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Years Later, Kim Jung Hyun Finally Opens Up
Kim Jung Hyun has finally addressed the controversy that once dominated headlines and deeply affected both his personal life and acting career. The issue stemmed from his past relationship with actress Seo Ye Ji, who was accused of emotionally manipulating him, leading to unusual behavior during the promotions of his 2018 drama Time.
On the June 13, 2025 episode of KBS2’s variety show Heart on Wheels, Kim opened up about those difficult years in a rare public statement.
“I Felt Ashamed… But I’ve Met Better People”
During the show, host Shin Dong Yup brought up how people sometimes go through tough times that feel impossible to recover from. Kim responded honestly, saying,
“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve been through anything that difficult. There were no hardships. But at the time, I did feel wronged, deeply ashamed — there were definitely a lot of emotions.”
He shared how he tried not to dwell on the past.
“As time passed, I realised there was nothing truly difficult about it. What remained was just a matter of life or death.”
Instead of carrying the weight of those negative emotions, Kim chose to let them go.
“It’s not about denying the pain, but by living as if nothing bad ever happened, I’ve been able to meet better people and become healthier.”
A Look Back At The Controversy
The controversy dates back to 2021, when Kim’s behavior during the press conference for Time raised eyebrows. He appeared cold and uncomfortable, especially toward co-star Seohyun. He even avoided simple gestures like linking arms, something typically done to promote dramas in South Korea.
Shortly after, Dispatch released alleged text messages between Kim and Seo Ye Ji, suggesting that she had told him to avoid physical contact with other actresses. These revelations led to strong public backlash, with netizens accusing Seo of gaslighting. Kim earned the nickname “Kim Ddak Ddak” at the time, referencing his stiff and distant behavior.
Moving Forward With A New Chapter
Since then, both actors have dealt with professional setbacks. But Kim appears to be turning a new page. In May 2025, he signed with a new agency, Management Siseon, signaling a fresh start. He also won Best Actor at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards for his performance in Iron Family.
In his acceptance speech, he didn’t shy away from past mistakes.
“Receiving this award and expressing gratitude is something I must do, but true gratitude cannot be achieved without reflecting on the past. I deeply apologise for my past actions that hurt many people and caused discomfort.”
What’s Next For Kim Jung Hyun?
Known for his roles in Crash Landing on You, Mr. Queen, Time, and Welcome to Waikiki, Kim is reportedly reviewing new acting offers. While he didn’t go into detail about what’s next, his recent comments suggest that he’s in a much more grounded place — emotionally and professionally.
The actor’s appearance on Heart on Wheels gave viewers a clearer look at how he’s handled a very public and painful chapter in his life. Rather than erasing it, he’s choosing to learn from it — and move forward.