The truth is finally out! An alleged former classmate finally added context that explained the true story behind the school bullying controversy involving Hearts2Hearts Ian. So, if you’re wondering what really happened at the time, join us as we discover the truth about this Hearts2Hearts visual member’s past. Plus, you must have been wondering what SM Entertainment said about the incident, don’t you? The company finally speaks out in a firm statement, and we’ll dive into everything in the following report.
The Truth Behind Hearts2Hearts Ian School Bullying Controversy
The weight carried by SM Entertainment’s new girl group, Hearts2Hearts, is heavy as metal crown. As the next largest girl group after Girls’ Generation, they are burdened with the immense expectations of living up to the legacy of their predecessors. This is especially challenging given the monumental success of Girls’ Generation during their era.
When Hearts2Hearts debuted, the group faced a barrage of criticisms, including the recent school bullying controversy surrounding their visual member, Ian. However, a new testimony has emerged, shedding light on what truly happened during Ian’s infamous fish tank incident.

On February 25, an alleged former elementary school classmate of Ian decided to write a post on X. In the post, they described what happened to Ian during her time in elementary school, adding clear context of the circumstances surrounding Ian’s infamous fish tank incident.
According to the former classmate, Ian was not a school bully as initially accused. Instead, they described her as an unusual but kind-hearted student who helped others in times of need.
The testimony then continued, explaining that the infamous fish tank incident was not a case of one-sided, malicious bullying. Instead, it was an accident that happened during a conflict with other students.
저도동창이었어요 같은반은 아니지만 친하게지냈고.. 제가 친구 없어서 잘 적응 못할때 도와줬어요 어항깨진거 유명한사건이긴했는데 이안이가 특이한 애긴 했어도 나쁜애는 아니었어요.. 애들이랑 싸우다 그렇게된거고 일방적이고 악질적인 괴롭힘도 아니었고요.. 웃기고 당당하고 (타래로) https://t.co/NRrMpY7Clx
— 동봐 (구독하지마!!) (@IloveONLYy0u) February 25, 2025
“I was also a schoolmate. We weren’t in the same class, but we were close and got along well… When I was struggling to adapt because I didn’t have many friends, she helped me out.The incident with the broken fish tank was quite famous, but even though Ian was a bit of an unusual kid, she wasn’t a bad person…
It happened during a fight with other kids, and it wasn’t a one-sided or malicious case of bullying….”
@IloveONLYy0u on X, alleged former classmate of Hearts2Hearts Ian.
Ian’s True Personality Revealed
Not only that but the former classmate also revealed their views on Hearts2Hearts Ian’s true personality.
Despite the school bullying allegations and controversy, Hearts2Hearts Ian was actually funny and confident. It was like she was born special with her own way of living that’s completely different from the others. And that is why many viewed her as “special.”
마이웨이형이라서 같이 있으면 재미있었는데.. 이렇게 얘기 악의적으로 퍼뜨리지 마세요.. 전 중학교 땐 안 봐서 모르겠지만 그럴 애 아니에요.. 오히려 그 동네 애들이랑 이안이가 잘 안 맞아서 자주 싸웠던거고.. 솔직히 일반적으로 학폭했다기엔 그냥 모두랑 티격태격했어요 (세상을왕따하는느낌)
— 동봐 (구독하지마!!) (@IloveONLYy0u) February 25, 2025
“Ian was funny and confident. She had had a strong ‘my way’ personality, so being around her was always entertaining…
Please don’t spread these stories with such malice. I don’t know what she was like in middle school since I didn’t see them then, but she was not that kind of person. If anything, she often clashed with the kids in that neighborhood because she just didn’t really fit in with them.
But honestly, to say she was generally a bully just doesn’t feel right. It was more like she clashed with everyone (as if she was ‘ostracizing the world’ rather than being the outcast herself.)”
@IloveONLYy0u on X, alleged former classmate of Hearts2Hearts Ian.
Interestingly, another testimony surfaced on the same day, further revealing more about Ian’s true personality. A separate post on X depicted Ian as a contrast to her public image, describing her as a “cold beauty” on the outside but affectionate and lovable once you got to know her.
#이안 이 제보!!
— 카츠 (@kitS2girl) January 17, 2025
냉미녀인데 애교많고 사랑스럽대요….
내 아기고양이가 모태아이돌이라니…////#하츠투하츠 #Hearts2Hearts #H2H #LEEAN pic.twitter.com/CiUqzBuO4O
“#Ian tip-off!!
She has a cold beauty, but she’s actually full of aegyo and absolutely lovable…
I can’t believe my little kitten was born to be an idol… ////”
@kitS2girl on X, another alleged former classmate of Hearts2Hearts Ian.
This testimony further affirmed that Ian was far from the bullying accusations that had been circulating online. Instead, she was a unique and charismatic individual who sometimes struggled to fit in but was ultimately a warm and kind-hearted person.
SM’s Official Statement on Hearts2Hearts Ian School Bullying Controversy
Amid the swirling rumors and growing controversy, SM Entertainment has finally broken its silence regarding the allegations against Hearts2Hearts member Ian. The company issued an official statement on February 26, declaring strong legal action against the spread of false information.
According to SM Entertainment, the accusations against Ian are baseless rumors. Furthermore, the company has already begun the legal process to address the situation and firmly stated that they will not offer leniency or reach any settlements regarding the matter.
“Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We have confirmed that false information, malicious defamation, and defamatory posts regarding our artist Hearts2Hearts are being posted and circulated. As a result, we have initiated legal proceedings to address this matter.
Fabricating content that is not based on facts or spreading unverified claims to generate and distribute groundless rumors is a clear violation of the law. We emphasize that we will take firm legal action against such unlawful activities, without any leniency or settlement.
We will continue to do our utmost to protect our artists.
Thank you.”
SM Entertainment
Finally, with SM Entertainment’s firm statement and the support of those who knew her personally, it’s clear that Ian is not the person these rumors made her out to be.
But what about you? What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe the allegations, or do you support Ian? Share your opinions in the comments!
In the meantime, here’s Hearts2Hearts’ stunning performance MV for “The Chase” with Studio CHOOM.
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