[Kang Il-hong's Entertainment Today] Shim Soo-bong Controversy: Why is it Growing? "Is That Person a Singer Too?"

Jang Hanbyul, First Solo Concert on October 31st... Expectation for a Legendary Stage of 'Milky Way'Wednesday, September 23, Shim Soo-bong / Kim Soo-hyun / Jang Hanbyul / Son Ye-jin / BTS·Blackpink[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] Shim Soo-bong's controversial remarks targeting junior singers are causing significant backlash. Although she later realized her mistake and issued an apology, the repercussions seem to be growing.Let's analyze why many people are expressing disappointment after Shim Soo-bong's public criticism, from a relatively objective perspective.Singer Kim Da-hyun, who performed first at the Jeonbuk Jinan Plateau Trot Festival, presented five songs including 'Compliment Whale,' 'I'm the Lottery,' 'Good Shot,' 'Black Swan,' and 'Let's Live Abundantly.' According to audience testimonials and performance videos, she completed her stage without any significant sound issues or major mistakes, receiving warm applause and cheers from the audience.The problem arose afterward. After singing her songs, Shim Soo-bong directly mentioned Kim Da-hyun, stating, "My head was spinning," "She seems to not know what a song is or what life is," and "Please don't put a performer like that in front of me again."She even referred to the singer not by name but as 'young lady,' 'girl,' or 'performer.' The reason the public was shocked is not simply due to the criticism itself.First, it's the manner in which she publicly disparaged a specific junior artist. While artistic evaluations can vary, and opinions on singing styles, vocal techniques, or stage composition can differ, directly expressing negative feedback in front of a large audience, especially to a junior artist still in her teens, raises questions about whether it was appropriate for a senior artist.Many believe that a senior artist, even if they notice shortcomings in a junior, should choose warm advice and encouragement over public humiliation. Especially in the genre of trot, which is a culture passed down through generations, the dignity and inclusiveness of seniors are considered even more important.Second, Shim Soo-bong's own stage condition at the time is also drawing attention. Publicly available videos show Shim Soo-bong being helped onto the stage by staff, scenes of her bending over or touching her throat during the performance, and a generally unstable condition. Some audience members noted that the first few notes started slightly off-beat.However, it's impossible to determine her health condition solely from the video. No specific illness or physical condition has been confirmed. Nevertheless, many audience members are questioning, "Wasn't she blaming the junior's performance for her own less-than-optimal condition?"Third, there are online accounts of similar incidents in the past. Recently, eyewitness accounts have been circulating online claiming that Shim Soo-bong made negative remarks about singer Jeong Mi Ae, who was relatively unknown at the time, during a past performance. However, it's important to note that these are claims made by online users, and the actual occurrence of such remarks and the specific facts have not been confirmed.Despite this, the reason these stories are resurfacing is that this controversy is not just a simple slip of the tongue but raises questions about the relationship between seniors and juniors, and the attitude of public artists.Shim Soo-bong eventually admitted her remarks were wrong in a formal apology. Kim Da-hyun also showed a mature attitude, saying, "Let's meet again with bright faces." However, the public's critical view of Shim Soo-bong remains unchanged.The message this controversy leaves us is clear: the authority of a senior comes not from sharp criticism but from a broad heart that embraces juniors. Especially for artists loved by the public, an attitude of respecting diverse voices and new generations beyond one's own standards and tastes is necessary.Criticism is possible. However, there is a clear difference between criticism that nurtures a person and criticism that wounds a person. We hope this incident serves as an opportunity for our society to reflect once again on what 'the dignity of a senior' and 'language of respect' mean."Unbeatable Aura," "So Perfect," "As Expected of Kim Soo-hyun." Fans are showing enthusiastic reactions to actor Kim Soo-hyun, who appeared in a formal domestic setting for the first time in about a year and a half. The photo shows Kim Soo-hyun attending the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS', as an award presenter at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th. /Gold Medalist SNSAppearing after a long hiatus... His sharpened visuals draw praise, "As Expected of Kim Soo-hyun""Unbeatable Aura," "So Perfect," "As Expected of Kim Soo-hyun." Fans are showing enthusiastic reactions to actor Kim Soo-hyun, who appeared in a formal domestic setting for the first time in about a year and a half.Kim Soo-hyun attended the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS', TMA as an award presenter at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th. This TMA was held in Korea for the first time in three years, and it garnered particular attention as it was Kim Soo-hyun's first official domestic stage since his controversy.That day, Kim Soo-hyun sported a clean and sophisticated look with a black suit and a deeply V-necked jacket. His noticeably broadened shoulders, slim physique, sharp jawline, and clear features caught the eye.Fans who saw the photos and videos welcomed his appearance after a long time, commenting, "His aura is truly unbeatable," "So cool," "His visuals are beyond words," and "Still Kim Soo-hyun."Some commented that his face appeared somewhat thinner than before. However, this is interpreted as a positive effect of exercise. It is known that Kim Soo-hyun built a toned, muscular physique by working out diligently during his 1.5-year hiatus.Indeed, his appearance at the awards ceremony that day highlighted his sharpened jawline and toned physique, and he was praised for exuding an aura of having maintained himself well during his long break.Kim Soo-hyun had virtually halted his domestic activities since the controversy surrounding his dating period with the late Kim Sae-ron in March of last year. Subsequently, in July, the police decided not to prosecute the related complaint, marking a significant turning point in the investigation. Following his international activities, Kim Soo-hyun has now reappeared on an official domestic stage through the TMA.After a long hiatus of 1.5 years, Kim Soo-hyun returned in front of the cameras, and his fans, who had been waiting for him, responded with enthusiastic cheers for his unchanged visuals and aura. It remains to be seen how Kim Soo-hyun's domestic activities will unfold, starting with the TMA, and attention is focused on his future endeavors.Singer Jang Hanbyul is finally holding her first solo concert under her own name. The performance, scheduled for October 31st at the Daehan Hall of Sejong University, with shows at 1 PM and 6 PM, holds more than just a concert for Jang Hanbyul. /Leon WorksFirst Solo Concert with Overwhelming Fandom 'Milky Way' to be Held on October 31stSinger Jang Hanbyul is finally holding her first solo concert under her own name. The performance, scheduled for October 31st at the Daehan Hall of Sejong University, with shows at 1 PM and 6 PM, holds more than just a concert for Jang Hanbyul.The dark horse who emerged like a comet from an audition stage is now standing as the protagonist of her own solo stage, backed by the support of countless fans.Jang Hanbyul's growth process is truly worth watching. During the 'Legend of the Unknown' audition battle, Jang Hanbyul was not initially considered a strong contender for the championship. However, things changed once the stage began.Through one performance after another, she showcased her unique vocal talent and stage presence, and at some point, she established herself as one of the most competitive main players. She eventually secured a spot in the TOP3, firmly imprinting her presence.Notably, Jang Hanbyul's strength lies in her ability to transcend a single genre. She has expanded her musical spectrum by skillfully handling everything from the emotion of ballads to the excitement of trot and the sophisticated mood of pop.These strengths were fully evident in her nationwide tour concerts. As the performances continued, fans' interest and support for Jang Hanbyul grew even stronger, and she is now demonstrating her presence as an indispensable key player in concerts.Among fans, Jang Hanbyul's popularity and star power are so strong that even Seongri and Haru, who performed with her, are said to have stood out more. This indicates the significant energy and presence Jang Hanbyul creates during performances.And that popularity was once again confirmed at the Far East University K-Culture Festival on the 13th. On this day, Jang Hanbyul directly informed fans that she was preparing for a solo concert soon.The surprise announcement from the stage erupted in cheers from fans. Notably, over 11 buses from Jang Hanbyul's fandom, 'Milky Way,' including a wrapped bus, gathered at the venue, with over 1,300 fans reportedly in attendance.This level of enthusiastic support demonstrates how powerfully Jang Hanbyul has built her fandom in a short period. And now, that support is converging into one stage: Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert on October 31st at Sejong University's Daehan Hall.In this concert, fans can expect to experience the diverse genres of music Jang Hanbyul has showcased, including ballads, trot, and pop, all in one place. However, what is most anticipated is the time Jang Hanbyul and her fans will spend together face-to-face.From her audition stage to achieving a TOP3 result, and through nationwide tours to now a solo concert under her own name, this performance will be a moment for Jang Hanbyul to reflect on her growth so far, and at the same time, it can be the starting point of her new musical life ahead.It also holds special significance for the fandom 'Milky Way.' This is because Jang Hanbyul will directly respond to their support with her own stage. Jang Hanbyul, who has grown from a dark horse who appeared like a comet to a star awaited by fans, what kind of stage and what kind of emotion will she show at her first solo concert?The first solo concert of Jang Hanbyul on October 31st at Sejong University's Daehan Hall, with shows at 1 PM and 6 PM, is already drawing anticipation from fans. Will this concert, created with 'Milky Way', be a special moment that opens the next chapter for Jang Hanbyul? Fans' eyes are focused on it."No!" A candid remark... Ji Chang-wook&Nana burst into laughter over 'Scandal' behind-the-scenesActress Son Ye-jin has once again shown her unique charm by revealing behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the Netflix series 'Scandal.' Son Ye-jin posted on her social media, "I was this happy after finishing the filming of 'Scandal'..." along with photos from the set.In the photos, Son Ye-jin is seen with her hands raised high and a bright smile after completing filming. Her joyful expression, as if completely free from the shoot, is captivating. Son Ye-jin herself reacted shyly to seeing her own photos but quickly turned to promoting the project, saying, "Please show 'Scandal' lots of interest and love."'Scandal' is based on the classic French novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' and was previously adapted into the 2003 Korean film 'The Scandal.'In this production, Son Ye-jin collaborated with Ji Chang-wook and Nana. The trio appeared together on the YouTube channel 'LIFEPLUS TV,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories from filming and showcasing their witty entertainment skills. Notably, when asked, "Did you become close while filming?" Son Ye-jin answered "No" without a moment's hesitation, causing the set to erupt in laughter.Ji Chang-wook and Nana responded simultaneously, "We thought we had become close," and Ji Chang-wook added, "Even though she says that, she loved us very much," creating a warm atmosphere.Son Ye-jin explained that the filming set was very hot at the time, and the emotions within the drama were not easy, describing her immersion in the role. She expressed regret that she couldn't have more personal conversations due to her acting style, which required her to switch emotions quickly even during casual banter.From intense emotional performances to humanistic honesty and a surprising wit shown in entertainment programs, Son Ye-jin is demonstrating her presence not only as an actress through 'Scandal' but also her unadorned charm. With her long-standing star power, solid acting skills, and added humanistic appeal, she continues to exert a strong presence both within and outside her projects.BTS already has a special connection with the VMAs. They won 'Best Group' for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, and this year they were nominated in three categories: 'Song of the Year,' 'Best K-Pop,' and 'Best Group.' /Big Hit MusicK-POP Dominates MTV VMAs... From BTS to KATSEYE, 'Global Status'K-POP's global status has been confirmed once again. K-POP groups including BTS BTS, Black Pink, CORTIS, and KATSEYE have been nominated for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, VMA, to be held in Los Angeles on the 27th.What stands out in this nomination announcement is the 'Best Group' category. BTS, Black Pink, CORTIS, and KATSEYE are all nominated. With four out of eight nominees being K-POP artists, K-POP is now establishing itself not just as 'foreign music' at American award shows but as a significant competitive field.BTS already has a special connection with the VMAs. They won 'Best Group' for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, and this year they were nominated in three categories: 'Song of the Year,' 'Best K-Pop,' and 'Best Group.'Black Pink is also nominated for 'Best Group,' and their song 'Dracula,' featuring JENNIE, is nominated for 'Song of Summer.' KATSEYE is also making its presence felt in categories like 'Best Group' and 'Song of Summer.'Here's another important change. Not only leading artists like BTS and Black Pink, but also relatively newer K-POP groups like CORTIS and KATSEYE are simultaneously appearing as major nominees at major American award shows.Ultimately, this VMA nomination list is an indicator of K-POP's changed status. In the past, K-POP was introduced as a 'new genre' in the American market, but now it has entered a stage where it competes on the same platform as major global pop music artists, vying for fan votes and public attention.The global music market's attention is focused on the results K-POP groups will achieve at the VMA stage on the 27th.eel@tf.co.kr