Gong Hyeong-jin faces backlash for behavior toward Cha Ji-yeon

Actor Gong Hyeong-jin is facing criticism for his conduct toward musical actress Cha Ji-yeon during the Far East Broadcasting Company 70th Anniversary Homecoming Day on the 17th. Despite an official apology issued on the 19th, controversy persists over footage showing him repeatedly demanding greetings and interrupting Cha during the live-streamed event at Hanyang University.

Actor Gong Hyeong-jin is under fire for his attitude toward musical actress Cha Ji-yeon, with controversy failing to subside even after a public apology. While explanations have emerged that he intended to make his junior colleague, with whom he shares a close relationship, feel at ease, criticism continues as footage showed him repeatedly demanding greetings and interrupting her during a public event. Observers noted that regardless of whether the intention was friendliness, the focus should be on how the recipient perceived the actions and how they were expressed on an official stage.

Gong Hyeong-jin served as the host for the "Far East Broadcasting Company 70th Anniversary Homecoming Day" held at Hanyang University in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the 17th. Appearing on stage alongside Cha Ji-yeon, he became the center of controversy by repeatedly demanding greetings from her and interrupting her several times during their conversation. The dialogue between the two was broadcast live on YouTube, and interest from viewers intensified as videos capturing the atmosphere of the scene spread online.

The controversial moments began with the initial greeting. When Cha Ji-yeon bowed and said, "Hello, senior," to Gong Hyeong-jin, he demanded, "Since I am the senior, greet me once more." Cha Ji-yeon then bowed politely again. As the situation appeared to emphasize the senior-junior relationship, opinions were divided on whether this could be viewed as a simple joke.

Controversial remarks also surfaced during conversations reflecting the religious atmosphere of the event. Gong Hyeong-jin asked Cha Ji-yeon, "On a glorious day like today, Amen. Hallelujah. Aren't you happy to be attending?" When Cha Ji-yeon replied "Amen" while clenching her fist, Gong Hyeong-jin remarked, "You're going to hit [someone] soon?" Although Cha Ji-yeon moved past the situation by saying, "No," the expression drew criticism online for being inappropriate.

Gong Hyeong-jin's remarks did not end there. When an introduction appeared on the screen reading "Musical actress Cha Ji-yeon," he said, "Why is my photo not there? I am a much more senior than her." He also interrupted Cha Ji-yeon as she was introducing the next segment, asking, "Why are you acting?" When Cha Ji-yeon explained, "I'm usually like this," Gong Hyeong-jin raised his voice, saying, "Just do it like usual." As these scenes were released in succession, the boundary between a host's jokes and behavior that can embarrass a counterpart became a subject of debate.

Viewers who watched the video criticized Gong Hyeong-jin's hosting style and his attitude toward his junior. In particular, it was pointed out that demanding repeated greetings or interrupting someone at an official event can be perceived as uncomfortable, even if intended as a joke based on a close relationship. Voices were raised stating that while a host is responsible for leading the atmosphere, they must respect the dignity and speaking opportunities of their counterparts in the process.

As the controversy grew, Gong Hyeong-jin's side issued an official apology through a statement on the 19th. The agency explained, "At the time, Gong Hyeong-jin was speaking to his junior actress Cha Ji-yeon, with whom he has a close relationship, with the intention of telling her not to be nervous and to be comfortable together on site." They added, "It was not his intention to embarrass or make her feel uncomfortable." The statement continued, "It is regrettable that the conversations and expressions exchanged on-site caused misunderstanding and controversy as they were delivered differently from the original intention."

The agency added that they had already conveyed their apologies to Cha Ji-yeon's side, stating, "We once again apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable." Despite the explanation that there was no intention to make the other party uncomfortable and the expression of apology, the public response remains cold. Reactions continue to suggest that it is difficult to interpret the remarks and actions in the released video as mere jokes stemming from closeness. It is argued that regardless of intention, one must consider the actual burden the expressions may place on the other person.

This controversy also leaves questions regarding how closeness and senior-junior relationships should be expressed in public settings. Jokes that are acceptable in private relationships are not naturally accepted at official events. In particular, if a host displays an attitude as if they hold superiority over the counterpart or repeatedly interrupts them, it can appear rude regardless of the individual's intention. For Gong Hyeong-jin's apology to calm the controversy, it appears important to go beyond explaining his intentions and address how he will accept and improve upon the discomfort caused by his public words and actions.

Read the original (Korean)