Controversy over Cha Ji-yeon escalates to include Lee Seung-gi and Hyun Bin... Gong Hyung-jin leaves lingering regrets despite apology [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Actor Gong Hyung-jin apologized for the controversy over his impolite hosting toward musical theater actress Cha Ji-yeon. However, criticism has emerged that his explanation, which seemed to attribute the cause of the controversy to a difference in interpretation, leaves much to be desired. Furthermore, the controversy is spreading as his past remarks directed at Hyun Bin and Lee Seung-gi are being re-examined.

Gong Hyung-jin's agency, K-Heart Entertainment, apologized on the 19th through an official statement regarding the hosting controversy that arose recently at the 70th anniversary commemorative event of Kyungdong Broadcasting.

The agency explained, "At the time, Gong Hyung-jin spoke to his junior actress Cha Ji-yeon, with whom he has a close relationship, in the spirit of telling her not to be nervous on site and to enjoy the moment comfortably. There was no intention to make the other person uncomfortable or displeased."

They continued, "We regret that misunderstandings and controversy arose because the conversation and expressions exchanged on site were conveyed differently from their original intent." They added, "We have already expressed our apology to Cha Ji-yeon's side as well, and we apologize once again to everyone who felt displeased. We are taking it seriously that even if words are offered in a friendly atmosphere, consideration for the other party should take priority at public events. We will strive to be more cautious in our future public conduct."

This controversy arose during the hosting of the special performance "70th Anniversary Kyungdong Broadcasting Homecoming Day" held on the 17th at Hanyang University in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. At the time, Gong Hyung-jin took the stage as an interim host and made several remarks while conversing with Cha Ji-yeon.

Cha Ji-yeon greeted Gong Hyung-jin respectfully by saying, "Hello, senior." In response, Gong Hyung-jin demanded, "Since you are a senior, greet me again," and Cha Ji-yeon bowed 90 degrees to greet him again. Following this, as Gong Hyung-jin said, "It is such an honorable day like today," and shouted "Amen, Hallelujah," Cha Ji-yeon responded with "Amen" while clenching her fist. To this, Gong Hyung-jin also made a joke, saying, "I'm going to hit you in a little while."

Laughter broke out on site, but after the video was released, criticism arose online that Gong Hyung-jin's conduct was inappropriate. This is because he continued to use expressions that could make the other person uncomfortable, such as saying, "Why isn't my photo there? I am a much more senior than her," when Cha Ji-yeon's photo appeared large on the screen behind the stage, and telling Cha Ji-yeon, "Why are you acting? Do it like usual."

The fact that Gong Hyung-jin used terms of address such as "this one," "you," and "that one" toward Cha Ji-yeon also came under scrutiny. Despite the explanation that these were jokes exchanged between close seniors and juniors, criticism continues that his attitude toward a junior at a formal event was inappropriate.

As a result, Gong Hyung-jin's past remarks are again drawing attention. In the past, while appearing on the SBS variety show "Gangsimjang," Gong Hyung-jin mentioned Hyun Bin's rookie days and described his appearance of absorbing the strengths of seniors as being a "'straw man.'" He also made remarks about Lee Seung-gi, saying, "He is sticking right next to Kang Ho-dong and sucking properly."

While these remarks were consumed as a source of laughter within the unique atmosphere of a variety show at the time, they are being re-examined now that his hosting style toward Cha Ji-yeon has become controversial. There is also criticism that this incident should serve as an opportunity to reflect on the boundary between jokes that prioritize friendliness and conduct that does not respect the other party.

While emphasizing that Gong Hyung-jin's remarks had no intention of making the other person displeased, the agency acknowledged that consideration should take priority in public settings. They stated, "We believe there was an aspect where the situation at the time was interpreted differently from the intent, and we express our sincere apology for the fact that this meaningful event, marking the 70th anniversary of Kyungdong Broadcasting, has received attention due to this controversy rather than its original purpose."

Finally, they conveyed, "We hope that this incident will be resolved amicably through mutual understanding and consideration, rather than being expanded into over-interpretation without sufficiently examining the intentions of those involved and the context of the scene. We will strive to be more cautious in our future public conduct."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original