Shim Soo-bong Apologizes After Publicly Criticizing Kim Da-hyun at Trot Festival

Veteran singer Shim Soo-bong has apologized after publicly criticizing 17-year-old singer Kim Da-hyun during the 10th Jinan Highland Trot Festival.

The festival was held on September 20 in Jinan County, North Jeolla Province. Kim Da-hyun performed earlier in the lineup, and Shim Soo-bong later took the stage and referred to the previous performer as “the woman who sang before.” She said the performance had left her feeling dizzy and questioned whether such a young singer understood music or life.

Shim also asked organizers not to place the singer before her again in the future, saying that music should not be approached carelessly and arguing that life experience and hardship are important when performing music intended to comfort listeners.

Her remarks drew criticism online, with many questioning why a veteran singer had chosen to publicly criticize the 17-year-old performer rather than offer feedback privately.

The controversy also brought renewed attention to the singers’ previous professional connection. Shim Soo-bong had appeared as a special master on MBN’s Active King of Singers in December 2023, where Kim Da-hyun competed against Lyn in a one-on-one round with Tae Jin-ah’s “Departed Love.” Shim Soo-bong and Joo Hyun-mi voted for Lyn, while Nam Jin voted for Kim. Kim later advanced through a revival round and ultimately finished the season in third place.

On September 21, Shim issued an official apology, describing her remarks as a verbal mistake. She explained that she had been under significant stress from noise at the event and had longstanding concerns about popular music, but acknowledged that her comments were inappropriate and went beyond what was acceptable for the setting.

Shim also said she had not known exactly who the previous performer was at the time and denied that she had intended to deliberately humiliate Kim. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that, as a senior artist, hurting a younger singer with her words was clearly wrong.

She said she had personally conveyed an apology to Kim Da-hyun and her family. Kim’s side later confirmed that Shim had called to apologize and explained that the two singers had not actually crossed paths backstage or elsewhere at the festival.

Shim added that during the conversation she learned from Kim’s father that Kim had previously performed Shim’s song “Million Roses” while playing piano at one of her concerts. Shim said thinking about how much Kim must have practiced made her emotional, and she also apologized to Kim’s fans, event staff, and those who attended the festival.

Netizen Reactions

The following sampled comments were posted as controversy spread over Shim Soo-bong’s original remarks, before or around the time her subsequent apology became public. Reactions were largely critical of the public nature of the criticism, though some commenters also debated whether very young singers can convincingly perform emotionally mature trot songs.

1. If she had just given some reasonable criticism, I could’ve let it go as a senior giving advice to a junior, but isn’t this way too much? She even said things like she got so dizzy listening to Kim Da-hyun sing that she almost collapsed???? They’re both singers ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

2. She debuted young herself, so how can she say something like that in public? She should act like the veteran trot singer she is. What was that?

3. Everyone has their own tastes, ma’am. Isn’t that part of what entertainment is about? It’s not like trot is Seopyeonje—in the end, it’s popular music. If she really thought the performance was that bad, as a senior and an elder who has made such a major mark on the industry, couldn’t she have spoken to her privately or tried to guide her with a little more generosity? That’s what I find disappointing.

4. But I do feel some disconnect when little kids who don’t really know anything yet sing deeply emotional love songs or songs of longing.

5. f she had quietly given her guidance backstage, that would’ve been what a true adult does. This was far too cruel a public criticism for a 17-year-old. She seemed to be doing her best and trying hard to get noticed in her own way, so did you really have to stab her like that just to feel better? She’s only 17... Imagine how hurt she must be. As if your own twenties were so spotless... Times sure have changed.

6. It’s true that Shim Soo-bong’s comments went too far. No matter how young Kim Da-hyun is—even young enough to be her granddaughter—Shim should’ve watched her words.. That said, I also really dislike seeing little kids come out and sing trot.

7. Shim Soo-bong also sang trot at 19. She wasn’t really old enough to fully understand it herself back then either.. So why did she do it?

8. Whatever anyone thinks about Kim Da-hyun’s life or career as a singer, this time Shim Soo-bong was seriously in the wrong as an adult and as a major senior. That kid just went up onstage without knowing what was coming and ended up being humiliated like that by a legendary senior she probably couldn’t even bring herself to speak to. Imagine how hurt she must have been.

9. Getting older and saying whatever the hell you want without any consideration for the other person is just senility.

10. Then what age are you supposed to start singing? Kids sing folk songs and pop songs too, so since when are only people who’ve tasted the bitterness of life allowed to sing sad songs? I guess people who’ve had nothing but an easy life are only allowed to sing upbeat songs ㅋㅋㅋ

Source: Nate News