Kim Jung Hyun is under fire for his unexpected public apology to Seohyun at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, leaving many netizens furious and calling it "insensitive" and "self-serving".

On December 31, Kim Jung Hyun attended the event as the lead actor of Ironing Family, while Seohyun, a member of Girls' Generation and actress, was there as an MC. During his acceptance speech, Kim Jung Hyun brought up his past controversy involving Seohyun during the 2018 drama The Time.

Back then, Kim Jung Hyun, reportedly following demands from his then-girlfriend Seo Ye Ji, refused romantic and physical contact scenes with Seohyun.

This disrupted the production and caused emotional distress to Seohyun. Crew members shared that Kim Jung Hyun once scrubbed his hand aggressively with a wet tissue after Seohyun touched it for a scene. Witnessing this, Seohyun broke down crying on set.

The issue escalated during a press conference where Kim Jung Hyun embarrassed Seohyun by refusing to link arms with her during a photo session. Despite the humiliation, Seohyun remained professional and respectful.

Fast forward six years, Kim Jung Hyun addressed the controversy in his speech, saying, "I have much to reflect on. I’ve carried a heavy heart for years and wanted to apologize." While he didn’t directly name Seohyun, audience members noted that he bowed in her direction.

However, the apology has sparked major backlash. Critics slammed the actor for bringing up the issue during a public event where Seohyun had to remain on stage as the MC, unable to leave or respond.

Netizens expressed their outrage online:

"This isn’t an apology; it’s selfish. He reopened old wounds for Seohyun in public."

"He had six years to apologize privately. Doing this now feels like damage control."

"Seohyun had to stay professional while he just left after his speech. It’s so unfair to her."

Some staff members revealed that Seohyun reportedly shed tears backstage but quickly composed herself to continue hosting.

Many netizens are now calling for Kim Jung Hyun’s speech to be edited out of the awards broadcast, saying, "This is not the time or place for such an apology".

While Kim Jung Hyun’s agency confirmed the apology, they added, "He did not specify anyone by name." But for fans and netizens, the damage has already been done, and the backlash continues to grow.

Source: [1]

Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

Source: [1]