“Why isn’t my photo up there?” Gong Hyeong-jin draws fire for remarks to Cha Ji-yeon on stage

When a screen behind the stage showed musical actor Cha Ji-yeon's name and photo, actor Gong Hyeong-jin asked, "Why isn't my photo there? I'm far more senior than her." The line is one of several remarks from an official event that have landed him in controversy.

From a bow to a cut-off line

Gong and Cha shared the stage on the 17th at Hanyang University in Seoul as interim hosts of a special performance at the "Far East Broadcasting Company 70th Anniversary Homecoming Day." According to the video, the trouble began as they greeted each other in front of the audience. Cha bowed and said, "Hello, sir," addressing him as a senior. Gong demanded, "I'm your senior, so greet me once more." Cha bowed again without any visible protest.

The exchanges continued. When Cha raised a fist and shouted "Amen," Gong said, "Are you going to hit me in a bit?" Cha replied, "No, sir," and moved on. After Cha apologized for the photo, saying she was sorry, Gong added, "Because you're the rising star." Cha waved her hands in dismissal and apologized once more.

Introducing the next act, Cha began with "Now, as the sun slowly sets…" Gong said, "Why are you acting? Just do it like you normally do." Cha shot back, "This is just how I am." As Cha carried on with the script, Gong cut in, saying, "That was originally my line, and she said it. Since Cha Ji-yeon is the star today, I'll let it go." Cha waved her hands and said, "I'm not the star."

Online backlash

After the video was released, criticism spread online over Gong's hosting style and his attitude toward Cha. Some netizens said that even if it could be read as friendly banter between senior and junior, calling her "that kid" and repeatedly speaking informally at an official event called for more care. Others said they felt uncomfortable watching, especially as Cha repeatedly apologized or waved her hands.

One of Cha's fans wrote on social media on the 18th, referring to the video: "The whole time I watched, it was nerve-racking, uncomfortable, unpleasant and upsetting." Other online comments followed, including "Even if the two are close, you have to separate how you speak and act at an official event" and "It's uncomfortable to watch."

The heart of the controversy lies less in judging how close the two actually are or what Gong intended than in how the words and actions on a public stage were received. Even a joke meant to show familiarity can mean something different to an audience if the other person looks embarrassed or seems to be put down one-sidedly. As the remarks in the video are repeatedly discussed online, criticism of Gong's approach to hosting official events continues.

Read the original (Korean)