Musical actor Kim Ho-young posted "I'm sorry," but the target of the apology was not Ok Joo Hyun, who brought up the "Ok jangpan controversy" again after four years. Kim Ho-young remains silent. And online, opinions clashing over Ok Joo Hyun, who brought up the controversy again after four years, have continued, with some saying "it's time to end it now."
On the 14th, Kim Ho-young posted on his SNS story the message "I'm sorry it's already sold out!!!!!!" along with a photo of a surprised expression. This was to report that a group-buy product he was handling sold out quickly and additional stock had been secured, and he left a thank-you note to buyers, saying, "I once again deeply appreciate the warm support you sent."
Although it was an advertisement, the timing was striking. That is because Kim Ho-young is currently at the center of the "Ok jangpan controversy" that Ok Joo Hyun recently mentioned again. When the phrase "I'm sorry" appeared, some reacted that it might be an announcement directed at Ok Joo Hyun, but the actual content was guidance related to the group purchase.
The controversy dates back to 2022. At the time, Kim Ho-young posted on SNS, "Asaripan is a thing of the past. Now it's Ok jangpan," and interpretations spread that it might have been aimed at Ok Joo Hyun as the casting controversy over the musical "Elisabeth" overlapped. Ok Joo Hyun filed a defamation suit against Kim Ho-young but withdrew the complaint after mediation by senior figures in the musical community.
But more than four years later, Ok Joo Hyun again demanded a public explanation through a fan communication platform and a statement, saying, "I most regret withdrawing the complaint" and "If those words really were not directed at me, I want to ask why so many people thought of me and why it was never explained publicly even once." Meanwhile, Kim Ho-young has not issued any particular statement and has continued his usual activities such as traveling to New York in the United States, releasing YouTube content and promoting a group purchase.
In the meantime, a website conducted an online vote, and public opinion was also divided there. According to the published voting results, of the 3,310 participants, 29% (971 people) answered "Kim Ho-young should apologize," while an overwhelming 71% (2,339 people) chose the view that "since the complaint was withdrawn, it is already a closed matter" (as of 10 p.m. on July 14, 2026).
Netizens' reactions were also mixed. Some said, "An explanation or apology is necessary since it caused misunderstanding," and "I hope both who were hurt can tie up the loose ends," while others said, "It's tiresome to bring up something from four years ago now," "She withdrew the complaint, so I wish they'd stop," and "It's excessive to drag up something already over."
As public opinion continues to heat up, attention is focusing on whether Kim Ho-young will ultimately remain silent or will issue a statement himself and put a full stop to the "Ok jangpan controversy" that has continued for four years.
[photo] "YouTube, SNS, OSEN DB"
[OSEN]