Kim Jinwoong Apologizes for Calling Do Kyungwan "Jang Yoonjung's Sub"
Admits "Careless Remark" After Backlash
Jang Yoonjung Accepts Apology, Wishes Him Good Fortune
KBS announcer Kim Jinwoong, who sparked controversy by referring to former announcer Do Kyungwan as "his wife Jang Yoonjung's subordinate," has issued an apology, admitting that his remarks were careless.
On August 25, Kim Jinwoong bowed his head in an Instagram post, stating, "I sincerely apologize to seniors Do Kyungwan and Jang Yoonjung for causing them distress with my careless remarks on today's broadcast." He added, "I also apologize to viewers and fans who may have felt uncomfortable because of this."
He explained, "I still lack experience, and since this opportunity felt precious to me, I became overly enthusiastic and was not careful enough. As a result, I ended up saying something I should never have said."
He continued, "In particular, senior Do Kyungwan always encouraged me even when I was working in the provinces, and he was such a warm senior who told us to contact him whenever we were hungry. Despite this, I have caused him significant trouble, and I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart."
Kim Jinwoong said, "Through this incident, I have realized just how much harm a thoughtless remark can cause. I will always remain vigilant so that this never happens again." He added, "I sincerely apologize."
The controversial comment was made on the previous day's broadcast of KBS2's "The CEO's Ears Are Donkey Ears." On the show, announcer Um Jiin visited a matchmaking agency with juniors Kim Jinwoong and Kim Jonghyun and said, "Among my male juniors, the one who married best is Do Kyungwan. While his wife is on a nationwide tour, he diligently supports her and has appeared on TV even more after getting married."
In response, Kim Jinwoong said, "I couldn't live like senior Do Kyungwan. It may be disrespectful to say this to a senior, but I couldn't live as someone's subordinate." He referred to Do Kyungwan as Jang Yoonjung's "subordinate." When Um Jiin asked, "Why is Do Kyungwan a subordinate?" Kim Jinwoong replied, "I apologize to senior Do Kyungwan, and it may be disrespectful, but I just don't think I could do it."
After the broadcast was released, Jang Yoonjung posted a screenshot of an article containing the remarks on Instagram, writing, "We are not even acquainted," and "Words or actions that don't make the other person smile cannot be disguised as a 'joke' or 'prank.' There is no such thing as a 'subordinate' in a family," expressing her displeasure.
Later, Jang Yoonjung posted an additional message, revealing that she had received a direct apology from Kim Jinwoong. She wrote, "So many people empathized with my post and comforted me, and I want to thank you all. I am truly, truly grateful. A little while ago, I received a text from an unknown number, and (Kim Jinwoong) said he had tracked down my number to contact me and apologize."
She continued, "It must have taken courage to apologize, and I believe that if someone offers an apology, I should accept it, at least in consideration of their feelings. I won't say more. I wish him peace, happiness, and good fortune in the future."
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