Kim Min-seok Apologizes Over HYNN Festival Interruption, Says MC Called Him Onstage

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok has apologized after singer HYNN’s performance at the Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival was briefly paused for him to greet attendees.

In a statement posted on X on October 18, Kim apologized directly to HYNN, also known as Park Hye-won, and to the audience for the inconvenience caused during the festival.

Kim said he had already expressed that he would not give a greeting because a performance was underway. According to his account, he was walking around the venue when the event’s MC suddenly called his name, leading him to go onstage and address the crowd.

The incident occurred during the opening ceremony of the 21st Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival on October 15.

HYNN had completed two songs and was preparing for her next performance when the MC introduced Kim. HYNN briefly left the stage while Kim greeted attendees before returning and continuing her set.

The festival organizing committee later issued a separate apology, acknowledging that a mistake in the event’s proceedings resulted in a guest greeting taking place during HYNN’s scheduled performance. The committee apologized to HYNN, her fans, attendees and Kim Min-seok.

HYNN’s agency, New Order Entertainment, also responded to the incident, saying that various unexpected situations can occur during live performances and that the singer would continue doing her best under any circumstances.

Kim’s explanation drew skeptical reactions on Korean online communities, where some users argued that mentioning the MC made the statement sound more like an attempt to shift responsibility than a straightforward apology.

Netizen Reactions

The sampled discussion was largely skeptical of the apology. Many commenters interpreted Kim’s reference to being unexpectedly called by the MC as an attempt to shift responsibility for the interruption onto the event host.

1. ㅋㅋ What is he even talking about?

2. This doesn’t look like an apology—it looks like an excuse. I f*cking feel bad for the organizers.

3. So he’s saying the MC just did that entirely on their own??? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

4. Would it kill you to just apologize cleanly without making excuses?

5. So the MC received no instructions at all, interrupted a singer’s performance, and brought a politician onstage even though he had refused? Entirely on their own??

6. Is this an apology or an excuse? He basically just gave people the signal to go attack the MC ㅋㅋㅋ

7. This is blaming the MC, not an apology ㅋㅋ

8. As if an MC could just do that completely on their own. I feel bad for the MC.

9. Directive: You idiots, go after the MC.

10. Even if it really was the MC’s fault, wouldn’t it be better to say, “It was my fault”? Instead he’s blaming the MC??

Source: TheQoo