The much-anticipated release of I-LAND Season 2, a joint venture between CJ ENM and The Black Label, has been marred by early controversy. Reports from Korean media have brought to light allegations of school violence against one of the show’s contestants, casting a shadow over the program even before its official airing.
In a recent social media post, attention was drawn to a contestant identified as Kim Eun Chae, who stands accused of engaging in acts of bullying during her school years. The accuser, a former classmate of Kim Eun Chae, shared a graduation photograph featuring the alleged perpetrator as evidence of their shared educational background.
Born on February 7, 2007, Kim Eun Chae’s educational journey includes a scholarship at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in England. Presently, she is managed by WakeOne, a subsidiary of CJ ENM known for representing prominent artists such as TO1, Davichi, Jo Yuri, and Kep1er. Despite the severity of the accusations, both WakeOne and the production team behind I-LAND Season 2 have remained silent on the matter, declining to issue any official statements thus far.
The allegations came to light on March 25th through a social media post authored by the victim of the purported school bullying incident. Recounting their experience, the victim, referred to as “A,” detailed instances of verbal abuse and social ostracization allegedly perpetrated by Kim Eun Chae. The victim described enduring a prolonged period of mistreatment, culminating in their hospitalization due to the psychological toll inflicted by the bullying.
According to the victim’s account, attempts to seek redress or receive an apology from Kim Eun Chae were met with silence and indifference. The victim asserted that the alleged perpetrator’s mother, who operates an academy, further exacerbated the situation by spreading rumours and perpetuating the victim’s social isolation.
The victim’s harrowing narrative sheds light on the enduring impact of bullying, with repercussions extending beyond the confines of the school environment. As the controversy unfolds, the public awaits responses from relevant parties while grappling with the implications of these troubling allegations on the future of I-LAND Season 2 and its contestants.