Kang Bu-ja offended by Lee Mi-sook's text: 'Respect elders'

Actress Kang Bu-ja has publicly expressed her disappointment toward junior actress Lee Mi-sook. Recalling how she once helped and personally coached Lee during her early acting days, Kang revealed she felt slighted by a brief New Year's greeting text message received later.

Appearing on MBN's "Kim Ju-ha's Day and Night" aired on the 14th, Kang spoke about her acting career and anecdotes involving junior actors, during which she mentioned her history with Lee.

During the broadcast, Kang reminisced about the time when Lee was a rookie actress. "She was so beautiful, but in the beginning, she only did extra roles," she said. "As it happened, a drama director was looking for a lead, so I recommended Lee Mi-sook."

Kang explained that she did not stop at simply recommending the role; she even invited Lee to her home to provide acting coaching. With Kang's help, the then-rookie Lee was selected for a leading role, and the project's success helped her solidify her position as an actress.

While Lee has reportedly expressed her gratitude to Kang several times through various interviews, Kang confessed that she began to feel hurt following a single text message from her junior.

"One day, a New Year's greeting text arrived," Kang said, quoting the content Lee sent at the time. The message reportedly contained the greeting: "Teacher, please stay healthy in the New Year and stay well-yong.""

Kang stated that such an expression felt impolite. "I do not tolerate things like that," she said. "When greeting an elder, one should call or visit in person."

She continued, "Even if you call, you must be respectful," candidly expressing her displeasure by adding, "Is she teasing me, or what?"

These remarks highlight the difference in perceptions of etiquette stemming from the generational gap between the two actresses. While Kang, rooted in her long acting career, places great importance on senior-junior relationships and respect for elders, her standards differ from a younger generation more accustomed to casual digital communication.

Given that Kang revealed her history of recommending Lee's roles and teaching her acting, her comments are seen as containing both high expectations for a junior and a sense of disappointment that goes beyond simple text etiquette.

Kang Bu-ja is a veteran actress who debuted in 1962 as a second-generation KBS talent and has been active for decades across dramas, films, and theater. Lee Mi-sook has also established herself as a leading actress in the Republic of Korea, appearing in various major roles since her debut in the late 1970s.