Comedian Kim Shin-young / Courtesy of Channel S
By KTimes
Entertainer Kim Shin-young has apologized for her remarks about virtual idol group PLAVE, which were criticized as dismissive and unfair.
Kim addressed the controversy on Monday in MBC FM4U's music program, which she hosts.
"During the Sunday segment on Feb. 16, I made comments about the virtual group PLAVE that many listeners felt were neither fair nor objective. I humbly accept all the criticism and sincerely apologize to the artists and their fans who were hurt by my words," Kim said on air. "I will be more cautious in the future."
She said that she failed to grasp the cultural shift surrounding virtual idols. "I didn't read the times properly. PLAVE has been working hard, but I crossed the line with my ignorance and disrespect," she said. "Their fans deserved to enjoy a good weekend, but I ruined it with my words. I've realized, once again, the weight and responsibility of what I say."
Kim added, "I sincerely apologize once again and promise to learn more to prevent this from happening again. Sometimes, I speak thoughtlessly or go too far. If that happens again, I hope listeners will give me honest feedback. I'm deeply sorry for upsetting those who were enjoying their weekend with my show."
Kim said that she considered posting an apology on social media. "Since I said these things on my radio show, it felt insincere to apologize in writing. I wanted to express my regret through my voice."
The controversy stemmed from Kim's remarks on the Sunday broadcast of her show when she said, "PLAVE can't appear on our show. I think I'd feel a strange sense of disillusionment." She also added, "I don't know where to look when the members aren't physically there."
Fans interpreted the comments as belittling the virtual group's format and criticized her insensitivity.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
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