Actress Kang Eun Bi has publicly opened up for the first time about the long-term trauma she endured due to severe school bullying during her student years, offering a candid account of experiences that have continued to affect her emotional well-being into adulthood.

The revelation came during the Jan. 13 broadcast of tvN "Joy's variety program Kim Chang Ok Show 4," which centered on the theme "Uncomfortable Cohabitation, Let's Break Up."

Appearing on the show with her husband, Byun Jun Pil, Kang spoke frankly about why she has struggled to express her emotions openly. According to AllKpop, her appearance marked the first time she had addressed these issues in such detail on television.

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While discussing her difficulty in opening up to others, Kang described her school years. Explaining her past, she said, "I wasn't liked by my classmates when I was in school. I was always alone and was severely ostracized." She then went on to describe the extent of the abuse, adding, "It was so bad that I was beaten to the point where my eardrum ruptured. Even now, one side is an artificial eardrum." The comments drew strong reactions from viewers, as reported by AllKpop.

Her account contrasted sharply with her public image at the time. Kang was once widely known as an "ulzzang," a term used in South Korea to describe internet-famous individuals recognized for their looks.

Reflecting on that disconnect, she spoke about how appearances masked her reality. Looking back on that period, she recalled, "On the outside, people may have thought I was doing fine, but in reality, I was always lonely," according to The Chosun Daily.

Kang also addressed hardships she faced after entering the entertainment industry. Describing her early career, she explained that certain portrayals on television added to her emotional burden. Talking about those experiences, she said, "Early on, I appeared on variety shows and clips of me acting cute were aired repeatedly, which branded me with labels like 'fake' and 'unlikable.'"

She continued by saying, "There were even forced love lines with idols. I was a rookie, so I reacted however I could, but my related search terms were filled with nothing but insults." The Chosun Daily reported that her remarks highlighted the pressures faced by young entertainers.

Reflecting on how these experiences shaped her, Kang summarized their lasting impact. Speaking calmly about her past, she said, "All of those experiences piled up and shaped the person I am today," explaining why emotional openness remains difficult for her.

Her candid testimony has sparked broader conversations online about school bullying, public perception, and the hidden struggles faced by celebrities, with many viewers expressing support following the broadcast.

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