Despite efforts by Core Contents Media (CCM) to clear up the backlash that has surrounded T-ara even before ex-member Hwayoung’s contract was terminated, fans have demanded for an explanation going to the extent of calling for the entire group to be disbanded immediately.

Today, CCM announced that their first Korean concert which was slated to take place on August 11 will be postponed as “they (have agreed that they) will be unable to show a pleasant, bright and cheerful image” and added that the concert would be postponed “until they are able to show a good image to fans”. Tickets would be refunded through ticketing website Interpark.

This comes amid allegations that Hwayoung was coerced to make her public apology on Twitter and rumours that member Jiyeon had once slapped Hwayoung during a dance practice. An online petition calling for the disbandment of T-ara and for CCM to clarify the situation has garnered over 110,000 signatures, raising alarm that the anti-T-ara sentiment has reached a point beyond salvation.

An anti-fan café, ‘T-Jinyo’ (We demand the truth from T-ara) which has almost 200,000 followers currently, has called for a boycott of all T-ara promotional activities.

T-ara’s endorsement deals look set to take a beating as well, with skincare brand Tony Moly declaring that it will not renew the group’s contract when it expires at the end of this month.

The Korean National Police Agency has also removed member Eunjung’s picture from its homepage after receiving feedback from netizens. F(x)’s Krystal has officially taken her place on the site. Clothing company Wild Rose, which T-ara endorses, has also expressed that it is in the midst of discussing how to deal with the situation.

CCM has declared that T-ara’s performance today at SBS’s ‘K-POP Yeosu Expo Super Concert’ will be the last official event they will attend until further notice.

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