Kim Sook Apologizes for Incident 20 Years Ago... "50,000 Won Gift at Han Ga-in's Wedding"

"Times were tough... I was so sorry I didn't even eat"
Han Ga-in "I'm so grateful just for your visit"

Broadcaster Kim Sook apologized for only being able to give 50,000 won as a congratulatory gift at actress Han Ga-in's wedding in 2005.

On the 13th, Kim Sook hosted a segment communicating with viewers in a video released on the YouTube channel 'VIVO TV'. At this time, a viewer asked Kim Sook, "I saw you in a photo from the wedding of Yeon Jung-hoon and Han Ga-in in 2005 while watching Han Ga-in's YouTube channel. What connection did you have to attend?" Kim Sook replied, "At that time, I was filming the drama 'Shinipsawon (New Employee)' with Han Ga-in." She then recalled, "It was a really difficult and tough time when I was barely making a living. So I could only give 50,000 won as a congratulatory gift. The wedding was held at a luxury hotel, but my comedy programs had been canceled around then. I felt so sorry giving only 50,000 won that I didn't even eat and just left."

Broadcaster Kim Sook is sending a video message to actress Han Ga-in. YouTube channel 'VIVO TV'

Kim Sook also left an apology video message for Han Ga-in. She said, "Ga-in, 20 years ago when you got married, I really wanted to give a lot as a gift, but I didn't have the means back then. At that time, I was smoking, so I saved money from cigarettes to barely prepare 50,000 won. That's why I didn't eat at the wedding." She continued, "I hope you can understand my feelings. I felt so sorry that I didn't contact you often, but I'm really happy that you are doing well. I subscribed to your YouTube channel and will leave a message soon."

Han Ga-in herself commented on the video. She said, "I don't even remember the congratulatory gift. I was just so grateful that you came." She added, "I was so young that I couldn't properly greet you, so I'm sorry." She also said, "I definitely want to attend your wedding when you get married, but not yet haha," and "I'm also subscribed to your YouTube channel. Please contact me, unnie." Seeing this, netizens commented, "50,000 won 20 years ago was not a small amount," and "Han Ga-in is really down-to-earth."

Meanwhile, according to data analyzed and announced by Kakao Pay on the 4th regarding congratulatory gift money transfers, the average congratulatory gift amount as of September this year was 90,000 won. This is about a 23% increase compared to 73,000 won in 2021. By age group, the average congratulatory gift was about 60,000 won for people in their 20s, about 100,000 won for those in their 30s and 40s, and about 120,000 won for those in their 50s and 60s. Also, among 740,652 users who participated in the poll, 58% chose 100,000 won as the appropriate congratulatory gift amount.