Hong Jin-kyung Apologizes for Controversial Post on Election Day
On June 3, 2025, broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung issued a public apology and deleted a controversial social media post that sparked political color debates on the day of the presidential election. The controversy arose after she shared a photo of herself wearing a red sweater, which many interpreted as a show of support for Kim Moon-soo, a candidate from the People Power Party, known for its association with the color red.
The issue began on June 2 when Hong posted images from her visit to a local clothing store in Stockholm, Sweden. As a former model, she showcased her fashion sense with long boots and vibrant knitwear, drawing attention. However, the red sweater in particular became a focal point of scrutiny, especially given the heightened political sensitivities surrounding the election.
This incident echoed a recent controversy involving Karina from the girl group aespa, who faced backlash for wearing a red outfit with the number 2, leading to accusations of political bias. Despite her quick deletion of the post and clarifications from her agency, the damage was done.
Adding to the scrutiny, Hong had previously conducted interviews with prominent presidential candidates on her YouTube channel, 'Study King Jin Genius,' raising questions about her awareness of the political climate. In her handwritten apology, she expressed her disbelief at her own mistake, stating, "I have often felt sorry for celebrities who act in ways that could be misunderstood during the voting period, and I can't believe I made such a foolish error at this sensitive time."
She clarified that the photos were taken two days prior in Stockholm and that she had not considered the implications of the sweater's color when posting. Hong acknowledged her disconnect from the political environment due to her extended time abroad, admitting, "Regardless of the reason, I was wrong. I have no excuses, and I sincerely apologize for causing confusion during this sensitive time."
