The Jangsu County side, which caused confusion over the recruitment of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and trot singer Kim Taeyeon, has once again issued a proper apology along with the agency.
On the 18th, an apology regarding the recruitment of the opening performance artist for the Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival was posted on Jangsu County's official SNS.
The festival's operating agency (JTV) explained, "During the preliminary planning stage of recruiting artists for the opening performance, we considered recruiting Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, a singer from Jeollabuk-do, but had to give up due to circumstances, and we failed to inform Jangsu County, the host, about the confirmed participation of trot singer Kim Taeyeon, which caused significant confusion."
They added, "We sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by the lack of communication and inadequate response from the operating agency to Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, trot singer Kim Taeyeon, as well as to the fans and local residents, and we express regret to Jangsu County, which suffered damage due to this recruitment controversy."
Jangsu County also expressed, "We sincerely apologize to the local residents, Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, trot singer Kim Taeyeon, and the fans of both artists for the confusion caused by the lack of communication with the operating agency, and we will strive to ensure thorough preparation for the 19th Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival."
Earlier, regarding the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival,' a poster including Girls' Generation's Taeyeon in the festival lineup was released, drawing attention. However, this was not true. Taeyeon's side indicated that they had not even received any contact regarding recruitment, and the 13-year-old singer Kim Taeyeon, who participated in 'Miss Trot 2' as a traditional music prodigy, was confirmed to appear.
However, even after both agencies clarified their positions, Jangsu County maintained, "It is correct that we have recruited Girls' Generation's Taeyeon," which led to controversies. Ultimately, Kim Taeyeon's side stated, "We have experienced significant confusion and hurt through this situation. It is very unfortunate and regrettable that at a time when she is seriously proving herself on stage, she became involved in such an embarrassing and irresponsible situation," and withdrew Kim Taeyeon's participation.
One insider even lamented to OSEN, "Neither the agency nor the Jangsu County Office has contacted us to apologize after hurting a minor artist. The only explanation from the agency on the first day of the controversy was that 'there was a misunderstanding.'"
Under such circumstances, instead of an apology letter, Jangsu County issued a clarification stating, "Although the recruitment of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon ultimately fell through, we regret to inform that the list of potential performers and poster drafts were leaked to the public, unintentionally disappointing local residents and Taeyeon's fans."
The only recipients of the regret expressed in the clarification, rather than an apology letter, were the fans of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and the local residents, while Kim Taeyeon, whose recruitment was actually canceled, was not mentioned anywhere.
Ultimately, Jangsu County bowed their heads, issuing an apology alongside the agency.
[OSEN]