Kim Ho-young's 'I'm sorry' post amid controversy turns out to be product promotion

Musical actor Kim Ho-young drew public attention after posting the phrase "I'm sorry" on social media (SNS) for the first time following a public demand for clarification from musical actor Ock Joo-hyun, a member of the group Fin.K.L. However, as the post was confirmed to be news regarding the sold-out status of a product he is promoting rather than a statement regarding the controversy, various interpretations are emerging online.

On the 14th, Kim shared news of cosmetic sales through his SNS with the phrase "I'm sorry it's already sold out." He asked for the understanding of consumers who were unable to purchase due to the faster-than-expected sell-out, announced that additional stock had been urgently secured, and posted a purchase link.

However, the opening sentence of the post, "I'm sorry," temporarily gathered interest as it coincided with the recent resurfacing of his conflict with Ock. While some speculated that a statement regarding the controversy might be forthcoming, it was confirmed that the actual post was a guide for product promotion.

The controversy reignited as Ock repeatedly expressed her position regarding the so-called 'Ok-jang-pan' controversy through fan communication platforms and SNS.

On the 6th, Ock mentioned the situation through a fan communication platform, claiming that she had never received any official apology regarding the incident. Following this, on the 8th, she posted a long message on her SNS, lamenting, "The expression 'Ok-jang-pan' has solidified over time into a mocking frame that symbolizes my name, and because of that, I had to endure criticism and wounds for a long time.""

She added, "If that remark was not aimed at me, I want to ask why the public naturally thought of me, and why there has been no public explanation until now regarding the damage and wounds caused in that process," effectively demanding an explanation and a statement from Kim.

In Ock's post, several entertainment figures, including broadcaster Jang Sung-kyu and lyricist Kim Eana, expressed their public sympathy by clicking 'Like,' which served as a catalyst for the 2022 'Ok-jang-pan' controversy to receive renewed attention.

The controversy was originally triggered when suspicions of nepotism in the casting for the musical "Elisabeth" were being raised, as Kim posted the phrase "Asari-pan is a thing of the past. Now it is Ok-jang-pan" on SNS. As interpretations spread that the expression was aimed at Ock, she sued Kim for defamation, and the legal dispute was eventually settled after she withdrew the complaint.

However, even after the case was closed, the difference in positions between the two sides does not appear to have been fully resolved. As Ock recently publicly revealed her feelings at the time, the controversy was reignited after four years, and Kim has not released any separate official position regarding this matter to date. He has been continuing his usual SNS activities, such as sharing photos of his recent trip to New York and his daily life.

In this situation, as it became known that the "I'm sorry" post was promotional content for product sales, mixed reactions have followed online. Some expressed the opinion that "there is no need to overinterpret a post that is unrelated to the controversy," while others reacted that "there was room for misunderstanding as it coincided with the timing when people were waiting for an explanation.""

With neither side releasing further statements, interest continues within and outside the entertainment industry regarding how the long-standing 'Ok-jang-pan' controversy will be concluded.