T-ara’s Eunjung Speaks Out on 2012 Bullying Scandal: "It Was the Worst Time of My Life"

On April 27, a video titled "Epic Fortune Telling" was posted on Ham Eun-jung’s personal YouTube channel.

In the video, Ham Eun-jung met with a fortune teller specializing in Saju (traditional Korean fortune-telling based on birth date and time) to get her fortune read. The fortune teller noted,

"You had strong financial luck in 2010 and 2011. But in 2012, the presence of 'Mudeomyo' (symbolizing a grave) suggests your activities would come to a halt. In 2013, you faced a deadly hardship, and in 2014, illnesses were indicated. From 2015 onwards, signs of physical weakening appeared."

Surprised, Ham Eun-jung responded,

"I didn’t get paid properly for my work with T-ara until just before that period. 2012 was truly the worst year."

T-ara debuted in 2009 with "Lies", skyrocketing to fame in 2010 with the mega-hit "Bo Peep Bo Peep." They continued a golden streak with hits like "I Go Crazy Because of You," "Why Are You Being Like This," "YaYaYa," "Roly-Poly," and "Cry Cry."

However, dark clouds gathered in 2012 when the group became embroiled in a national scandal. Allegations surfaced that they had bullied new member Ryu Hwa-young. As a result, T-ara faced nationwide backlash.

Ham Eun-jung, in particular, faced severe consequences — including being forcibly removed from her role in the drama "Five Fingers."

After Ryu Hwa-young left the group in July 2012, T-ara attempted a comeback with the single "Day by Day," but the group's popularity never fully recovered. While their song "Number Nine" achieved temporary success, the follow-up track "Do You Know Me?" failed commercially, leading to a steady decline in their domestic activities. In 2017, T-ara’s contracts with their then-agency MBK Entertainment expired, effectively ending their team activities.

Since then, Ham Eun-jung has shifted her focus to acting. She is currently active in the drama "Queen's House."

During the fortune reading, the fortune teller further remarked,

"You were born with the energy of metal, symbolized by jewels. You have both Hwagae and Dohwa signs, which relate to artistry and charm. However, there is no fire element in your chart — meaning difficulties in career stability or marriage prospects."

Ham Eun-jung reacted with visible shock. The fortune teller clarified,

"It doesn’t mean you can’t get married. It just suggests you may struggle with hierarchical relationships, particularly with overly domineering men. The absence of a 'husband sign' points to challenges with traditional, patriarchal partners — not marriage itself."

Meanwhile, Ham Eun-jung is making her return to the small screen with KBS’s new drama Queen’s House. The series tells the story of a woman from the top 1% who, after losing everything, must start over from scratch to reclaim the life that was taken from her.

Queen’s House portrays a powerful journey of resilience, as the characters fight to rediscover what truly matters — not success, but the meaning of home, family, and life itself.

As the lead, Ham Eun-jung brings depth and intensity to a role that marks a new chapter in her acting career, showcasing her growth and versatility beyond her idol roots.

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