Deorush Alum Jamie Troubled by Park Jimin's Stage Name Change → "No Intention to Criticize" Explanation (Summary)

Singer Jamie (real name Kim Ji-hye), formerly of the girl group The Lush, expressed her bewilderment over Park Ji-min's stage name change. Photo by Jamie (real name Kim Ji-hye) Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Singer Jamie (real name Kim Ji-hye), formerly of the group The Lush, expressed confusion over Park Jimin's change of stage name.

On the 21st, Kim Ji-hye posted a photo on her Instagram with the caption "Hmm, what should I do?" The photo revealed an article stating that Park Jimin would be changing her stage name to Jamie.

Earlier that day, Park Jimin announced her exclusive contract with Warner Music Korea and revealed that she would be changing her stage name to Jamie.

Through her Instagram, Park Jimin said, "I am grateful to everyone who has remembered and supported me under the name Park Jimin for the past eight years. I am planning to start anew under the name Jamie. I want to share more sincere music and stories I have wanted to tell. Please support me as Jamie from now on."

Fans of Kim Ji-hye responded to the news with comments such as "You can find her immediately just by searching, so why not avoid the same name?", "What should we do about this?", "Park Jimin went too far," and "Stay strong."

However, fans of Park Jimin reacted negatively, saying things like "She chose Jamie because it's an English name, what's the problem?", "Isn't it possible to use the same name?", and "I feel upset."

As the controversy continued, Kim Ji-hye posted a lengthy clarification. Jamie said, "I did not post anything criticizing her, but I think the article alone could have caused misunderstandings. I apologize for posting carelessly," addressing Park Jimin's fans.

She added, "Since I am a singer with much less recognition than Park Jimin, I posted the message while contemplating whether I should change my stage name. I never thought my post would be turned into an article. I was surprised that it became an issue. It was never my intention to post with such a motive."

She continued, "I apologize to those who felt uncomfortable. I also thank those who were concerned. I will continue to work hard and live with love for music."

Meanwhile, Jamie debuted in 2013 as a member of the group Rush. The group has since changed its name to The Lush. Jamie, now a solo artist, released the single "Al-a" in January.

Park Jimin, the winner of SBS's 'K-pop Star' Season 1, debuted in the music industry in 2012 as part of the duo Fifteen&. Since then, she has released solo singles including "Hopeless Love," "19 to 20," "jimin x jamie," and "Stay Beautiful."