Kim Hieora Reportedly Declines Role in New K-drama ‘Jeong Nyeon’ Because of Iljin Controversy
After her successful back-to-back K-dramas, Kim Hieora is caught up in a controversy accusing her of being a school bullying and violence perpetrator back in middle school.
In an exclusive report cited by Dispatch, "The Glory" actress is said to be part of the infamous BIG SANJI, a bullying gang in Sangji Girls' Middle School who were known to extort, and abuse fellow students physically and verbally.
Former Classmates Speak Out Amid Bullying Issue Against Kim Hieora
As mentioned by the outlet, a former student claimed that there's a bullying group called the Big Sangji that would often extort from students for their own entertainment.
According to student "B," the members would extort money and "give it to the oldest members of the group." Moreover, student "B" said that "Kim Hieora was also part of Big Sangji."
A different student, who was in the 8th grade at the time, said that Kim Hieora would use her money to "pay for her mother's hospital fees."
To add fuel to the fire, Dispatch was able to get screenshots on their group message board, showing the actress' comments and revealing that she was part of the BIG SANJI.
Kim Hieora Admits Accusation Regarding the Iljin Controversy
Following the expose cited by Dispatch, "The Uncanny Counter" season 2 star did not deny the accusation against her.
Kim Hieora admitted that she "wasn't a model student" back then, and "did mess around," but insisted that the BIG SANGJI "wasn't a group of bullies."
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According to the actress, it was an online community of her friends, and she was a part of it.
"Big Sangji was the name of the online community. It was not a secret place for only bullies," she said, as obtained by a media outlet.
In a separate report, SPOTV News discussed the actress' supposed role in the upcoming webtoon-based K-drama "Jeong Nyeon."
In April, Kim Hieroa's agency confirmed that she was selected to join the cast and was "positively reviewing the offer."
However, in August, the actress officially declined the offer "due to personal circumstances."
Following the casting update, officials offered the role of "Anna" star Jung Eun Chae, which she gladly accepted.
As for Kim Hieora, there's speculation that she stepped down from the next project due to the ongoing rumors about her past.
On the other hand, Dispatch reportedly waited for the final broadcast of "The Uncanny Counter" season 2 before revealing the bombshell news because the actress was worried that the controversy would affect the program.
Apart from her role in the recently concluded K-drama, Kim Hieora skyrocketed her popularity after playing the villain in "The Glory'' starring Song Hye Kyo.
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