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| AOA member Seolhyun. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Numerous online users are calling on Seolhyun of K-pop girl group AOA to quit her role in tvN's upcoming drama "Day and Night" following her band's bullying scandal, but the drama's crew revealed Monday she would not step down.
"The filming has been taking place as scheduled," a crew member was quoted as saying. "Seolhyun will not be removed."
On July 3, AOA's former member Mina, who left the group in 2019, accused the bands' ex-leader Jimin of bullying her for years while she was part of the group between 2012 and 2019.
Jimin apologized and quit the act, but on Saturday, Mina called out Jimin, Seolhyun and Han Sung-ho ― CEO of FNC Entertainment that represents AOA ― on her Instagram and said words could not describe how filthy the three were. She has insisted Seolhyun and Han had turned a blind eye when she was suffering.
Mina also posted a photo showing her injured wrist with a message hinting at suicide.
"I want to go to a place where I can be happy ― I am feeling so much pain here. Do not even come to my funeral even if I die. I will harass you after my death," the message read.
Mina's agency Woori Actors said Sunday that her injuries were not life-threatening and that she had been taken to hospital. FNC apologized on Sunday and said, "We sincerely hope Kwon recovers her health as soon as possible. We will strive to seek an amicable settlement with her."
Nevertheless, people are criticizing Seolhyun for being a "bystander," calling on the drama production team to remove her.
"Day and Night" follows a group of people who try to unlock the secret of a mysterious event that occurred 26 years ago. Seolhyun plays a police officer in the soap opera.
Seolhyun debuted as a member of AOA in 2012 with the album "Angels' Story." The group had a series of hits including "Miniskirt" (2014) and "Short Hair" (2014).
