Back in 2018, Seohyun – of the iconic South Korean girl group Girls Generation (or SNSD) – landed a starring role in the MBC drama ‘Time’. Starring alongside her was ‘Welcome to Waikiki’ actor Kim Jung-hyun. Now, partway through the series – just ahead of the fourth episode – Kim announced that he would be dropping out of the series, citing health concerns like eating disorders and panic attacks. As a result, the production team, crew and cast were made to revise the script and storyline to allow for his character to naturally fall out of the story.
Now, word is going ’round that Kim mistreated Seohyun while on set – and his treatment of her was the result of his then-relationship with South Korean actress Seo Ye-ji.
It wasn’t just on set that Kim is accused of acting cold, but at the production presentation of the television series, too. Kim is seen distancing himself from his co-star but dismissed reports at the time about his rude behaviour by linking it to method acting. His agency explained that his “expressionless” demeanour was attributed to the fact that he was “spending a lot of time thinking about his character, immersing himself into the life of someone terminally ill every day, he had difficulty maintaining his [physical and mental] condition, and unintentionally made a mistake.”
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South Korean media site Dispatch released text messages between the ‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’ actress and Kim from back when he was shooting ‘Time’. The messages reveal controlling behaviour on Seo’s part, as she is seen asking him not to greet staff members unless they greet him first, as well as orders for him to get rid of romantic scenes or scenes with ‘skinship’ (aka physical contact). Kim also reveals that he doesn’t interact with any of the females on set, not even his costar Seohyun.
A staff member said that Kim did not greet Seohyun and refused to make eye contact with her. He also stayed in his car during filming breaks, intending to stay as far away as possible. The staff member also said that Kim looked extremely uncomfortable whenever there was a love scene during filming.
The staff member clarified that whenever Seohyun and Kim were done filming a scene where they touched hands, Kim would wipe his hands with a tissue. Upon seeing that, Seohyun would burst into tears on set.
Fans have been quick to show their support on social media, to which Seohyun has responded with a few selfies on Instagram alongside the caption,
“My love, my people, I am always thankful and I love you (heart emoji). Love you (kiss emoji).”
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Kim is said to have already apologised to Seohyun through O & Entertainment but his behaviour remained more or less the same, added the staff member. When asked about his behaviour by fellow actors, Kim denies all allegations, saying “It’s not true.”
Seo’s agency, Gold Medalist, briefly stated that they “are looking into this” before releasing a lengthier statement that reads, in part (via allkpop.com):
“Firstly, we would like to apologize for the delay in sharing our official position.
As a result of our confirmation with Kim Jung Hyun, it was clearly confirmed by him the drama-related controversy was not caused by Seo Ye Ji, and he expressed his own intentions on sharing his official position. However, he said it would take time to share his own statement as there are many overlapping issues. Due to the continuous escalation of the controversy, we were told that it was okay to announce our position first and make our position clear.
All actors and actresses can film normally, separating themselves from their love quarrels with their significant other. We believe Kim Jung Hyun must have had other personal circumstances as well.
As a result, we deeply regret the fact that we have caused many people to feel concerned with Seo Ye Ji’s immature feelings in her relationship.”
Read Seo’s full statement on allkpop.com, while Kim’s handwritten letter of apology (via Soompi), states:
“My memories of the “Time” press conference remain in my head like shards. Even I cannot forgive my attitude at the time. I have so much regret that I wish I could turn back time.
I brought the shameful incident upon myself due to personal issues. I was not able to fulfil my responsibility as the drama’s protagonist and an actor. I apologize without making any excuses.”
*Cover image via Instagram @seojuhyun_s
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