[Exclusive]Sim Soo-bong's apology concludes..Kim Da-hyun to climb one of the 'Top 100 Mountains' during Chuseok holiday

*This content was translated by AI.

• On the 26th, she will perform at the 'Dinosaur World Expo' in Goseong, Gyeongnam

Although publicly criticized on stage by "senior" Sim Soo-bong (71), Kim received a direct apology and has since composed herself. For singer Kim Da-hyun (17), this Chuseok holiday will be a time to regain her composure. She plans to return to the stage and spend meaningful time with her family.

A representative for Kim Da-hyun told StarNews on the 24th, "Kim Da-hyun plans to visit her hometown of Cheonghak-dong in Jirisan on Chuseok day, the 25th, to pay respects at ancestral graves and hold memorial rites with her family. On the 26th, she will also perform at the '2026 Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo'."

She added, "Starting seven years ago as part of a '10-year plan,' Kim has been climbing mountains selected by the Korea Forest Service as one of the 'Top 100 Mountains.' This time, she plans to climb the summit of Gayasan with her family, marking the 74th mountain in the series."

Earlier, on the 20th, Kim Da-hyun drew attention after it was revealed that she had received remarks from Sim Soo-bong at the 'Jinan Highland Trot Festival' held in the northern area of Maesan Mountain in Jinan County, Jeollabuk-do, which were close to disparaging. At the time, Sim Soo-bong said of Kim Da-hyun, who was scheduled immediately before his own performance, "The woman singing in front," adding, "She made my head spin. It seems like a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is. Listening to her sing was very painful."

He continued, "Please do not send the next performer forward. I am completely disoriented and feel like I might collapse. Singing is not something to be taken lightly," and further pointed out, "Music that comforts those who have experienced life's hardships and struggles is not easy, even after gaining life experience."

However, as the controversy intensified, Sim Soo-bong issued an official statement the following day: "On the 20th, I made a slip of the tongue on stage at a local trot festival watched by many people. It is true that I had been worried and concerned about pop music for some time, and on the day of the event, I was under significant stress due to noise at the venue."

Sim Soo-bong also stated, "However, at a trot festival where everyone should be laughing and enjoying themselves, I spoke words that were inappropriate and beyond common sense at an unsuitable moment. Even with ten mouths, I have no excuse." He added, "Most importantly, I did not know exactly who the preceding singer was, and I absolutely did not intend to embarrass a specific person. Nevertheless, as an elder, it is clear that I made a mistake by saying something that hurt a junior singer's feelings," and apologized.

On the same day, Kim Da-hyun shared on her Instagram: "I spoke directly with Sim Soo-bong. He personally offered his apology, encouragement, and warm comfort." She continued, "Fans must have been upset and worried about this incident. I will compose myself well, so please don't worry. Let's meet again with a bright image. Thank you."

Kim Da-hyun's father, Hoonjang Kim Bong-gon, also revealed in a phone call with StarNews on that day regarding the situation at the time, "As parents, we were upset and regretful."

He continued, "Da-hyun discovered the remarks while monitoring her own performance after finishing the event. She held back tears but eventually burst into tears. It seems to have become a wound. The distress must be significant." He added, "The festival stage was not a competition, was it? It was a place where people in equal positions provided joy for the audience. If it had been a competition, we would have humbly accepted any harsh criticism. However, the remarks came out of nowhere and suddenly, so we were shocked. Sim Soo-bong is someone Da-hyun has always respected. She even sang while playing the piano at his concert."

Kim Bong-gon said, "As parents, don't you think your child does everything well? But from others' perspectives, it might sound different." He added, "Da-hyun tends to sing bright songs appropriate for her teenage years, unlike Sim Soo-bong. There are things we need to learn from this, but it seems the remarks were not something that should have been made at a formal event."

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*This content was translated by AI.