Actor Kim Jung Hyun‘s acceptance speech at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, initially met with strong reactions, has now been aired, providing full context and leading to a more positive reception. The ceremony, pre-recorded due to mourning for the Jeju Air plane crash victims, sparked debate after attendees reported that Kim Jung Hyun seemingly apologized for his past behavior during the 2018 MBC drama, Time, potentially involving Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun.
Initial Reactions and Clarification
Before the broadcast, rumors of Kim Jung Hyun‘s apology caused a stir, with many criticizing him for making a public apology that might put pressure on Seohyun. Over a thousand comments accused him of forcing his former co-star into an uncomfortable situation. This led his agency, Story J Company, to issue a statement clarifying that the apology was not directed at any specific individual.
The Aired Speech and Public Response
On January 11, 2025 (KST), KBS aired the ceremony, including Kim Jung Hyun‘s speech, where he received the Top Excellence Award for his role in Iron Family. Here’s what he said:
“Oh, wow. Thank you, God. I know very well how lacking and inadequate I am. Even so, I’m very grateful to be standing here today. I’m trembling a bit. To be honest, just a few years ago, I thought I would never be able to act again. There were various reasons, and I also thought myself that I wouldn’t be able to. But being able to stand in a place like this is something I’m deeply, deeply thankful for.
And while it’s natural to express gratitude after receiving an award here, personally, I believe that true gratitude cannot exist without reflecting on the past first. At one point in my acting career, there were times when I behaved poorly and did things I should never have done, hurting and disappointing people around me. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize. I also do not think that, just because I’m apologizing, it’s over. Of course, I don’t expect forgiveness. However, I believe it’s a step I must take to move forward in my life.
That was something weighing heavy on my heart, but now that I’ve talked about it, let me express my gratitude and step off the stage. To my dearest Iron Family, KBS, scriptwriter Seo Sook Hyang, KIST, Monster Union’s CP Kim Young Seok, director Sung Joon Eui, Yong Soo hyung, Woo Kyung, directors Young Si Young and Seung Go, Hee Joo, and all the other staff members who support us and capture us so beautifully, thank you so much.
To my senior co-stars Kim Young Ok, Park In Nam, and my ‘parents,’ along with sunbae co-stars Park Ji Young, Shin Hyun Joon, and Kim Hye Eun, as well as Sae Rok, Tae Joon, Hye Ji, and Hyun Jun, thank you all so much for working so hard. I know everyone is exhausted, but I will strive to be a team member who can truly support and help everyone.
And to the fans who made it possible for me to stand here, I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are people I’ve wanted to acknowledge if I ever received an award for acting: CEO Ahn Sung Yong, Jun Young-ie hyung, Jae Wook-ie hyung, and Myung Ho, who were part of the company where I first began acting. Though we are now walking different paths, I genuinely hope that you all have peace and blessing, always.
To my current team—CEO Jang Doo Bong, Chan-ie, Jae Ho, and Su Ji—thank you so much. And to Soo Hyun, Eun Seo, and Seung Do, I appreciate all your hard work. Here I am, attending the ‘2024 Drama Awards,’ and as I look back on the year, I realize that in my life, the “Grand Prize” of 2024 goes to my hyungs: Jae Soon, Jin Hyuk, Dong, Hyun Sik, and Jong Gyo. Thanks to you all, I laughed so much and had a truly happy year. With that energy, I’ve been able to shoot Iron Family well, and I am incredibly grateful.
Lastly, to my father, mother, hyung, and dongsaeng who had to share all of my burdens and sufferings in the name of family… I’ve always wanted to be a proud son and brother to you, but I struggled with that. I can only hope that this moment today would be remembered as a small but proud moment for us. Thank you, I love you all.”
The full speech, now available to the public, has been met with positive comments on KBS’s YouTube channel:
“Reflecting publicly is such a difficult thing to do… It’s hard to even do in front of family. But seeing him acknowledge his mistakes and grow from them is so admirable. Sincerity will prevail.”
“Kim Jung Hyun can do it all—witty characters, serious ones, or even comedic ones. His acting is reliable. Congratulations on winning the Top Excellence award!”
“The emotional moment at the end… This acceptance speech was so inspiring and I could tell all the struggles he went through leading up to it. Every word was filled with sincerity and it makes me want to support him a lot more. I genuinely hope that his future is filled with nothing but success and happiness going forward. Rooting for him!”
“Just imagine how much courage it must have taken to acknowledge his mistakes and reflect publicly like this. His acting is so good that I missed him during his hiatus. I hope he can take on more roles and see even greater success!”
“I expected nothing less from Kim Jung Hyun. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for him all this time… I hope he can shake it off and grow into an even more amazing actor. Hwaiting, Kim Jung Hyun! Congratulations on the win!”
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