Sharp’s Lee Ji Hye spilled the long-simmering bullying scandal inside the group on a 2021 episode of Master in the House. The mixed-gender 90s K-Pop group, known also as S#arp, split in 2002 amid intense internal conflict centered on member Seo Ji Young.
The feud erupted when Seo, jealous of Lee’s vocal and visual recognition, reportedly pushed Lee out socially. Tensions boiled over in a heated elevator confrontation where Seo taunted Lee with a mocking song. Lee eventually snapped and hit Seo twice.
The next day, Lee apologized to Seo and her parents. Seo’s father demanded a public apology, which both families agreed to. Despite this, Lee faced ongoing hostility at broadcast stations, including threats from Seo’s then-boyfriend and confrontations from Seo’s mother.
The situation escalated when Seo’s family held a press conference aiming to oust Lee. Seo claimed Lee hit her more than seven times and denied verbally attacking Lee. Sharp’s manager backed Lee, dismissing the claims and questioning the likelihood of repeated hits without martial arts training. He also said, “witnesses regarding verbal abuse” were ready to come forward.
Seo abruptly left the press conference, unable to counter the evidence. Public opinion swung in Lee’s favor, but the group disbanded the next year.
Years later, the two appeared to have reconciled, even being seen together in 2024.
Lee Ji Hye on the elevator fight:
"I hit Seo twice after she mocked me."Sharp’s manager on the allegations:
“Unless Lee had boxing training, such repeated strikes would have been unlikely.”
The bullying saga remains one of K-Pop’s most notorious cases. Fans are watching closely as Lee and Seo show signs of burying the hatchet after 15 years.
