Actor Kim Jung Hyun’s much-talked-about “apology” finally airs — here’s what he actually said

Immediately afterwards KBSThe “2024 KBS Drama Awards” decided to be pre-recorded instead of live, mourning the lives lost in the Jeju water plane crash, actor Kim Jung HyunThe acceptance speech was the subject of heated debate among those who attended the ceremony.

According to those present, the actor apologized (some believe so Generation of girls‘S Seohyun) for its behavior during the production of MBC2018 K-Drama, Time.

Although what the actor said on stage was unverifiable, K-Drama fans, especially Seohyun’s fans, were quick to criticize him for disrespecting the idol-turned-actress once again.

Actor Kim Jung Hyun’s Alleged Apology Triggers K-Drama Fans Once Again: Discord Over ‘What Was Said’ Continues

Over a thousand comments accused Kim Jung Hyun of essentially forcing his former co-star to accept his apology by making it public. At one point, criticism grew so fierce that Kim Jung Hyun’s agency, History J Companyhe had to release an official statement clarifying that his acceptance apology speech was not addressed directly to anyone.

Then, on January 11, 2025 (KST), KBS aired the pre-recorded ceremony…

…including Kim Jung Hyun’s much-debated speech. While accepting his “Top Excellence Award” for his current role in Iron FamilyKim Jung Hyun apologizes, but now, with the full context, his full speech is received much better than it was initially.

That’s what he Actually said:

“Oh wow. Thank you, God. I know full well how deficient and inadequate I am. Despite this, I am very grateful to be here today. I’m shaking a little. 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 I wouldn’t make it. But being able to stay in a place like this is something I’m deeply, deeply grateful for.

And while it’s natural to express gratitude after receiving an award here, I personally believe that true gratitude cannot exist without first reflecting on the past. At some point in my acting career, there were times when I behaved badly 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 don’t think that just because I’m apologizing that it’s over. Obviously I don’t expect forgiveness. However, I believe it is a step I need to take to move forward in my life.

It was something that weighed heavily on my heart, but now that I’ve talked about it, let me express my gratitude and step off the stage. To my dear Iron FamilyKBS, Writer Seo Sook Hyang, KIST, Monster Union CP Kim Young Seok, Director Sung Joon Eui, Yong Soo hyungWoo 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”. 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 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 be here, I want to sincerely thank them from the bottom of my heart. There are people I would like to thank if I ever received an acting award: CEO Ahn Sung Yong, Jun Young-i.e. hyung, Jae Wook-Meaning what hyungand Myung Ho, who were part of the company I started acting in. Even though we are on different paths now, I sincerely hope that you all have peace and blessings, always.

To my current team: CEO Jang Doo Bong, Chan-Meaning whatJae Ho and Su Ji: Thank you very 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 2024 “Grand Prize” goes to my hyungs: Jae Soon, Jin Hyuk, Dong, Hyun Sik and Jong Gyo. Thanks to all of you, I laughed a lot and had a really happy year. With that energy, I was able to sprint Iron Family good, and I’m incredibly grateful.

Finally, to my father, to my mother, hyungAND dongsaeng who had to share all my burdens and sufferings in the name of family… I always wanted to be a proud son and brother to you, but I struggled with this. I can only hope that this moment today will be remembered as a small but proud moment for us. Thank you, I love you all.”

—Kim Jung Hyun

Below is the official video published on KBS YouTube channel, comments praised Kim Jung Hyun for the beautifully said speech.

• “Reflecting publicly is a really difficult thing to do… It’s also difficult to do it in front of family. But seeing him acknowledge his mistakes and grow from them is truly admirable. Sincerity will prevail.”
• “Kim Jung Hyun can do everything: witty, serious or even comical characters. 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 was able to recount all the struggles she went through before getting there. Every word was full of sincerity and makes me want to support him even more. I sincerely hope that his future is filled only with success and happiness. I’m rooting for him!”
• “Imagine how much courage it must have taken to recognize his mistakes and reflect publicly in this way. 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 difficult it must have been for him all this time… I hope he can shake it off and become an even more amazing actor. PendingKim Jung Hyun! Congratulations on the win!”

Here are all the winners of the “KBS Drama Awards 2024”.

Here are all the winners of the “KBS Drama Awards 2024”