[Breaking News] "Don't Sing Carelessly" Controversy Over Disparagement.. Shim Soo-bong Eventually Apologizes to Kim Da-hyun

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Shim Soo-bong (71) sparked controversy after publicly criticizing the stage performance of 17-year-old Kim Da-hyun, who had performed earlier at a local festival, and eventually issued an apology.

On the 21st, through an official statement, Shim Soo-bong apologized for remarks disparaging Kim Da-hyun, stating, "On the 20th, I made what can only be described as a slip of the tongue on a trot festival stage in a local area, watched by many people."

She continued, "I have always been concerned and worried about pop music, and it is true that I was under significant stress due to noise at the venue on the day of the event. However, at a trot festival where everyone should be smiling and enjoying themselves, I made inappropriate remarks that went beyond common sense at an unsuitable moment, and no matter how many mouths I had, I would have nothing to say."

She added, "Most importantly, I did not know exactly who the singer performing before me was, and I absolutely did not intend to embarrass a specific individual. Nevertheless, as an elder, it was clearly wrong for me to say something that hurt the heart of a junior artist."

Shim Soo-bong said, "I conveyed my deepest apologies to Kim Da-hyun and her family. During this process, upon hearing from her father that Kim Da-hyun sang 'One Million Roses' while playing the piano at a concert, I thought, 'How much practice must she have done?' and my eyes grew warm." She further stated, "Through this apology statement, I offer my deepest regrets and apologies to Kim Da-hyun, her fan club, and all those who worked hard for the event. I sincerely apologize to the many participants who came to watch the performance on the day of the trot festival. Please forgive me with a broad heart."

On the 20th, Shim Soo-bong appeared on stage at "Jinan Highland Trot Festival," a program of the "2026 Jinan Ginseng Festival" held in the northern area of Maibsan Mountain, Jinan County, Jeollabuk-do.

Earlier that day, before Shim Soo-bong took the stage, Kim Da-hyun performed songs including "Praise Whale," "I'm a Lotto," "Good Shot!," and "Black Swan." After her performance, Kim Da-hyun left the stage amid the audience's cheers.

Afterward, Shim Soo-bong took the stage. After singing two songs, she referred to Kim Da-hyun, who had performed earlier, as "the woman singing in front of me" and continued with her remarks.

Holding her head, Shim Soo-bong said, "You have made my head dizzy. Is that manager here?" She added, "It seems like a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is. Listening to her sing was so painful."

She continued, "Please don't send the next performer forward. I am completely dizzy right now and feel like I might collapse. Singing is not something you can treat so carelessly."

She then said, "Music that comforts those who have experienced life's hardships and struggles is not easy. It was too difficult for me, so I confess to you all without choice. Please forgive me," she added.

After these remarks became known, online reactions continued, with many stating that Shim Soo-bong's comments were excessive. Opinions included: "Isn't this slander against a junior artist?", "Shaming a junior artist in public is not the behavior of an elder," and "It seems she hurt the junior singer with insulting language."

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*This content was translated by AI.