In an escalating drama that has captivated K-pop fans and sparked heated debates, former T-ara member Hwa Young has publicly accused stylist-turned-TV personality Kim Woori of defamation for spreading rumors that have plagued her for over a decade.

On November 18, Hwa Young took to Instagram to voice her frustrations, stating, "After my recent statement confirming the bullying I faced during my time in T-ara, I hoped for an honest apology from CEO Kim Kwang Soo and fellow T-ara members, but nothing has come." Reflecting on her tumultuous past, she added, "For 12 years, I have endured false accusations, countless rumors, and relentless harassment. It’s time to set the record straight."

At the core of her allegations is a deeply controversial comment made by Kim Woori during the 2017 talk show *Heard It Through the Grapevine*. He claimed that Hwa Young disrespectfully referred to hairstylists as "shampoo," asserting that her attitude was "rude." Furthermore, he defended the other members of T-ara during their bullying scandal, asserting, "There was no fault on T-ara’s part."

In her rebuttal, Hwa Young dismissed these claims as completely false, remarking, "Kim Woori wasn’t even T-ara’s stylist when I joined the group. We have never met or spoken. His comments are purely defamatory." She expressed her dismay over the impact of his statements, stating, "The 'shampoo' story incited a wave of hate that I continue to endure."

When approached for comment by YTN Star, Kim Woori declined to respond, claiming he was abroad. He ignored further inquiries regarding Hwa Young’s accusations.

The discord between the two is not new; back in 2017, Kim Woori's remarks about Hwa Young had ignited public outrage as he labeled her "ill-mannered" and perpetuated negative rumors about her character. Hwa Young had retorted at the time, calling on him to "stop fabricating stories." Kim later attempted to pacify the situation, attributing his comments to selective editing by the broadcaster—a claim denied by Channel A.

In her recent post, Hwa Young revisited the fallout of Kim Woori's accusations, targeting his lack of accountability. "Instead of owning up to his lies, he conveniently shifted the blame onto the network. While it might have been an 'oops' moment for him, I’m the one still grappling with the consequences of his falsehoods," she stated emphatically.

The renewed controversy has reignited fervent discussions online, creating a divide among fans who are split over the matter. For Hwa Young, this dispute represents much more than a personal vendetta; it's a desperate battle to reclaim her identity and combat years of public vilification.

As this ongoing conflict continues to unravel, one undeniable truth remains: the seemingly innocuous 'shampoo' remark has blossomed into a significant and unresolved chapter in the annals of K-pop history, pulling fans and industry insiders alike into a whirlwind of speculation and outrage. What’s next for Hwa Young and Kim Woori? The K-pop world is watching closely.