The incident involving Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and trot singer Kim Taeyeon has finally concluded with an official apology from Jangsu County and the agency. However, it was reported that neither side received separate contact during the apology process, leaving a lingering discomfort.
On the 18th, a close associate watching Kim Taeyeon closely stated to OSEN regarding the apology from Jangsu County and the agency, "We have not received direct apology contact from Jangsu County or the agency. We learned through the article that an apology had been issued, and later read the apology statement that was posted on social media."
Earlier, a poster was released indicating that Girls' Generation's Taeyeon was included in the lineup for the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apple Festival' scheduled for September, causing a stir. However, Taeyeon's appearance was not factual. Girls' Generation's Taeyeon had never even received a booking request, and the singer who actually confirmed her appearance was Kim Taeyeon, who appeared on 'Miss Trot 2'.
Both sides' agencies provided their positions directly, but Jangsu County left a statement suggesting that "the booking of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon fell through," which caused ongoing confusion. The statement posted by Jangsu County on their official social media contained only information regarding Taeyeon's failed appearance, and did not include any details about Kim Taeyeon, who was actually booked, leading to increased controversy.
Ultimately, Kim Taeyeon's side noted, "We experienced great confusion and hurt during this incident. At a time when she is serious about proving herself on stage, it is very unfortunate and regretful to have been caught up in such an embarrassing and irresponsible situation," and withdrew Kim Taeyeon's appearance.
After Kim Taeyeon withdrew her appearance, Jangsu County issued an apology through the agency and conveyed an official apology to both sides. On the 18th, the festival's operational agency (JTV) explained via Jangsu County's official social media, "During the pre-planning phase of arranging the opening celebration performance, we considered booking Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, a singer from Jeonbuk, but due to circumstances, we abandoned it and did not inform Jangsu County, the host, of the confirmed appearance of trot singer Kim Taeyeon, which caused significant confusion."
It continued, "We sincerely apologize to Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, trot singer Kim Taeyeon, their fans, and local residents for the confusion caused by the operational agency's lack of communication and inadequate handling, and we express our regret for the damage caused to Jangsu County due to this booking controversy."
Jangsu County also stated, "We sincerely apologize to local residents, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, trot singer Kim Taeyeon, and fans of both artists for the confusion caused by the lack of communication with the operational agency, and we will strive to ensure that preparations for the 19th Jangsu Hanwoo and Apple Festival proceed smoothly."
In addition, before this apology statement was issued, a report from a media outlet indicated that JTV, the agency in charge of booking for the Jangsu Hanwoo and Apple Festival, had officially communicated an intention to apologize to both Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and Kim Taeyeon, but both sides stated, "It has not yet been confirmed how the apology was communicated. We are currently verifying through various channels," showing a cautious reaction.
Through the words of close associates, it was also reported that this was not true. Kim Taeyeon's side only received the apology statement through articles and social media, and they did not receive any official intention to apologize from the agency or Jangsu County.
Amid the ongoing frustrating situation regarding the festival, Kim Taeyeon is currently in the midst of preparing for her solo concert 'Excitement, That Summer,' scheduled for August 2. A close associate also stated, "Currently the artist is focusing on the concert preparations, and we, who are watching closely, are prioritizing Taeyeon's mental well-being and care for her," expressing their intention to focus solely on concert preparations, setting aside the festival-related situation.
Meanwhile, born in 2012, Kim Taeyeon began learning pansori and folk songs at the age of just 4, gaining recognition as a prodigy in traditional Korean music. She showcased her talent by appearing on TV Chosun's variety show 'Miss Trot 2,' where she reached the final fourth place.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Jangsu County SNS, concert poster
[OSEN]