Musical actor Kim Ho-young. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) provided]
Musical actor Kim Ho-young. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) provided]

Musical actor Kim Ho-young, who is under pressure from Ok Joo-hyun to publicly address the so-called "Ok-jangpan" controversy, posted an apology online Tuesday — but it was not directed at Ok.

Kim wrote on his Instagram story Tuesday: "I'm so sorry it's already sold out!!!!!!" accompanied by a photo of himself with a surprised expression. The post explained that a cosmetics group purchase he was running had sold out the moment it opened, and that he had secured additional stock.

"I am again deeply grateful for the warm support you have shown me," he added. Though the post was promotional, its timing drew considerable attention.

The use of the word "sorry" stood out given that Kim is at the center of the "Ok-jangpan" controversy, which has resurfaced after four years.

The dispute dates to 2022, when allegations of nepotism emerged over the casting of the musical "Elisabeth" for its 10th-anniversary performance. Kim posted on social media at the time: "The old term 'asari-pan' is outdated — now it's 'Ok-jangpan,'" a phrase widely interpreted as a jab at Ok. Ok filed a defamation complaint against Kim but later withdrew it following mediation by sunbae actors in the musical theater community.

Ok revisited the episode Sunday through a fan communication platform, saying her biggest regret from the ordeal was withdrawing the complaint.

Then, in a statement Tuesday, she said she had "endured prolonged ridicule and criticism because of the 'Ok-jangpan' framing that originated from one person's words," adding, "What I want is not simply an emotional dispute."

Ok also said she wanted to ask "why so many people thought of me if those words were truly not directed at me, and why the harm and hurt caused by them have never once been explained publicly."

Kim has not responded to Ok's demand for a public explanation since she made it.


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