She had a traumatic childhood.
In an emotional and candid interview, Kahi, former member of the iconic girl group After School, has opened up about the devastating abuse and neglect she endured growing up, revealing a side of her past that fans had never seen before.
On the June 16, 2025, episode of the YouTube program New Beginnings CBS, Kahi shared her story. Appearing as a guest, she revisited painful memories from her childhood, shedding light on the trauma she experienced behind closed doors.
Born the third of four siblings, Kahi explained that her mother suffered a serious herniated disc after giving birth to her, leading her to be raised by her maternal grandparents until the age of three.
“When I returned home, I barely recognized my mother. I even asked, ‘Who is that lady?’ There was no connection. And with a newborn baby in the house, there was no room for me. There wasn’t even a hint of maternal affection. I never felt protected in that home.”
Desperate for love, Kahi said she sought affection outside the home.
“The house felt more like a survival battlefield than a place of comfort. I never felt safe. My father was extremely authoritarian and often violent. His temper was strong, and he ruled with force.”
One memory, in particular, left a lasting scar.
“There was a day when my father beat my mother so badly that there was blood on the bed. I remember watching her quietly wash the blanket in the bathroom. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Sadly, the abuse didn’t stop there. Kahi revealed that even her older siblings were violent toward her. Despite the pain, Kahi expressed compassion for her mother’s struggles.
“Getting hit was just part of daily life. I was beaten with anything — sticks, belts, the hose from the sink, even clothes hangers. There wasn’t a single item I wasn’t hit with. Looking back, my mom probably had no emotional capacity left. I didn’t make it easy for her either. I kept demanding the same love I got from my grandparents, but when I didn’t get it, I started acting out, even stealing. To her, I was probably just a difficult child who caused trouble.”
Kahi’s heartbreaking confession has struck a chord with viewers, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden pain behind a star known for her charisma and strength on stage.
