The confusion over the casting of people with the same name was not merely a mix-up. There are suspicions that it was a fishing promotion using the difference in recognition. The Jangsu County government issued an apology regarding the casting of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and trot singer Kim Taeyeon, but the name of the 13-year-old girl who was most hurt was completely missing.
On the 16th, Kim Taeyeon's agency, K Tigers Entertainment, mentioned in relation to her grant to participate in the local festival hosted by Jangsu County, "We have recently received a request for the casting of Kim Taeyeon from Jangsu County through an officially commissioned agency. Since it was a negotiation through formal channels, we confirmed her casting."
A representative continued, "We learned that unrelated artists' photos with the same name were posted on promotional materials for the event (posters). Subsequently, Jangsu County attempted to cast another artist but failed, and also conveyed their denial regarding Kim Taeyon's grant. In this regard, we express strong regret."
Earlier, regarding the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apple Festival,' a poster was released that included Girls' Generation's Taeyeon in the festival lineup, causing a stir. However, this was not true. Girls' Generation's Taeyeon stated that she had not even been contacted for casting, while the 13-year-old singer Kim Taeyeon, who gained attention as a traditional music prodigy on 'Miss Trot 2,' was set to perform.
However, even after both agencies clarified their positions, the Jangsu County side maintained the stance that "the casting of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon is correct," causing controversy. Ultimately, K Tigers Entertainment withdrew her participation in the festival to protect the hurt minor artist.
Kim Taeyon's side stated, "We experienced great confusion and hurt due to this incident. At a time when she is seriously proving herself on stage, it is very regrettable and unfortunate to have been caught up in such a confusing and irresponsible situation," expressing strong regret.
Even a close aide revealed to OSEN, "Despite hurting the minor artist, neither the agency nor Jangsu County has contacted us for an apology. The only explanation on the first day of the controversy from the agency was that 'there was a misunderstanding.'"
In this situation, Jangsu County's official Instagram posted a clarification stating, "Although the casting of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon ultimately fell through, we convey our condolences for unintentionally disappointing local residents and Taeyeon's fans due to the leakage of the candidate list and poster drafts."
In the clarification, the only parties expressed regret were the fans of Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and local residents, while the name of Kim Taeyon, who was actually cast and canceled, is nowhere to be found. It is unlikely that the term 'Taeyeon' among 'local residents and Taeyeon's fans' was meant to encompass both Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and Kim Taeyon.
The public sentiment over Jangsu County's lackadaisical explanation remains unsettled. Would it be advisable to refer to the heartfelt appeal of Jun Hyun-moo, known as the 'embodiment of apologies'?
[OSEN]