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T-ARA Postpones First Korean Concert Amidst Calls For Disbandment |
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Written by Mari
Wednesday, August 01, 2012 12:30 PM |
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 The girl group has been plagued with negative reports after booting Hwayoung from the group
Despite efforts by Core Contents Media (CCM) to clear up the backlash
that has surrounded T-ara even before ex-member Hwayoung's contract was
terminated, fans have demanded for an explanation going to the extent of
calling for the entire group to be disbanded immediately.
Today, CCM announced that their first Korean concert which was slated to
take place on August 11 will be postponed as "they (have agreed that
they) will be unable to show a pleasant, bright and cheerful image" and
added that the concert would be postponed "until they are able to show a
good image to fans". Tickets would be refunded through ticketing
website Interpark.
This comes amid allegations that Hwayoung was coerced to make her public
apology on Twitter and rumours that member Jiyeon had once slapped
Hwayoung during a dance practice. An online petition calling for the
disbandment of T-ara and for CCM to clarify the situation has garnered
over 110,000 signatures, raising alarm that the anti-T-ara sentiment has
reached a point beyond salvation.
An anti-fan café, 'T-Jinyo' (We demand the truth from T-ara) which has
almost 200,000 followers currently, has called for a boycott of all
T-ara promotional activities.
T-ara's endorsement deals look set to take a beating as well, with
skincare brand Tony Moly declaring that it will not renew the group's
contract when it expires at the end of this month.
The Korean National Police Agency has also removed member Eunjung's
picture from its homepage after receiving feedback from netizens. F(x)'s
Krystal has officially taken her place on the site. Clothing company
Wild Rose, which T-ara endorses, has also expressed that it is in the
midst of discussing how to deal with the situation.
CCM has declared that T-ara's performance today at SBS's 'K-POP Yeosu
Expo Super Concert' will be the last official event they will attend
until further notice. Credit: entertainment.xin.msn.com
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