Where is Kim Garam Now? Current Status of Ex-LE SSERAFIM Member After Bullying Controversy
After she departed from LE SSERAFIM, Kim Garam laid low from the spotlight. However, a new update regarding the former idol has come to light.
Read on to learn about Garam's current status.
Kim Garam: Debut with LE SSERAFIM, Controversy, Departure From Group
On April 4, 2022, Garam was introduced as LE SSERAFIM's second member, which led to her debuting with the girl group on May 2, 2022, with first mini album "FEARLESS."
However, as soon as Garam's identity as a K-pop idol was revealed in the open, bullying allegations were made against the former idol. Apart from school violence, Garam was also accused of smoking and drinking while underage.
On April 6, HYBE labels denied the allegations on Source Music's official Twitter account. The company warned that legal action would be taken and that the claims were false.
However, on May 16, a document from a school violence committee went viral. The record showed Garam's name as a perpetrator in a school incident and according to the file, Garam had been found guilty by the school violence committee in 2018.
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On May 19, the alleged victim who went by the name of Yoo Eunseo stepped up and shared how she was bullied by Garam.
HYBE then replied by declaring that the information was only one-sided and that the agency was in the process of making its stand. It was followed by a statement addressing another alleged victim "A," who shared bad experiences with the former idol.
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On May 20, Source Music and HYBE declared Garam's temporary hiatus from LE SSERAFIM. However, despite the intense backlash, a Korean media outlet reported that HYBE had no plans to remove Garam out of the group.
On May 21, HYBE released an additional statement regarding Garam's allegations. This announcement expressed skepticism on why Garam had a degree 5 disciplinary action despite having no physical altercation.
Ultimately, on July 20, the agency announced the termination of Garam's exclusive contract and removal from LE SSERAFIM.
"Our company has decided to terminate Kim Garam's exclusive contract."
"LE SSERAFIM will continue their promotions with five members and will unconditionally support the group to grow further as artists through their music and performances."
On August 10, Garam finally spoke up for the first time regarding her accusations. Garam firmly denied all the allegations, stating she had never engaged in physical violence, smoked, drank alcohol, or was forced to transfer schools.
Garam also followed up on the school violence committee's full report, which detailed her 5th-level disposition and Yoo Eunseo's involvement in the fray.
Where is Kim Garam Now? Here's What We Know So Far
On October 10, netizens found out that Garam was one of the seven students who passed the first round applications in Dongguk University's acting major department. Notable graduates from the alma mater include Girls' Generation members YoonA and Seohyun.
After the controversy, it was claimed that Garam had returned to her normal life as a student at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). In May 2023, the former idol graduated from the school, marking a new beginning for her.
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