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Actor Kim Jung-hyun faced backlash after his apology during the 2024 KBS Drama Awards. He received an award for his role in KBS’s drama Iron Family. During his acceptance speech, Kim reflected on his past actions. He stated,
"I have done a lot to reflect on in the past. My heart has been heavy for a long time. I really wanted to apologize."
Seohyun, his former co-star in the 2018 drama Time, hosted the ceremony. This led to speculation that Kim's apology was directed at her. Fans quickly criticized the timing and labeled it as inconsiderate.
In the face of the backlash, Kim Jung-hyun's agency, Story J Company, released a statement to address the controversy on January 3, 2025. They clarified that his apology was not aimed at anyone specific.
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"It is true that Kim Jung Hyun apologized during his acceptance speech by mentioning his past behavior. However, it was not directed towards a specific target. It was an apology for his overall immature behavior." the agency said.
Fans criticized Story J Company's explanation of Kim Jung-hyun's apology. Many expressed frustration over the actor's perceived insincerity and the agency's attempt to generalize his actions. One fan commented,
"It's amazing how he doesn't let this story be buried in the past, always trying to revive this crap and posing as a victim and as if he has moved on. It makes me lazy!"
"he’s desperate to be relevant," said a netizen.
"Man his agency is not helping him at all 😂" commented one X user.
"Tell him to stfu ! Stop with this damage control and defending men with your dear life when women have to constantly suffer for the most ridiculous things" shared another X user.
Another individual remarked:
"The problem is that this person is so lazy that he uses other people's names to raise his name."
Netizens expressed frustration, accusing Kim Jung-hyun of making the situation about him. Some criticized the apology for being too late.
"Don't take everything on yourself and make a profit, you obsessive maniacs," read a comment.
"It's been 6 years, please apologize now, bro" said this netizen.
However, some netizens appreciated the actor for acknowledging his past mistakes and found the criticism unnecessary.
"People need to understand and learn how to handle it when someone is trying to acknowledge their past mistake. He did not address her, nor apologized to her specifically, but acknowledged his wrongdoing. Winning an award made him reflective. This amount of hate is unnecessary," argued this individual.
Kim Jung-hyun’s 2018 controversy resurfaces amid KBS drama awards apology
The controversy stems from events in 2018. Kim Jung-hyun was accused of unprofessional behavior during the filming of Time. He allegedly refused intimate scenes with his opposite lead Girls Generation's Seohyun and avoided physical contact during public appearances. According to news outlet Segye, he reportedly wiped his hands roughly with a tissue after acting with Seohyun, leaving her in tears.
At the time, his agency explained that Kim Jung-hyun was suffering from an eating disorder and sleep issues. They attributed his actions to his intense immersion in the role of a terminally ill character. Kim eventually left the drama before its conclusion due to health concerns.
The same news outlet mentioned that in 2021, additional details about the controversy emerged. Purported text messages were leaked between the actor and his then-girlfriend, actress Seo Ye-ji. The messages allegedly showed Seo instructing Kim to avoid skinship and romantic scenes. She reportedly referred to him as "Kim Stiff" and told him to act coldly towards female staff.
Following the disclosures, Kim Jung-hyun took a break to self-reflect. He returned in 2023 with the MBC program The Return of Superman, expressing gratitude to the network for supporting him.
The apology at the KBS Drama Awards marked the first time Kim Jung-hyun and Seohyun appeared at the same event since the 2018 scandal.
The KBS Drama Awards, held on December 31, was pre-recorded due to the national mourning period for the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster. The broadcast date for the pre-recorded awards ceremony has yet to be announced.
It remains uncertain if Kim Jung-hyun's apology will be aired. The recorded broadcast has sparked debates about accountability and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
