Actor Kim Jung Hyun‘s supposed apology at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards has caused renewed discussion among K-Drama fans about his past actions. The awards show was pre-recorded and will be broadcast later, due to a national mourning period.
The Viral Tweet and Initial Reactions
A tweet that gained over 3.7 million views claimed that Kim Jung Hyun apologized to Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun, who hosted the event, during his acceptance speech. The tweet criticized the apology as “late and selfish,” suggesting that Kim Jung Hyun did not consider how bringing up a personal matter might affect Seohyun, especially during her hosting duties. The tweet stated:
김정현은 대체 무슨 생각으로 본인 수상소감 도중에 엠씨 보는 중인 서현한테 사과한 거? ㅋㅋ 본인은 내려가서 박수치면 그만일 스케쥴이고 계속해서 진행해야 하는데 느닷없이 사적인 일 언급당한 상대방 생각은 진짜 조금도 안 하는 거 대단 ㅋㅋ 이렇게까지 느려터지고 이기적인 사과 처음 봄
What was Kim Jung Hyun thinking when he apologized to Seohyun, who was hosting, during his own acceptance speech? LOL. For him, it might have been an event that he can forget about once he steps off the stage. But for Seohyun, she has to keep hosting. He didn’t even consider for a second how his bringing up of a personal matter might affect her. Truly impressive, LOL. I have never seen such a late and selfish apology.
This sparked immediate reactions from K-Drama fans, who connected the apology to Kim Jung Hyun’s 2018 controversy involving his then-girlfriend, actress Seo Ye Ji. It was revealed that Seo Ye Ji had influenced Kim Jung Hyun to avoid intimate scenes with Seohyun in the MBC drama Time. The actor’s “rude attitude” towards Seohyun at the drama’s press conference also resurfaced at that time.
In 2018, Kim Jung Hyun and his former management explained his behavior by saying he was “in method acting mode.” Kim Jung Hyun stated:
On or off the set, I’m trying to live as Cheon Soo Ho (the character). When I’m sleeping or commuting, I slip and let Kim Jung Hyun come out. I’m trying to control that. I’m just really devoted to the character. I’m really trying to become him.
— Kim Jung Hyun
Conflicting Accounts and Netizen Comments
Following the viral tweet, many netizens criticized Kim Jung Hyun for what they perceived as disrespecting Seohyun again by making a public apology. One netizen comment from theqoo stated:
He said it weighed on his mind ever since he returned to acting. He said that he has been meaning to apologize and he bowed in apology.
— Netizen Comment
Over a thousand comments accused Kim Jung Hyun of forcing Seohyun to accept his apology publicly. Some comments from theqoo included:
“Apologies should be done in person, in private. I can’t believe he attacked her with a public apology at an official KBS event that is entirely unrelated.” “Using an award show space for personal matters is such a nuisance. Same goes for Jung Woo Sung.” “So… Why did you act that way back then?” “This is so violent toward Seohyun, IMO. He’s basically forcing her to accept the apology.” “Just dumping his sh*t all over the event just so he could feel better about himself…”
— Netizen Comment
However, other attendees offered a different perspective. One comment from Instiz claimed:
I was at the ceremony. He didn’t apologize to her directly. He did mention that he had done a lot of things in the past that he regrets, but he didn’t specifically say what. His point was that he was still sorry and that he was still working on himself, as well as how meaningful the award means to him because of it. It’s not exactly like he addressed Seohyun and then apologized to her.
— Netizen Comment
Concerns About the Broadcast and Past Apologies
The differing accounts have created confusion about what exactly Kim Jung Hyun said. One netizen expressed concern about the potential impact on Seohyun if the apology is aired:
At least there’s hope for this being edited out since it’s pre-recorded. But had it been live? Even if he didn’t mention her name, the camera would’ve zoomed right to Seohyun’s reaction. Dozens of articles would’ve been written about it. This is just putting Seohyun through it all over again. Since Seohyun was hosting the show, she probably would’ve had to smile or react positively to it. Apologizing in this manner only makes himself feel better and it’s selfish. Honestly, I think he’s an awful person.
— Netizen Comment
Kim Jung Hyun previously apologized on Instagram in September 2021, five months after the scandal surfaced. However, in 2023, during a press conference for Kokdu: Season of Deity, he claimed to have no memory of 2018, which caused further backlash.
The broadcast date for the 2024 KBS Drama Awards is yet to be announced, leaving fans uncertain about what will be aired.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
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