With 2.63 million subscribers, mukbang creator Nareum alleged they were bullied in elementary school and hinted that one of the perpetrators is now a K-pop idol. As online speculation pointed to BZ-BOYS member Choi Taewoong, his team called the claim “clearly false” and said they plan to take legal action.
Choi’s legal representative, Hwaon Law Firm, said in a statement that Nareum TV posted videos on Instagram and TikTok alleging that “an idol who appeared on 'Produce 101,' was eliminated, and later debuted” had been a school bully in fourth grade―and that speculation has identified Choi as the person in question.
“These allegations are clearly false,” the firm said, adding that Choi “did not commit the school-violence acts described during his school years” and “did not inflict physical or psychological harm.”
The firm added that follow-up reports, malicious comments, and baseless rumors have spread across social media since the videos went up, causing serious reputational damage. It said it has begun civil and criminal proceedings over the spread of false information and is demanding the immediate removal of the related videos and posts.
Earlier, Nareum wrote on social media that a classmate created an online community to harass them when they were in fourth grade, and that one of the perpetrators later appeared on audition program "Produce 101," was eliminated, and then debuted as an idol. “I didn’t name anyone, and I’m not hoping they fail,” Nareum added. “I just want an apology.”
Afterward, rumors spread online suggesting the idol―described as a peer from Busan―was Choi Taewoong. Choi competed on "Produce 101" Season 2 in 2017 and later debuted as an idol in 2019.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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