top of page

Kim Jung Hyun’s Apology at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards: Unintentional Blow to Seo Ye Ji?

Writer's picture: Disha PaulDisha Paul

Kim Jung Hyun and Seo Ye Ji's past scandal come to light.

At the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, Iron Family actor Kim Jung Hyun apologized for his rude behavior toward Seohyun during the 2018 press conference for Time. While some fans praised his honesty, others felt it was unprofessional, as it reopened past controversies.

In 2018, Kim Jung Hyun’s cold attitude toward Seohyun shocked many. During the press conference, the actor was seen refusing to link arms with his co-star, which appeared inappropriate and rude, leaving Seohyun feeling embarrassed. This incident was just the beginning, as Kim later exited the drama midway, citing health issues.


Seohyun and Kim Jung Hyun at the press conference for the 2018 MBC drama (Credits: News1)

Later in 2021, a news outlet leaked messages between Kim and his then-girlfriend Seo Ye Ji, claiming she influenced his actions. The It’s Okay to Not Be Okay actress was accused of telling Kim to avoid female co-stars, which hurt both their careers — especially hers.



Seo Ye Ji’s Agency Speaks Out


In April 2021, Seo Ye Ji’s agency, Gold Medalist, denied she caused the controversy. They confirmed that Kim himself first asked Seo to avoid kiss scenes while she was shooting for the drama Lawless Lawyer.


Seo Ye Ji and Kim Jung Hyun starred together in the movie "Meet the Memories"

Their private conversations were reportedly misused to damage Seo’s image. The agency stressed that Kim’s behavior on set was his own decision, not influenced by anyone.



The Impact on Seo Ye Ji’s Career


Due to the scandal, Seo Ye Ji withdrew from the drama Island, which had to recast and rewrite her role. Even though her drama Eve aired in 2022, it faced backlash, with viewers protesting and demanding it be banned.


Seo Ye Ji still from the drama "EVE" (Credits: tvN)

At the same time, Seo Ye Ji faced new allegations of bullying from her school days. A victim claimed she mistreated classmates and stole money, but her agency denied all accusations. Despite the clarifications, public trust was hard to regain.



Seo Ye Ji’s Comeback in 2024


After going silent for two years, Seo Ye Ji surprised fans by opening her private Instagram account in 2024. Her drama Eve also premiered on Netflix this year and performed better than expected. In June, she signed a contract with Sublime, officially resuming her career.




Kim Jung Hyun’s Apology Sparks Reactions


Kim Jung Hyun’s recent apology, meant for Seohyun, indirectly dragged Seo Ye Ji back into the spotlight. Fans debated whether his apology was necessary, as it reignited the scandal that had caused Seo’s turmoil two years ago.



Can Seo Ye Ji Finally Move On?


Seo Ye Ji made her first public appearance at a photo session for a cosmetics brand held at the Lotte Department Store in Jung-gu, Seoul on August 23 KST and her first fan meeting, '2024 Seo Yea Ji 1st Fan Meeting - Fedora' on December 29th KST at the Seongam Art Hall.




This latest awkward situation by Kim Jung Hyun shows how one person’s actions can deeply affect another’s career. Seo Ye Ji worked hard to move past the scandal and rebuild her life, but Kim’s apology brought back painful memories.


We believe that Queen Seo Ye Ji will focus on her career moving forward, leaving the past behind, and rebuilding her connection with her fans. We continue to support her and eagerly await her successful comeback.


Will Seo Ye Ji’s comeback finally give her the peace she deserves, or will these controversies continue to follow her? Let us know what you think.


Comentários


bottom of page