K-pop star Soojin leaves (G)I-dle following school bullying allegations; social media users defend her – and one of her accusers

The 23-year-old K-pop star and (G)I-dle’s label, Cube Entertainment, have denied she bullied classmates in middle school in South Korea

However, six months after the allegations first emerged, Cube announced Soojin has left (G)I-dle. The group will continue with its five remaining members

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Soojin from (G)I-dle. The 23-year-old K-pop star has left the group over allegations she was a school bully, which she and the group’s label deny.

Published: 12:50pm, 16 Aug 2021Updated: 2:37pm, 16 Aug 2021

K-pop star Soojin’s exit from girl group (G)I-dle over allegations she bullied classmates when she was in middle school in South Korea has triggered a social media storm.

Soojin (born Seo Soo-jin) and (G)I-dle’s label, Cube Entertainment, have denied the allegations, which have dogged the K-pop star since they broke in February. Among her accusers is actress Seo Shin-ae. A former child actor, she is known for her role in shows including 2009’s High Kick Through the Roof and 2013’s The Queen’s Classroom.

Cube announced on Sunday that, with Soojin’s departure, the group would continue as a five-member act – Soyeon, Minnie, Shuhua, Yuqi, and Miyeon.

Following Cube’s announcement, terms such as “(G)I-dle is six” trended on social media, posted by fans of the group, who also defended the 23-year-old Soojin.

Girl group (G)I-dle perform on stage at an event in Seoul in January, 2020. With Soojin’s departure, the group will continue as a five-piece act. Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Some fans of the singer also took to Seo’s YouTube account to leave comments blaming the actress for the departure.

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