Cho Min Ah is exposing long-hidden bullying within Jewelry.
The former first-generation girl group member opened up about being bullied for over three years by her Jewelry bandmates. She revealed she was treated like a "human ashtray" while they smoked in the van, and was even banned from riding with them, forced to ride with dancers instead.
Cho Min Ah said she stayed silent because she feared being blamed and pretended to get along with the members. Her contract ended with no intention to renew.
"I was bullied within the group (Jewelry) for more than three years… They always smoked inside the van which was painful, and I had to hold onto my mental strength when they made me their human ashtray."
— Cho Min Ah
She also called out the lack of awareness from perpetrators.
"People who hurt others are not interested in or turn a blind eye to the victims suffering from their actions… If they say they don’t remember or insist they never did it, that’s that… For the person who has been victimized, the suffocating feeling, humiliation, and misery remain deeply ingrained, causing years and even decades of suffering."
— Cho Min Ah
Cho Min Ah connected this trauma to her mental health struggles, including panic disorder and anxiety. She cited the Jewelry members’ continued exclusion of her, highlighted by the 2023 wedding of member Seo In Young, where she was notably absent.
"Due to the shock of experiencing similar events from my early twenties this February and the anxiety caused by my living conditions, I developed symptoms of panic disorder."
— Cho Min Ah
She shared her road to recovery, involving home training and improved health, leading to stopping medication for mental illness.
"When one becomes isolated due to past wounds, their present life deteriorates, and they lose hope for the future. It takes courage to heal oneself and return to a state without scars, to live life well without prejudice."
— Cho Min Ah"Don’t hide because you’re alone, speak out if you’re in pain or struggling, and leave situations that bother you. There is no difficulty that cannot be overcome. It just takes time, but it all passes by. I’m always rooting for you."
— Cho Min Ah
Jewelry debuted in 2001 and rose to fame with hits like “Superstar” and “One More Time.” Cho Min Ah joined in 2002 and left in 2006. The group officially disbanded in 2015 after multiple lineup changes.
