Ock Joo-hyun reignites conflict with Kim Ho-young over 'Okjangpan' incident

Musical actress Ock Joo-hyun, a former member of the group Fin.K.L, has brought a past controversy back to the surface by publicly revealing her feelings regarding the so-called 'Okjangpan incident' that erupted four years ago. Public attention is intensifying as Ock discloses the damages and psychological burden she had been hiding regarding the incident, which at the time had expanded into allegations of internal conflicts within the musical industry and nepotism in casting.

On the 6th, Ock directly mentioned the past 'Okjangpan' incident through a fan communication platform. Recalling the situation, she referred to it as the "'Okjangpan' I had tried to forget," claiming that she suffered significant damage to her advertising contracts and image due to the incident.

The controversy dates back to June 2022. At that time, musical actor Kim Ho-young posted an image of 'Okjangpan' (floor mats) on his social media (SNS) with the caption, "The days of chaos are over. Now it is 'Okjangpan'." The post included an image reminiscent of a theater, which some netizens interpreted as a targeted remark toward Ock and the casting controversy for the musical 'Elisabeth'.

At the time, allegations of 'nepotism casting' were being raised within the musical industry, questioning whether Ock's influence played a role in the casting process for the 10th-anniversary production of 'Elisabeth'. In response, Ock's side denied the allegations and sued Kim for defamation.

Subsequently, Kim's side offered an explanation stating that the post was not aimed at Ock, but was intended to promote mattress and floor mat products sold by an acquaintance's father. However, as the conflict escalated into a public dispute between musical actors, the controversy expanded across the entire industry.

Ultimately, following mediation by senior and junior actors, Ock withdrew the lawsuit, and it was understood that both sides had settled the conflict. However, through this recent statement, Ock revealed that the incident had a long-lasting impact on her.

Ock claimed, "At the time, a diet probiotic advertisement was taken down just five days after it aired. I had to go to the advertising company's headquarters every day after my performances to hold meetings. I was in a situation where I had to bear three times the penalty if I could not prove my innocence."

She continued, "Choosing the method of a lawsuit was what hurt my heart the most," while explaining, "If I hadn't filed the lawsuit, the person who was working as a mattress home shopping host at the time might have suffered even greater damage."

Furthermore, Ock mentioned the process of withdrawing the lawsuit and subsequent conversations, stating, "Along with a thank you for withdrawing the lawsuit, I heard the words, 'I have never targeted you, Noona.'" She added, "I heard the explanation that it was a promotion for a friend's father's floor mats, but I was bewildered about how to accept that situation."

In particular, Ock revealed why those around her had discouraged her from making an official explanation. She shared, "I have agonized countless times over whether to officially organize and post this because it has been so frustrating for several years. People around me said, 'Don't you hate having your name placed alongside someone who has been anxious to become famous for a long time?'"

She confessed, "Regardless of the intention behind the mention, the expression 'Okjangpan' has consequently become a fixed modifier that has followed me for a long time. There was great damage to the advertising company, and I am upset because it feels like my nickname has also changed."

Ock expressed regret over her decision at the time, stating, "My biggest regret is withdrawing the lawsuit."

Following these remarks, various opinions are emerging online. Some netizens sympathized with Ock, saying, "The damage Ock received in that situation must have been great," and "There is responsibility in the part where ambiguous expressions created controversy."

On the other hand, criticisms have also been raised, such as, "I don't know if it is appropriate to publicly mention something that happened four years ago," and "The expression toward the other party is excessive." Additionally, a cautious view has emerged, suggesting, "Since there were undisclosed circumstances between the parties involved, it is difficult for a third party to judge simply in terms of perpetrator and victim."

The 'Okjangpan incident' remains a case that went beyond a simple celebrity spat, prompting discussions about the casting structure within the musical industry and the issue of influence among actors. With Ock's recent public remarks shedding light on the past controversy, debates surrounding the interpretation and responsibility of the incident are expected to resurface.