Kim Min-jong, 1996 Plagiarism Controversy Retirement Announcement → Returns to Music Industry with Hit "Good Love"

Kim Min-jong’s past declaration of retirement from singing due to plagiarism controversy, which he later reversed, is receiving renewed attention. In August 1996, Kim Min-jong’s song ″Gwicheondoae″ sparked controversy for allegedly plagiarizing part of the Japanese group Tube’s ″Summer Dream.″ He admitted to the plagiarism and declared his retirement from singing, stating, ″I will take moral responsibility and no longer sing.″ At the time, Kim Min-jong confirmed the plagiarism with composer Seo Young-jin and requested the production company to recall all albums in circulation that contained the plagiarized work. Later, Kim Min-jong appeared on SBS’s ″Healing Camp, Aren’t You Happy?″ and said that he had wanted to quit singing and focus on acting out of frustration caused by the plagiarism dispute. However, his passion for singing was reignited whenever he watched music programs, and a composer continuously offered him songs described as ″music only Kim Min-jong can perform.″ Kim Min-jong said, ″As a response to their sincerity, I listened, and as soon as I heard the prelude, I felt it. The song was so good it gave me goosebumps, but I hesitated because of what I had said. Even so, lyrics fitting the melody kept running through my head. My mind was full of thoughts about the song. Even if I were criticized, I felt that missing that song would leave a regret in my heart. Fortunately, many people forgave me for reversing my retirement.″ The song that triggered his return was ″Good Love,″ which became very popular by ranking first on music programs in 1998. Since then, Kim Min-jong actively continued his career, with every album he released topping music programs. He also worked as an actor in dramas such as ″Feeling,″ ″Distant Country,″ ″Mr. Q,″ ″Guardian Angel,″ ″Island Village Teacher,″ ″Return of Iljimae,″ and ″A Gentleman’s Dignity.″ Meanwhile, in May, MC Mong sparked controversy by mentioning Kim Min-jong during a TikTok live broadcast while raising suspicions about illegal gambling involvement among entertainment industry figures. In response, Kim Min-jong stated through his legal representative, ″This is a clear falsehood. To prove my integrity, I will confront this head-on without any compromise.″