Actor Kong Hyung-jin’s side issued an official statement on October 19, bowing its head over the rudeness controversy surrounding his hosting remarks toward musical actress Cha Ji-yeon.
According to Sports Seoul, the statement said Kong had no intention to embarrass or upset Cha, with whom he shares a long friendship. “He spoke to her as a junior he is close to, so she would not be nervous and could feel comfortable on stage,” it read. It called it “regretful” that the on-stage exchanges were received differently from their intent, sparking misunderstanding and controversy.
Kong’s side revealed it has already conveyed an apology to Cha’s side, and apologized again to everyone who felt uncomfortable. “If his remarks were received uncomfortably by those who watched the event or his fans, he is sincerely sorry,” it said, adding he is taking to heart that “consideration for the other person must come first at public events, even for words spoken in a friendly atmosphere.”
The controversy broke out at a broadcaster’s 70th anniversary special in Seoul on October 17, which Kong co-hosted. After the event, clips of his exchanges with Cha spread on social media, drawing criticism that he was rude to his junior.
Sports Seoul recalled that when Cha first greeted him on stage, Kong pressed her to bow again, saying, “Since I’m your senior, greet me once more,” and later teased her with “If you keep this up, I’ll hit you” after she shouted “Amen!” during their banter.
