His apology was said to have been shared during the pre-recording of the “2024 KBS Drama Awards.”
To “2024 KBS Drama Awards”, held privately to be pre-recorded and broadcast later in accordance with the week-long national mourning period, the actor Kim Jung Hyun he is said to have apologized for his problematic actions in the past.
A viral tweet, now with over 3.7 million views, claimed the actor had apologised Generation of girls‘S Seohyunwho was hosting the awards ceremony, during his speech accepting an award (presumably for his role in the KBS series Iron Family). The tweet criticized the actor for being inconsiderate, demanding his apology “late and selfish”.
What the hell was Kim Jung-hyun thinking when he apologized to Seohyun, who was watching MC, during his acceptance speech? Haha, my plan is to just come down and clap, and I have to move on, but it’s surprising that the other person who suddenly mentioned something personal isn’t thinking at all, Haha, this is the first time I’ve seen such a thing I make slow, selfish apologies.
— 해 (@aboutloveknot) December 31, 2024
What was Kim Jung Hyun thinking when he apologized to Seohyun, who was hosting him, during his acceptance speech? LOL. For him, it may have been an event he can forget about once he gets off the stage. But for Seohyun, she has to continue hosting. He didn’t consider for a second the effect that bringing up a personal matter might have on her. Very impressive, LOL. I have never seen such a belated and selfish apology.
— @aboutloveknot/X
While no details of the apology were mentioned, K-Drama fans immediately understood that it was related to Kim Jung Hyun’s past scandal, one involving his former actress girlfriend. Seo Ye Ji (Seo Yea Ji), who forced Kim Jung Hyun to refuse intimate scenes with co-star Seohyun MBCit’s K-Drama, Time.
Dispatch Reveals Kim Jung Hyun Rejected 13 Intimate ‘Skinship’ Scenes With Seohyun in ‘The Time’ Due to Actress Seo Ye Ji’s Orders
At the time, following the Shipping exposé, that of the actor “rude attitude” even towards Seohyun at the show’s press conference they resurfaced. In 2018, Kim Jung Hyun and his former management released a statement, claiming that it was “in method acting mode” for the role.
On and off the set, I try to live like Cheon Soo Ho (the character). When I sleep or commute, I slip and let Kim Jung Hyun out. I’m trying to control it. I’m really devoted to the character. I’m really trying to become him.
—Kim Jung Hyun
When the tweet went viral, K-Drama fans were quick to criticize the actor again for disrespecting Seohyun, especially after some attendees at the “KBS Drama Awards 2024” also confirmed what the actor he said on stage.
He said it has been weighing on his mind since he returned to acting. He said he meant to apologize and bowed apologetically.
— Comment from Netizens
Over a thousand comments accused Kim Jung Hyun of essentially forcing his former co-star to accept his apology by making it public.
- “The apology should be made in person, in private. I can’t believe he attacked her with a public apology during an official KBS event that is completely unrelated.
- “Using the space of an awards ceremony for personal matters is a real nuisance. The same goes for Jung Woo Sung.”
- “So… why did you act that way then?”
- “This is so abusive towards Seohyun, IMO. He’s basically forcing her to accept the apology.
- “I’m just dumping his shit at the event just so he could feel better about himself…”
Meanwhile, other participants have come forward and said that the tweet (and reactions to the tweet) may have been rushed. One attendee clarified that the apology wasn’t directed at Seohyun and that Kim Jung Hyun didn’t even mention her name.
I was at the ceremony. He didn’t apologize to her directly.
He said he has done many things in the past that he regrets, but did not say specifically what. The point was that he was still sorry and that he was still working on himself, as well as how meaningful the award was to him because of that. That’s not exactly how he addressed Seohyun and then apologized to her.
— Comment from Netizens
However, discord continues over what was said and even what will air. One comment specifically pointed out that if this had happened live, Seohyun would have to endure being in the spotlight again for the same issue.
At least there is hope that this will be eliminated since it is pre-recorded. But was it live? Even if he hadn’t mentioned her name, the camera would have zoomed right in on Seohyun’s reaction. Dozens of articles would have been written about it. This is simply putting Seohyun through everything all over again. Since Seohyun was running the show, she probably should have smiled or reacted positively. Apologizing this way only makes you feel better and is selfish. Honestly, I think he’s a horrible person.
— Comment from Netizens
In September 2021, for the first time in 5 months since the scandal, Kim Jung Hyun took to Instagram and apologized for his behavior. But in 2023, during a press conference for Kokdu: Season of Divinitythe actor claimed that he had no memories of 2018, which again led to a backlash from K-Drama fans who surely remembered him.
Actor Kim Jung Hyun Says He Has ‘No Memory of 5 Years Ago,’ Disappoints K-Drama Fans
No date or time has been set for the pre-recorded “KBS Drama Awards 2024” to air, keeping K-Drama fans in the dark as to what exactly happened and whether or not the supposed apology will air.
