Park Bom Accuses Sandara Park of Drug Cover-Up in New Statement

SEOUL (Azat TV) – Park Bom, a prominent South Korean singer and former member of the iconic K-pop girl group 2NE1, ignited a fresh wave of controversy on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, by publicly accusing fellow former member Sandara Park of drug abuse and claiming she was used as a scapegoat to cover up the alleged scandal. The shocking allegations, made in a now-deleted handwritten letter posted on Park Bom’s Instagram account, have sent ripples through the K-pop industry and prompted an immediate denial from Sandara Park’s representatives.

In her candid post, Park Bom revisited her 2010 Adderall controversy, asserting that the medication was for her Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and not an illicit substance. She explicitly stated that Sandara Park was ‘caught for drug abuse’ and that the ensuing scandal involving Park Bom was orchestrated to deflect attention. This new statement, years after 2NE1’s official disbandment, has reopened old wounds and cast a new light on the group’s tumultuous past.

Park Bom’s Shocking Allegations Against Sandara Park

Park Bom’s Instagram letter, translated by Koreaboo, began with a direct address to her followers, expressing her determination to share ‘the truth.’ She acknowledged the sensitive nature of her claims, particularly concerning Adderall, which is classified as a psychotropic drug and highly regulated in South Korea. Bom maintained that she is an ADD patient and that her medication was unfairly labeled a drug scandal. ‘Sandara Park was caught for drug abuse, and to cover that up, they turned the medication into something labeled as a drug scandal involving me,’ she wrote, though she did not specify who forced her into the cover-up.

The singer also criticized the lack of a specific medication system or law regarding Adderall in South Korea at the time of her 2010 incident, noting that a law was ‘strangely’ created afterward. She appealed to the public to ‘investigate the facts’ and made a direct plea to YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk, music producer Teddy Park, and 2NE1’s former leader CL, asking them not to report her to authorities again for alleged drug use. Park Bom concluded her emotional letter by stating it felt like her ‘soul is crying,’ expressing gratitude to her readers.

The 2010 Adderall Controversy Revisited

The controversy Park Bom referenced dates back to 2010 when she was investigated for allegedly importing 82 Adderall pills into South Korea via international mail without proper declaration or approval. Adderall, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy but is considered a controlled substance in South Korea due to its addictive potential and stimulant effects. At the time, prosecutors suspended the indictment after confirming that the medication had been prescribed for therapeutic purposes in the United States. However, the incident resurfaced in headlines four years later, significantly impacting her public image and career.

Park Bom’s recent statement aims to reframe this historical narrative, suggesting her involvement was not an isolated incident but rather a manipulated situation. This allegation directly contradicts the previously accepted understanding of the 2010 event, presenting a new and contentious version of events.

Industry Reaction and Park Bom’s Health Hiatus

The immediate fallout from Park Bom’s statement has been swift. Sandara Park’s representatives promptly responded to YTN Star, unequivocally stating that the allegations made by Park Bom were ‘groundless,’ as reported by Koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. This direct denial sets the stage for a potentially protracted public dispute between the former bandmates.

Meanwhile, a source close to Park Bom, quoted by OSEN, indicated that the letter was ‘written out of [her] unstable condition’ and requested public understanding. This aligns with previous reports from her agency, D-Nation Entertainment, which announced in August 2025 that Park Bom had suspended her activities, including any reunion projects with 2NE1, due to health concerns. The agency cited medical advice for her need for ‘sufficient rest and stability,’ following what they described as ‘incomprehensible posts on her SNS’ at the time, which caused public concern.

The Lingering Shadow on 2NE1’s Legacy

Park Bom and Sandara Park debuted in 2009 as members of 2NE1, one of K-pop’s most influential girl groups. Known for their unique sound and fierce image, the quartet achieved immense success before officially disbanding in 2016. Despite their separation, the members have occasionally reunited, notably at the 2022 Coachella Festival and for a ‘Welcome Back’ Asia tour two years later. Park Bom’s current allegations, however, threaten to overshadow these nostalgic reunions and potentially tarnish the group’s celebrated legacy. The claims introduce a new dimension of internal conflict and alleged cover-ups, which could redefine how fans and the industry view 2NE1’s history and its individual members’ careers going forward.

Park Bom’s decision to publicly air these long-held grievances, especially while on a health-related hiatus, underscores the deep personal impact of the 2010 controversy and highlights the ongoing challenges K-pop idols face regarding mental health and industry pressures.