Actors Gong Hyung-jin and Cha Ji-yeon. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]
Actors Gong Hyung-jin and Cha Ji-yeon. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse)]

Actor Gong Hyung-jin has apologized after drawing criticism for allegedly treating fellow actor Cha Ji-yeon rudely during a public event.

On Monday, Gong's agency, K-Heart Entertainment, issued an official statement saying that Gong had spoken to Cha — a junior colleague he is personally acquainted with — with the intention of helping her relax and feel comfortable at the event, and that there was no intent to embarrass or offend her.

"We regret that the exchange and expressions at the scene were conveyed differently from their original intent, leading to misunderstanding and controversy," the agency said. "We have already conveyed our apologies to Cha Ji-yeon's side, and we once again apologize to everyone who felt offended."

The agency added that even when remarks are made in a friendly atmosphere, consideration for the other person must come first at a public event. It also expressed regret that the 70th anniversary celebration of Far East Broadcasting Company had drawn attention for the controversy rather than for the occasion itself.

Gong and Cha served as co-hosts for a special performance at the "Far East Broadcasting Company 70th Anniversary Homecoming Day" event held Saturday at Hanyang University in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

During the event, Cha bowed toward Gong and greeted him with "Hello, sunbae," to which Gong responded, "Since I'm your sunbae, bow again." Cha complied and bowed a second time.

Gong then asked, "Isn't it such an honor to be here today? Amen, hallelujah. You're so happy to be here, right?" Cha responded with a fist pump and said, "Amen." Gong then remarked, "Looks like you're about to throw a punch?" to which Cha replied, "Not at all," and moved on.

When a screen backstage displayed Cha's name and photo, Gong said, "Why isn't my photo up there? I'm way more senior than her." Cha responded by apologizing.

As Cha began introducing the next performance with a poetic phrase about the setting sun, Gong cut her off, saying, "Why are you acting? Just be yourself." He then interrupted her again, saying, "That was originally my line, but she took it. But since today is Cha Ji-yeon's day, I'll let it go."

After the event, video footage of the exchange spread online and drew a wave of criticism. Many users said that even if the two were close, referring to Cha with informal, dismissive language at a public event was inappropriate.

Others, however, argued that context should be considered — the two have known each other for a long time as sunbae and junior, and a similar dynamic had been on display when Cha appeared on a radio program Gong previously hosted.

Cha's agency has not issued a separate statement on the matter.


dbsdn1110@heraldcorp.com