Singer Shim Soo-bong (71) publicly criticized her 54-year-younger junior singer Kim Da-hyun (17), sparking controversy, and subsequently issued an apology.
On the 21st, Shim Soo-bong released a statement through her agency, saying, "I misspoke on stage at a local trot festival watched by many people on the 20th," and apologized, stating, "There is no excuse for making remarks that went beyond common sense at an inappropriate moment during a festival where everyone should be laughing and enjoying themselves."
Earlier, on the 20th, while performing at the 'Jinan Highland Trot Festival' in Jinan County, Jeollabuk-do, Shim said, "The woman singing in front of me made my head spin," adding, "It seems this young lady doesn't know what singing is or what life is. Listening to her song was too hard for me. Please do not send that performer out in front of me again."
Following this, the video spread through social media (SNS) and other channels, intensifying the controversy.
Through her statement, Shim Soo-bong said, "I did not know exactly who the singer performing before me was, and I absolutely did not say those words to humiliate a specific person," while acknowledging, "Nevertheless, as an elder, it was clearly wrong for me to say something that hurt my junior singer's feelings."
She then added, "I conveyed my deepest apologies to Ms. Kim Da-hyun and her family," noting, "When I heard from her father that Ms. Kim sang 'Million Roses' while playing the piano at a concert, I thought about how much she must have practiced, and my eyes grew hot."
She continued, "I also offer my deepest regrets and apologies to Ms. Kim Da-hyun, her fan club, and all those who worked hard for the event," adding, "I am sincerely sorry to the many participants who came to watch the performance. I hope you will forgive me with a broad heart."
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