Oh no, YG Entertainment actress Lee Sung Kyung is accused of putting down her “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” co-star Jo Hye Jung.
Apparently, the controversy sparked after Lee started an Instagram live broadcast shortly after Jo started hers during a special event for the MBC romantic-comedy drama on 24th March.
Many Korean netizens claimed that Lee purposefully turned on Instagram live to best Jo. During the broadcast, one of the actors pointed out that Lee had over 25,000 viewers while Jo only had 1,112. Besides that, netizens believed that Lee made snarky comments (such as “Why do you look so down?”) directed at Jo.
In her statement, which was posted on her fan cafe, Lee emphasised that there is no beef between her and her co-star. She wrote, “(Jo Hye Jung and I) are like Bok Joo and Nan Hee. We have many memories together and care for each other very much. Those who watched the drama will know but how could anyone not like someone as lovable as Nan Hee or want to hurt her feelings?”
She continued, “Hye Jung always is comfortable holding live broadcasts but I’ve only done it once or twice since I thought it was a bit awkward. But after seeing Hye Jung enjoying it so much, and greeting all her viewers, I decided to try it myself. I amazed myself at how awkward I was at first. I did not even imagine that holding my own live broadcast would be seen as a way to discourage Hye Jung.”
In regards to her “Why you look so down” remark, the actress explained that it was meant for fellow YG actor and boyfriend Nam Joo Hyuk. “The discouraging face and quote wasn’t directed towards Hye Jung, but to Nam Joo Hyuk. He suddenly had a discouraged expression on his face, but it turned out that he was just playing around.”
Lastly, Lee said that she was worried that Jo would be hurt so she apologised to her first. She said, “But just like how she is in the drama, she told me with her cute voice ‘You already know this, but I really like you and I’ve wanted to be in a drama with you for a long time now. I’ll continue to work hard, lets be together for a long time.’ She’s a little sister who is pretty and can do anything she wants, a colleague who I have shared so many memories with, not just a junior actress.”
“I will act more responsibly and thoughtfully from now on…I am someone who is still very lacking in many ways. I will reflect on my actions and return after I have made improvements. Thank you to everyone who pointed this out to me.”
If the actress’ apology note isn’t enough to convince you, Jo’s label – Jellyfish Entertainment – also stepped up to address the situation. The company confirmed that Lee’s apology is “genuine and true”, adding that there is no conflict between the 2 television actresses.
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