On January 12 KST, Seohyun of Girls’ Generation shared a heartfelt message on a fan communication platform. “The ultimate winner is a kind person,” she wrote. “Let’s reflect on this today and end the day meaningfully. I’m always grateful and love you all.”
While the words may seem ordinary at first glance, they have drawn attention due to Seohyun’s recent experiences.
On January 11, the pre-recorded broadcast of the 2024 KBS Drama Awards aired, where Seohyun served as a host. During the event, actor Kim Jung-hyun delivered a public apology while accepting the Best Actor Award for his role in the drama 'Iron Family'.
Kim Jung-hyun began his speech with a note of humility: “I know how lacking and flawed I am, and yet I am grateful to be standing here today. A few years ago, I thought I would never act again. There were various reasons for that, and I doubted myself. But being here now fills me with gratitude.”
He continued, “It’s only right to express my thanks, but true gratitude cannot exist without reflecting on the past. I once behaved terribly, doing things I should never have done, and hurt many people. I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve caused pain to and who had to witness my shameful actions.”
Kim Jung-hyun concluded by saying, “I don’t consider this apology the end, nor do I expect forgiveness. But I believe this is a necessary step for me to continue living my life.”
The Incident That Sparked His Apology
The "terrible actions" Kim referred to date back six years to the MBC drama 'Time', in which he starred alongside Seohyun. At the time, reports surfaced that Kim’s behavior on set was heavily influenced by his then-girlfriend, actress Seo Ye-ji. According to a Dispatch report, Seo Ye-ji allegedly instructed Kim to maintain a cold demeanor toward female co-stars and staff, even forbidding physical contact required for acting.
This led to tense moments during the drama’s production, including the press conference, where Kim Jung-hyun notably refused to link arms with Seohyun and displayed a visibly stiff and detached attitude. Staff members revealed that Kim rejected any scenes involving physical contact with Seohyun, leaving her hurt and in tears.
In 2021, Kim addressed the incident in a handwritten letter, expressing deep regret, saying, “I regret it so much that I wish I could turn back time.” However, it remains unclear whether he ever personally apologized to Seohyun.
Seohyun’s reflective words, shared after the drama award broadcast, seem to carry a deeper resonance in light of these past events.