With tears streaming down her face after being targeted by Shim Soo-bong, '17-year-old' Kim Da-hyun says she received an apology call and forgives him

Singer Kim Da-hyun was reported to have shed tears over senior singer Shim Soo-bong's public criticism, but she reassured fans that she had received a direct apology from Shim.

Kim Da-hyun revealed on her social media (SNS) on the 21st that "I spoke directly with Teacher Shim Soo-bong, and he personally offered his apologies, encouragement, and warm comfort."

She added, "Fans must have been upset and worried about this incident. I will compose myself well, so please don't worry and let's meet again with bright smiles."

Earlier, on the 20th, Shim Soo-bong took the stage at the '2026 Jinan Highland Trot Festival' held in Jinan County, Jeollabuk-do, and mentioned Kim Da-hyun, who had performed before him. Shim said, "It seems like a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is," adding, "Listening to her song was very difficult for me."

He continued, "Please don't send that player, that athlete, in front of me from now on," and also stated, "Singing is not something to be taken lightly." Following this, videos containing these remarks spread online, sparking controversy.

According to StarNews, Kim Da-hyun's father, Kim Bong-gon, revealed that his daughter burst into tears after learning of the remarks. He said, "Da-hyun discovered the comments while monitoring her own stage performance," adding, "She held back but then cried uncontrollably. It seems to have become a wound."

He further remarked, "Isn't the festival stage not a competition?" and expressed that he was shocked by the sudden and unexpected nature of the remarks. In particular, regarding Shim Soo-bong, he bitterly noted, "Da-hyun has always respected him."

As the controversy grew, Shim Soo-bong apologized, saying, "At a trot festival where everyone should laugh and enjoy, inappropriate words that went beyond common sense were spoken at an unsuitable moment; even with ten mouths, I have nothing to say."

He also added, "I did not know exactly who the preceding singer was, and I absolutely did not intend to shame a specific person," while acknowledging, "As an elder, it was clearly wrong for me to say something that hurt a junior singer's heart," conveying his sincere apology.