Kim Da Hyun to visit ancestral graves at Jirisan Mountain during Chuseok

17-year-old singer Kim Da Hyun, who was emotionally wounded by public criticism from senior artist Sim Soo Bong, is returning to her daily life after receiving a direct apology. Although she endured a difficult time, even shedding tears after receiving unexpected criticism on stage, Kim has composed herself following Sim's official apology and a direct phone call. During the Chuseok holiday, she plans to visit her hometown with her family, perform, and continue her hiking routine.

A representative for Kim stated on the 24th, "Kim Da Hyun will visit her hometown in Cheonghak-dong, Jirisan Mountain, on Chuseok day, the 25th, to pay respects at ancestral graves and perform memorial rites." They added, "On the 26th, she will also perform at the '2026 Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo.'" Despite the recent controversy, she is proceeding with her scheduled itinerary and meeting fans on stage again.

On the 27th, she is scheduled to climb to the summit of Gayasan Mountain in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang Province, with her family. For seven years, Kim has been following a plan to climb the '100 Famous Mountains' selected by the Korea Forest Service, and this trip to Gayasan Mountain marks her 74th mountain. For Kim, who is still a teenager, consistent hiking is a long-standing part of her life alongside her singing and broadcasting activities.

This Chuseok holiday feels even more meaningful because of the unexpected controversy she recently faced. On the 20th, Kim took the stage at the 'Jinan Plateau Trot Festival' held in the northern area of Maisan Mountain, Jinan County, North Jeolla Province. However, after finishing her performance, she became the center of controversy when she received public criticism from Sim Soo Bong.

At the time, prior to her own stage, Sim mentioned Kim's performance, referring to her as "the woman who sang before me" and stating, "She made my head dizzy. It seems like a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is. It was very difficult to listen to her song." She continued, "Please do not send a rookie out in front of me," adding, "Singing is not something you do recklessly."

Sim also emphasized her musical philosophy, saying, "Music that provides comfort to those who come to visit after experiencing life and hardships is not easy." While it was a comment from a veteran singer viewing stage experience and the weight of life as important elements of music, the controversy grew because she specifically evaluated a junior singer at a public performance venue.

In particular, given that Kim is a 17-year-old minor and that the performance was a festival stage for the audience rather than a competition to test participants' skills, various reactions emerged regarding the appropriateness of the sudden public criticism. On the other hand, some viewed Sim's remarks as musical opinions stemming from her long career, but since the party involved, Kim, was hurt, the debate went beyond a simple matter of musical taste.

As the controversy spread, Sim released an official statement the following day, admitting her remarks were a "slip of the tongue." She explained the situation, noting she was under great stress due to the noise at the event venue, saying, "I literally made a slip of the tongue on a trot festival stage in the provinces where many people were watching." However, regardless of those circumstances, she apologized, saying, "I have nothing to say, even if I had ten mouths, for having uttered words that deviated from common sense at an inappropriate moment during a trot festival where everyone should have been laughing and enjoying themselves."

Sim explained that she did not know exactly which singer performed before her and had no intention of humiliating a specific person, but she stated, "As an adult, it was clearly wrong to say words that hurt the heart of a junior singer." Regardless of her intention, she clearly apologized for the act of hurting a junior in a public setting.

Kim also accepted Sim's apology. On the same day, she shared via her SNS, "I also had a direct phone call with Teacher Sim Soo Bong," and added, "The teacher personally offered an apology, encouragement, and warm consolation." She further told fans, "You must have been upset and worried because of this incident. I will compose myself well, so please do not worry and let's meet again with bright faces."

Kim's father, Kim Bong Gon, revealed that his daughter was significantly hurt at the time. He shared that while Kim was moving after her performance and monitoring her stage, she encountered Sim's remarks and eventually burst into tears. While he felt great sadness and regret as a parent, he also emphasized that Sim is a senior singer his daughter has always respected.

Kim expressed regret regarding the situation, noting, "The festival stage is not a competition, is it?" He suggested that while a performer could humbly accept criticism in a competition, receiving sudden public criticism at a festival for the audience was shocking. However, he also showed a balanced perspective, stating, "As a parent, I think my child does everything well, but I also think it might sound different to others."

Kim may use this incident as an opportunity to reflect on her music. However, the musical growth required of a teenage singer cannot be measured by the same standards as the musical world built by an adult senior. Especially since trot is a genre consumed across generations and experiences, critics point out that the manner and venue in which advice is delivered between seniors and juniors is crucial.

With the controversy entering a resolution phase through apologies and direct communication, Kim is returning to her daily life. Her schedule includes visiting her hometown to honor her ancestors, performing for fans, and reaching the summit of her 74th of the 100 Famous Mountains. She is continuing her activities by healing the wounds received on stage through her daily life and time with her family.

Ultimately, this incident demonstrates that when a veteran senior and a growing junior share the same stage, what is needed is not just an evaluation of skill, but communication that considers the difference in generation and position. With Sim's apology and Kim's acceptance, the conflict is settling. Attention is now shifting from the controversy itself to the musical growth Kim will demonstrate following this experience.