Singer Mina opened up about a disturbing incident during a recent variety show appearance, joining fellow legendary K-pop artists like Chae Rina of Roo’ra, Narsha of Brown Eyed Girls, Ivy, Lee Ji Hye of S#arp, and ex-AOA member Choa.
The singer recounted a handshake event held for military personnel that quickly turned frightening. Mina explained that while greeting a few fans, “dozens of soldiers came on stage,” surrounding her and groping her from behind. She emphasized that the incident was not isolated, revealing that it had been orchestrated by a group of soldiers rather than a single individual.
Although Mina could have pressed charges, she decided to forgive the perpetrators after they pleaded for leniency. “They begged me not to press charges and asked that I take their youth into consideration,” she said. She added that had legal action been pursued, the soldiers could have faced court-martial.
Mina, known for her provocative image in the early 2000s, first gained widespread attention during the 2002 World Cup in Korea. Beyond her career highlights, she made news in 2018 when she married Phillip Ryu, 16 years her junior.
By speaking out, Mina has shed light on the challenges and dangers performers may face during official appearances, highlighting both the bravery required to share such experiences and the ongoing conversations about harassment in entertainment settings.
