K-Pop Idol Shocks With Former Group’s Connection To Alleged Cult

A K-Pop idol revealed the process of re-debuting as part of a group, while sparking shock with the revelation that the group had a connection to an alleged cult. On October 6th, Jung Eunwoo, formerly of PRISTIN and HINAPIA, posted on her account, “This is really a crazy story. I’m only now revealing it,” along with a video. The hashtags “#GirlGroup #Shincheonji #Idol” especially drew attention. In the video, Jung Eunwoo claimed, “My second group HINAPIA was somewhat close to the Shincheonji group.” She also mentioned the formation of HINAPIA, saying, “After the first group fell through, we formed the second group with friends who got along well.” She then revealed that they met with an investor who approached them wanting to help and promised to produce their album. Regarding this, Jung Eunwoo stated, “I signed the contract thinking it would be the last chance.” She confessed her suspicions, saying, “They said they were building a dormitory and practice room just for us. I think it was about 100 pyeong [approx. 3,300 sq ft]. They showed us construction photos, but it seemed like they had just pulled them from Google.” Later, the actual practice room was completed, but it was a smal...