Sim Soo-bong, What’s Your Mindset?..Did Not Apologize Directly to 'Victim' Kim Da-hyun [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Sim Soo-bong (71) has come under continued controversy for publicly hurling abusive remarks at 17-year-old junior artist Kim Da-hyun (17) without offering a direct apology.

Earlier, on the 20th, Sim Soo-bong caused an uproar by suddenly making inappropriate comments toward his junior, Kim Da-hyun, during the 'Jinan Highland Trot Festival' event. Referring to Kim Da-hyun, who was scheduled immediately before him on stage, as "that woman," "young lady," and "contestant," he belittled her. Sim Soo-bong stated, "She made my head spin. Singing is not something you can treat so casually." He further added, "You need to experience life, endure hardships, and offer comfort to those who come to see you; music that does this is not easy," unleashing indiscriminate criticism.

As these facts spread widely, Sim Soo-bong eventually released an apology statement on the 21st. Regarding the barrage of abusive remarks directed at Kim Da-hyun, he said, "I spoke words beyond common sense at an inappropriate moment; even with ten mouths, I have no excuse. Above all, I did not know who the singer in the preceding slot was, and I absolutely did not intend to shame a specific person. Nevertheless, as an elder, it is clear that I made a mistake by saying something that hurt my junior artist." He bowed his head in apology.

Sim Soo-bong stated, "Through this apology statement, I offer my deepest regrets and apologies to Ms. 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."

However, it was confirmed that there was no direct apology made to Kim Da-hyun, the actual victim. Kim Da-hyun's father, Kim Bong-gon (59), a medal recipient, told StarNews on the 21st, "We received an apology contact from Sim Soo-bong's side," indicating that the matter ended with an indirect apology through intermediaries.

Kim Da-hyun's father also told multiple media outlets, "We only heard that an apology was intended."

Consequently, Sim Soo-bong's public apology, while expressing a desire for forgiveness, failed to offer even a proper apology directly to Kim Da-hyun, amounting to a 'half-hearted response' and only fueling further backlash.

Netizens are offering harsh criticism, saying things like, "He truly crossed the line with a junior who is like his granddaughter. Just because you're older doesn't make you an elder," "He thinks he's so great," "Retire already," "That grandmother should be the one learning what life is about," "It's understandable to feel upset, but is it right to pour out such abusive remarks in a public setting? To a child who is like your granddaughter?" "Apologize like an adult," "He's showing us that being old doesn't make you an elder," and "A ripe rice stalk bows its head on its own."

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*This content was translated by AI.