[Comprehensive] Shim Soo-bong apologizes for controversy over targeting Kim Da-hyun: "No intention to humiliate... Sorry as an elder"

*This content was translated by AI.

• Kim Da-hyun's side: "Received apology.. Never met on site"

Controversy has escalated after singer Shim Soo-bong (71) publicly criticized and mentioned the stage of trot newcomer Kim Da-hyun (17), prompting him to eventually bow his head.

Shim Soo-bong issued a formal statement on the 21st, apologizing for remarks that belittled Kim Da-hyun, stating, "On the 20th, I made what can only be described as a slip of the tongue at a trot festival stage in a local area, watched by many people."

He continued, "I have always been concerned and worried about pop music, and it is true that on the day of the event, I was under significant stress due to noise at the venue. 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."

He further added, "Most importantly, I did not know exactly who the singer performing before me was, and I absolutely did not make those remarks to humiliate a specific person. Nevertheless, as an elder, it was clearly wrong for me to say something that hurt the heart of a junior artist." He apologized again.

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 hot." He continued, "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." He repeatedly apologized.

Later that day, a representative from Kim Da-hyun's side told StarNews, "Shim Soo-bong called and conveyed his apology." Regarding the situation at the time, they explained, "Kim Da-hyun performed first, and there was no route for us to meet each other in the waiting room or elsewhere. The two never met on site at all."

Shim Soo-bong appeared on stage at 'Jinan Highland Trot Festival,' a program of the '2026 Jinan Ginseng Festival' held on the 20th in the northern area of Maebongsan, 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 finishing her performance, Kim Da-hyun descended from the stage amid cheers from the audience.

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

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

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

He added, "You have to experience life, endure hardships, and offer comfort to those who come; music that does this is not easy. It was too difficult, so I have no choice but to confess to everyone. Please forgive me."

After these remarks became known, online reactions continued with opinions such as "Shim Soo-bong's comments were excessive," "Isn't this slander against a junior artist?", "Humiliating a junior artist in public is not the behavior of an elder," and "It seems he hurt a junior singer with insulting language."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.