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Actor Kim Jung Hyun issued an hand written apology,
amidst the resurfaced controversy surrounding his 2018 television series Time and his past relationship with actress Seo Ye Ji.
After it was revealed that Seo Ye Ji, the ex-girlfriend of actor Kim Jung Hyun, was the reason actor dropped out of his first leading role in 2018 television series Time - has written a handwritten apology for his unprofessional behavior towards his co-stars and staff members of that project.
"Hello. This is Kim Jung Hyun.
The drama “Time” was the first work I played a leading role in as an actor, so it was also a very meaningful project to me. But I brought deep disappointment and pain upon the director, screenwriter, fellow actors, and staff. I apologize.
My memories of the “Time” press conference remain in my head like shards. Even I cannot forgive my attitude at the time. I have so much regret that I wish I could turn back time.
I brought the shameful incident upon myself due to personal issues. I was not able to fulfill my responsibility as the drama’s protagonist and an actor. I apologize without making any excuses.
The process in which I dropped out of the drama “Time” and the behavior I showed at the press conference were all wrong. I sincerely apologize to actress Seohyun who was hurt because of it as well as all other related personnel who worked hard at the time.
I believe I should pay a visit to each of the “Time” staff members and those who were hurt by me and personally apologize to them. Even if it takes a long time, I will go to the director and screenwriter of “Time,” the actors, and all of the staff members who worked [on “Time”] and ask for forgiveness.
I apologize to my agency O& Entertainment as morally right, and I also apologize to Culture Depot for causing them to be mentioned in a disgraceful way. I also genuinely apologize to my fans who always supported me, believed in me, and waited for me.
I bow my head in apology to everyone I caused discomfort to. As I was writing this letter, I was able to reflect on my mistakes and wrong behavior. If I am given the opportunity, I will take nothing for granted and work hard to become a healthy actor who reflects on and manages himself. I am sorry."
Earlier, an entertainment portal, Dispatch, alleged that actress Seo Ye Ji demanded “no physical contact” and "skin-ship" of any kind on the set of the series Time, by revealing a series of text exchanges between actors, stirring quite a controversy. It was also revealed that the actress, who was then girlfriend of Jung Hyun, demanded him to revise the scripts, and scenes involving intimate scenes.
His appearance in series had been controversial since the beginning. Back in 2018, Jung Hyun was criticized for his behavior towards co-star Seohyun at a press event, where he was seen expressionless and refusing to share any touch with Seohyun. He later claimed that “both on and off set", he was "trying to live", like "Cheon Soo Ho", - his character in that series.
Earlier, it was reported that Jung Hyun was in conflict with his agency O& Entertainment regarding his contract which was to expire but the agency accused the actor for his unprofessional behaviour explaining that the 11 months time he took off as hiatus should not be included in the contract period, and has expressed that his sudden departure from the series Time, had caused the agency great ordeal at that time.
Seo Ye Ji's agency Gold Medalist also issued an apology, explaining the recent events. The actress is currently under the media scrutiny and public attention, though actress herself hasn't released any statement. Her agency has tried best to explain the situation, without making either party guilty. Seo Ye who was schedule to appear on her upcoming film press event, Recalled was cancelled amidst the controversy. While she is reportedly to be dropped from OCN's upcoming two season drama series Island.
This simple apology system of South Korean celebrities is a new trend when their wrongdoings are exposed. Well, an apology is a first step in redemption, is not always sincere, therefore it is very concerning that how many stars actually are their, waiting for their apologies to gets issued like that. I sincerely hope that those who were wronged gets their due apology, and actors of such calibre and status learn to keep their professional and personal lives, a pole apart.
What are your thoughts on this issue and the current waves of Korean celebrities scandals, both off and on sets?
All sources: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), are from valid reported news outlets.
No claim in the article is out of my own views or preference.
A neutral point of view is expressed without any personal feelings involved.
