[Kang Il-hong's Today Entertainment] Kim Da-hyun 'Confession of Feelings', Shim Soo-bong's turbulent past illuminated

Why is only Lim Young Woong consistent? 69 consecutive months at No. 1, YouTube surpasses 2 millionMonday, September 28, Kim Da-hyun/ Lim Young Woong/ RESCENE/ Haru/ 'Assassins'[THE FACT| Reporter Kang Il-hong] Trot singer Kim Da-hyun made her first official appearance and revealed her feelings after controversy erupted over senior singer Shim Soo-bong's public remarks. At the '2026 Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo' busking stage held in Goseong, Gyeongnam on the 26th, Kim Da-hyun first expressed her gratitude to her fans.Kim Da-hyun said that she filmed a video with her older sister Jin Sori in a bright mood before Chuseok, but couldn't release it due to a sudden incident. She then thanked her fans for worrying about her and cheering her on, saying she would listen carefully to their words of encouragement and consider them carefully in the future.In particular, Kim Da-hyun, who visited her hometown Cheonghak-dong with her parents during the Chuseok holiday, revealed that she made a new resolution while looking at the full moon. "Like the bright and clear full moon, I firmly decided that I must study more and challenge myself vigorously to become a great singer in the future." This was Kim Da-hyun's message, directly conveyed for the first time since the controversy.Shim Soo-bong, who was embroiled in controversy for her gaffe, which was close to a blasphemous remark, the incident began at a trot festival held in Jinan, Jeonbuk on the 20th. At the time, Shim Soo-bong mentioned Kim Da-hyun, who performed on stage before her, and used strong expressions, and the controversy grew as the video spread online.Shim Soo-bong apologized the next day through her agency, saying, "I literally made a slip of the tongue." She stated that she did not intend to shame anyone in particular, but it was wrong for her to say something that hurt the feelings of a junior singer as an adult.Afterward, Shim Soo-bong called Kim Da-hyun directly to apologize, and Kim Da-hyun also shared on social media that she received her teacher's apology and warm comfort through a direct phone call.However, this controversy has also brought Shim Soo-bong's turbulent past back into the spotlight. Shim Soo-bong revealed in a past broadcast that she was diagnosed with a rare disease at the age of 16 and lived in a sanatorium as advised by her doctor to avoid using her voice. She also recalled experiencing great difficulties after being present at the scene of the October 26th incident in 1979.In particular, in a past broadcast, Shim Soo-bong claimed that she was forcibly admitted to a mental hospital after the incident and was given drug injections despite her pleas that she was not mentally ill. She also recalled that her husband was dragged away and tortured at the time, and she had to listen to the painful sounds from the next room.Shim Soo-bong, who was then restricted from broadcasting activities, made a comeback by performing at night clubs, and in 1984, 'Man is a Ship, Woman is a Port' became a great hit, laying the foundation for her comeback. While some are cheering for Kim Da-hyun's new beginning, others are looking back at the past hardships Shim Soo-bong experienced, and fans are paying attention to what this controversy will mean for both singers.69 consecutive months at No. 1, YouTube surpasses 2 million... The secret to enduring popularity?Lim Young Woong's popularity has once again been confirmed by numbers. In September, Lim Young Woong ranked first in the trot singer brand reputation. This is the 69th consecutive month at No. 1. What's more noteworthy is the trend compared to the overall market.According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, the trot singer brand big data in September decreased by more than 3% compared to the previous month. However, Lim Young Woong's brand reputation index actually increased by 14.94%. In other words, even though overall interest in trot singers has somewhat decreased, interest in Lim Young Woong has conversely increased.This is analyzed to be influenced by the continuous creation of public touchpoints through the release of the new song 'TtoTto', winning No. 1 on music shows, large-scale concerts, and winning the large-scale music awards TMA.However, there is another number that can explain Lim Young Woong's sustained popularity. It is the YouTube views of 'May You Be Happy', which surpassed 2 million views. The reason this song is special is not just because it's a new song.'May You Be Happy' is a song created by Lim Young Woong inspired by fans' messages. The phrases and stories directly conveyed by fans at concerts became the basis for the lyrics, and Kim Da-hyun also participated in the songwriting.Ultimately, this song not only contains the singer's message to the fans, but also has a structure where the fans' stories return as music. Lim Young Woong's secret to sustained popularity can also be found at this point.Connecting music, fandom, and public touchpoints continuously. In the 10th anniversary special album, like 'May You Be Happy', songs that capture the relationship with fans, as well as music with various colors such as 'TtoTto', 'Moise', 'Baila', and 'New York', were presented.In addition, opportunities to meet fans through platforms such as concerts, broadcasts, and YouTube are continuously being created.Ultimately, Lim Young Woong's record does not end with simply 'being No. 1 for a long time'. While continuously releasing new content, it does not lose the emotional connection with fans who have been together for a long time. The 69 consecutive months of brand reputation No. 1 and the 2 million views of 'May You Be Happy' can be seen as different results created by that consistency.Lim Young Woong, who celebrated her 10th debut anniversary, is drawing attention to what kind of music and records her time spent with fans will lead to in the future.RESCENE proudly took first place in the September 2026 girl group brand reputation announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The photo shows RESCENE posing before the TMA interview held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th. /Busan Asiad Main Stadium=Reporter Park Sang-min'LOVE ATTACK' reverse run → Brand reputation No. 1 → TMA 2 wins... Unstoppable sprintFrom a reverse run on the music charts to No. 1 in girl group brand reputation, and then winning two major awards at a large awards ceremony, one of the hottest names in the music industry these days is RESCENE.RESCENE's upward trend is unusual. RESCENE proudly took first place in the September 2026 girl group brand reputation announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The brand reputation index was a whopping 8,491,288 points, with Black Pink in second place at 5,313,288 points and IVE in third place at 4,041,874 points.In particular, RESCENE ranked first in September following August, marking two consecutive months at the top. This survey was conducted by analyzing participation, media, communication, and community indices for approximately 56.78 million pieces of girl group-related big data from August 13 to September 13.In addition, they set a remarkable record on the music charts. 'LOVE ATTACK', released in 2024, achieved No. 1 on Melon TOP100 about two years after its release, writing a reverse run legend, and recently, 'Pretty Girl' also reached the top ranks, continuing RESCENE's upward trend.And at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA, held on September 19th, they took home as many as two trophies.The first was the major award category 'Artist of the Year', and the second was 'Today's Choice', selected by real-time votes from the on-site audience. In other words, they achieved two wins by receiving awards for their achievements in judging and awards, as well as the choice of on-site fans.Interest that started from online memes led to a reverse run on the music charts, and now it is connected to two consecutive months of No. 1 in brand reputation and two TMA awards. RESCENE has announced a comeback with their 4th mini-album 'PULSE' on November 3rd.It remains to be seen how far RESCENE will continue its current upward trend with this comeback, and fans are paying close attention."The First Story I'm Telling" First Fan Concert → Full-scale Japanese DebutThe protagonist who became a sensational singer through the trot audition 'Nameless Legend'. Singer Haru will hold her first solo fan concert since her debut and spend special time with her fans.Haru will hold the '2026 Haru First Fan Concert - Today, Haru: The Story I'm Telling for the First Time' at 5 PM on October 10th at the Daehan Hall, Sejong University, Seoul, and at 5 PM on October 17th at the Bexco Auditorium, Busan.This concert is Haru's first solo fan concert under her own name since her debut. It will feature live performances of her hit songs, as well as behind-the-scenes talks sharing stories that have not been revealed before, such as her trainee days, debut process, and behind-the-scenes episodes.What is particularly attracting fans' attention is the first public performance of a new song. The new song will be revealed to fans first before its official release, making it an opportunity to witness Haru's new musical transformation.Ahead of this concert, Haru conveyed her special feelings to her fans, saying, "This time, I wanted to tell my story from beginning to end." However, Haru's activities are not limited to the domestic stage. While currently pursuing expansion into Asian markets such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, concrete plans for entering Japan are also emerging.In Japan, the strategy is to expand her activities beyond the image of a 'Korean trot singer' to become a next-generation vocalist 'HARU' that can attract the younger generation. They are pursuing cooperation with Japanese local operating companies, labels, and distributors, and plan to expand touchpoints with local fans through digital single releases, social media, and concerts.In particular, it is known that they are preparing step-by-step for Japanese debut songs, local promotions, and activities in Tokyo and Osaka under the name 'HARU JAPAN PROJECT 2026-2027'.In addition, about 40 Taiwanese reporters are scheduled to visit Korea for the Busan concert on October 17th, indicating high local interest in Haru's overseas expansion. Haru, who will unveil her new song for the first time at her debut fan concert and is expanding her activities beyond Korea to the Asian and Japanese markets,Fans are already paying attention to whether this Seoul and Busan concert will become a new starting point for Haru.As of the 28th, the cumulative audience was 1.56 million according to the integrated computer network for movie theater admissions of the Korean Film Council, and 1,407,634 people watched the movie during the four-day Chuseok holiday from the 24th to the 27th. Netizens who watched the movie are debating historical distortion controversy, which has even escalated into a political issue, sparking heated debate. /Hive Media CorpThe assassination of Yuk Young-soo, the doubts cast by the movie... 'The Boundary Between History and Imagination'A work that created a stir in theaters during the Chuseok holiday. Today's last news, the movie Assassins. As of the 28th, the cumulative audience was 1.56 million according to the integrated computer network for movie theater admissions of the Korean Film Council, and 1,407,634 people watched the movie during the four-day Chuseok holiday from the 24th to the 27th.The movie attracted a large audience with word-of-mouth that it was 'fun', but it was embroiled in a historical distortion controversy. 'Assassins' is a mystery thriller based on the assassination of First Lady Yuk Young-soo at the Liberation Day ceremony in 1974. A detective, a reporter, and a social affairs editor, who harbor doubts about the official investigation results and the actual circumstances, uncover the mastermind.However, netizens who watched the movie are debating historical distortion controversy, which has even escalated into a political issue, sparking heated debate.On August 15, 1974, gunshots rang out at the National Theater in Seoul while President Park Chung-hee was giving his Liberation Day address, and First Lady Yuk Young-soo was shot and died. The special investigation headquarters at the time announced that Korean-Japanese Moon Se-kwang attempted to assassinate President Park Chung-hee, and First Lady Yuk Young-soo was hit by a bullet in the process. Moon Se-kwang was executed the same year.The movie poses a question here. 'Is it true that the bullet came from Moon Se-kwang's gun?' And through the detective and reporter who investigate the incident, it delves into doubts about the investigation results at the time.The core of the controversy is not simply that 'a real event was made into a movie'. It reconstructs the doubts that existed in the actual event with cinematic imagination, strongly suggesting to the audience a possibility different from the existing official investigation results.Although the movie has an open ending, some scenes have been criticized by politicians for suggesting that 'there was another mastermind behind the shooting of First Lady Yuk Young-soo' and even the possibility of President Park Chung-hee's involvement.Some members of the People Power Party criticize that the movie can make people accept content different from historical facts as if it were true.On the other hand, the film side maintains that it is a factional work that shows various doubts surrounding the incident in the form of 'hypotheses' rather than confirming one conclusion. Director Hur Jin-ho also stated that he tried to maintain balance by referring to various materials and documentaries during the production process without setting one specific hypothesis as the answer.What about the actual historical records? The official conclusion from the investigation results and related materials at the time is that the bullet fired by Moon Se-kwang hit First Lady Yuk Young-soo. Analysis suggests that the sequence of Moon Se-kwang's shots, the impact point, and the positions of the guards are consistent with the conclusion that it was Moon Se-kwang's bullet.Of course, there were not no doubts surrounding the incident. Various suspicions were raised for a long time regarding the number of gunshots and the whereabouts of the bullets, and the incident gained attention again after the release of related diplomatic documents in 2005.However, it is crucial to distinguish here. 'Doubts were raised about the investigation results' and 'it has been confirmed as historical fact that there was a third sniper' or 'President Park Chung-hee was the mastermind' are entirely different stories.Ultimately, the historical distortion controversy surrounding 'Assassins' arises precisely at this point. The movie can freely imagine using historical doubts as material. However, when dealing with real people and real events, there is a possibility that the audience may confuse what is recorded and what is fictional.Especially for events in modern history that are politically sensitive, the boundary is bound to be more delicate. Therefore, this controversy cannot be simply viewed as 'it's a movie, so it's okay to imagine' or 'it's history, so it must never be changed'.What is important is to distinguish between the doubts raised by the movie and the historical facts confirmed to date. 'Assassins', which brought back an event from 52 years ago to the screen, has left its questions to the audience. And what is now needed is to confirm one by one through materials, whether the answers to those questions are cinematic imagination or based on historical facts.eel@tf.co.kr