[Sony Music]
[Sony Music]

Singer Shim Su-bong is returning to television following a public controversy over remarks she made about fellow singer Kim Da-hyun.

Shim will appear on EBS's "Space Gongam," airing Wednesday night, as a first-generation singer-songwriter.

The broadcast will feature performances spanning her 48-year musical journey since her 1978 debut.

The set will include hit songs that have accompanied audiences for decades — among them "Geuttae Geu Saram," the track she performed at the 1978 College Song Festival that launched her to stardom, along with "Sarangbakken Nan Molla," "Namjaneun Bae Yeojaneun Hanggu" and "Miwoyo." The program will also showcase her piano skills, honed since childhood when she was known as a musical prodigy, with a performance of "Flight of the Bumblebee."

Particularly anticipated is a stage on which Shim picks up a guitar for the first time in 47 years. Performances of "Nae Nim-ui Sarangeun" — sung as a testament to overcoming pain — and "Pumeo Jul Anajul," her own Korean adaptation of an American folk song, are expected to resonate deeply with viewers.

Earlier, at a regional trot music festival on Sept. 20, Shim publicly criticized the performance of Kim Da-hyun, a fellow singer 54 years her junior. "The singer who performed before me made my head spin," she said. "That young lady doesn't seem to know what singing is, or what life is."

The remarks sparked controversy, and Shim issued a public apology the following day. She said she had conveyed her apologies to Kim and her family, stating, "I made what can only be called a slip of the tongue on stage at a trot music festival in the provinces, in front of many people." She added, "It was clearly wrong of me, as an elder, to say something that would hurt a younger singer's feelings."

Kim subsequently posted on social media that the matter had been resolved. "I spoke directly with Shim Su-bong on the phone, and she personally apologized to me, offered encouragement and gave me warm comfort," Kim wrote. "I will pull myself together, so please don't worry — let's meet again with bright smiles."


min3654@heraldcorp.com