Goo Hara's ex-boyfriend Choi Jongbum had a turmoiled relationship together that climaxed when they were involved in an assault and blackmail case.

However, after news of Hara's passing broke, Choi Jongbum’s friend opened up in an interview to reveal that Choi Jongbum has been facing a difficult time with her death.

The friend is another hairstylist who works nearby Choi Jongbum’s newly opened salon. He revealed that none of the colleagues talk about Goo Hara due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

The friend said, "[Choi Jong Bum] had a difficult time ever since the controversy about the assault and revenge porn. After he heard about Goo Hara’s passing, he hasn’t been coping well. Everything related to Goo Hara is a sensitive situation for him, so the colleagues decided to not talk about it. It’s difficult for me to tell you anything more."

Since the news of Hara's death, Choi Jongbum has turned his Instagram to private and his newly opened salon remains closed indefinitely.