The full story, according to an in-depth YouTube documentary, became far more nuanced than the initial social media posts suggested.
Conclusion
The AOA scandal stands as a significant event in modern K-pop history, beginning with former member Mina's public allegations of prolonged bullying by group leader Jimin in July 2020. This triggered a massive public response that led to Jimin's departure from AOA and her temporary retirement from the industry. The incident had devastating consequences for the entire group, ultimately ending its collective activities and forcing remaining members to navigate their careers individually. Over time, the narrative surrounding the scandal grew more complicated as additional context was revealed, prompting questions about the nature of celebrity and the intense scrutiny of social media. The scandal serves as a stark reminder of the often-harsh environment within the K-pop world and the lasting impact such controversies can have on those involved.
