Goo Hara’s Role In Exposing “Burning Sun” Criminals Was Bigger Than Initially Thought Amid Personal Struggles

This article is part of our coverage of Burning Sun Scandal. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

On May 19, the BBC World Service’s investigative team, BBC Eye, released a powerful new documentary titled Burning Sun, revealing how two female Korean journalists exposed sex scandals involving prominent K-Pop stars.

The documentary revealed never-before-seen details of the crimes, including direct videos of those involved in the scandal.

Shocking New Footage Of Seungri In “Burning Sun” Documentary Adds Questions About His Guilt

It also sheds light on the key players involved in helping bring justice to the victim, including KARA‘s Goo Hara.

Goo Hara debuted as a member of KARA in 2008 and remained in the group throughout the years.

According to Reporter Kang, Hara reached out to her at a key point in the investigation when information on the police officer mentioned in the group chats was needed. Hara, who is close to Choi Jonghoon, confirmed that she had seen weird things on his and the other celebrities’ phones.

When Kang plainly stated the information she needed, Hara took action, calling Choi Jonghoon and convincing him to speak with the reporter. Hara’s brother also confirmed this, as he was sitting next to her as this occurred.

Kang was able to record the conversation leading to the big break in the case, and the headlines about the illegal KakaoTalk group chats.

Sadly, Goo Hara was also dealing with issues in her personal life around the time of the case, which encouraged her to help.

The year before, Hara was the victim of blackmail at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, who threatened to release a sex video taken without her consent. He was ultimately sentenced to a year in prison in August 2019.

Many netizens have praised Hara’s strength after finding out the true extent of her role in bringing justice to the victims.

BBC released a docu about the burning sun scandal & it was revealed there that Hara actually approached the reporter & wants to help investigate since she's friends with the ppl involved (choi, seun/gri etc) & she knows that they're really doing smth. MY BRAVE BRAVE GIRL 😭 pic.twitter.com/rUWVLufjJ9

— 김 (@soshirevelae) May 19, 2024

goo hara❤️

as a victim of revenge porn herself she didn't think twice before stepping in to help to investigate the burning sun's case.
she especially wanted to bring to the light the name of an important person involved in it.
brave woman, you will forever be missed 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/miD3l8wjfG

— ναℓ 🍓 (@flowerfrost_) May 19, 2024

one of the many reasons why hara should be remembered with her life more than her death. she's not just an idol who passed away. she was a fighter. her whole career was a huge fight and she fought on so many sides. bravest and kindest soul i hope she rests in peace. https://t.co/ExBwYRQxhO

— hera|kwonboa (@hugfortony) May 19, 2024