A disgraced idol’s ex-girlfriend and ex-groupmate met and indirectly referenced the idol during a conversation about their past.
On October 2nd, a video titled “I Tried Busking at the Han River with My 16-Year-Long Buddy Seungyoon from Superstar K” was released on the YouTube channel Singer-Songwriter Jae In.
Jang Jae In and WINNER‘s Kang Seungyoon first connected when they appeared together on Mnet’s Superstar K2 in 2010. Reuniting after a long time, they prepared for a busking performance at the Han River and reflected on their music activities and past times.
In the video, Jang Jae In praised Kang Seungyoon, saying, “If my daughter liked idols, I’d want her to like an idol like Kang Seungyoon,” adding, “You know what he’s like behind the camera. He’s a righteous, upright, and honest guy.”
Later, while riding in a car, the conversation shifted to WINNER, the group Kang Seungyoon is part of. Jang Jae In brought up WINNER’s hit song “REALLY REALLY,” asking, “I really liked that song when you wrote it. I was genuinely moved. How did you end up writing it?”
Kang Seungyoon replied, “I was struggling to survive,” then recalled, “That period was one of the darkest times for us.”
When Jang Jae In expressed surprise and asked if WINNER had gone through a rough period, Kang Seungyoon said, “One of the members left,” indirectly referring to Nam Taehyun, who departed from WINNER in 2016.
Upon hearing Nam Taehyun’s name, Jang Jae In burst out laughing. The production team also added the caption “Jae In and Seungyoon’s mutual acquaintance” on that scene.
Jang Jae In commented, “Whenever you and I appear together, there are quite a few comments about that,” adding, “That was years ago.” She continued, “We knew each other first. We are family,” emphasizing the long-standing friendship with Kang Seungyoon.
Jang Jae In and Nam Taehyun first met through the 2019 tvN variety show Studio Vibes and later developed a romantic relationship. However, about two months into their public relationship, Jang Jae In revealed messages between Nam Taehyun and another woman on social media, sparking controversy over suspicions of cheating.
At the time, Nam Taehyun issued a handwritten apology stating, “I sincerely apologize to Jang Jae In and the other woman who were hurt by this incident,” and “I will take responsibility for the damage caused by my negligence.”
Later, Jang Jae In stated that she received a sincere apology from Nam Taehyun and that they resolved the issue amicably through conversation. She also expressed their mutual decision to support each other’s music careers as they go their separate ways.