Sim Soo Bong announces October solo concert amid recent controversy

“Please do not send that performer in front of me again.”

Sim Soo Bong, who faced intense scrutiny following public remarks toward junior singer Kim Da Hyun, is returning to the stage. Having issued an apology immediately following the incident, her announcement of a solo concert this October has drawn significant attention to how she will present herself to her audience.

Sim will hold her solo concert, ‘The Sim Soo Bong Show,’ on Oct. 31 at Baegun Art Hall in Wonju, Gangwon Province. The event is part of a nationwide tour that has traveled through Paju, Busan, Seoul, and Daejeon since August. This performance is garnering particular attention as it marks her first solo stage since the controversy involving Kim Da Hyun.

The controversy began at the 10th Jinan Highland Trot Festival held in Jinan County, North Jeolla Province, on the 20th. After Kim Da Hyun performed in the preceding slot, Sim referred to her as a “young lady” and remarked, “She seems to be a young lady who doesn't know what singing is or what life is.” The situation escalated when she publicly requested the organizers, “Please do not send that performer in front of me again.” The debate intensified online, as she directly named a junior artist in a public setting.

However, Sim apologized the following day. While explaining that she had been preoccupied with concerns regarding the music industry and was stressed by the noise at the festival venue, she admitted her remarks at the festival were inappropriate. It was later reported that she spoke with Kim directly to apologize and even expressed a desire to give the younger singer a song she wrote. Kim also publicly shared that she had received a direct apology and encouragement, suggesting the conflict had been settled.

However, as footage from the event was released, the situation took another turn. In the video, Sim was seen being assisted by staff to take the stage and appeared to be in discomfort regarding her neck and waist, leading to concerns about her health. Attention also refocused on the fact that she suffers from misophonia, a condition involving strong reactions to certain sounds. Aside from the remarks themselves, interest grew as to whether Sim was under significant physical and sensory strain at the time.

All eyes are now on the Wonju stage on Oct. 31. Since she has already issued an apology, it remains to be seen whether she will address the controversy again or simply focus on the music that has earned her long-standing affection. Given that this is her first solo stage since gaining nationwide attention due to the slip of the tongue, a different level of tension is expected.

It remains to be seen whether her words on stage will spark further discussion or if she will shift the mood with her music. What is certain, however, is that Sim has not stopped performing. Following the series of events involving her remarks, her apology, and her direct outreach to Kim, Sim will stand before her audience once more. The October concert is expected to hold significant meaning for both the singer and her fans.