A K-Pop idol candidly shared his feelings about the controversies surrounding him in the past.
On the 27th, actor and singer Kim Hyun Joong appeared on the YouTube channel “B-Level Studio” in the episode B-Level Hearing RE:BOOT, where he spoke directly about the legal battles with his ex-girlfriend and other incidents.
When asked, “You were involved in an assault controversy, coincidentally with a woman. How was the fact check on this?” Kim recalled, “Even though it was a situation where I pushed her, it was acknowledged as assault, so I was fined ₩5.00 million KRW (about $3,490 USD) through summary judgment, and I was willing to pay that amount. I didn’t expect the matter to escalate this much.”
Although he ultimately won the lawsuit after a long legal battle, he added, “It took a very long time to be acquitted, and in that time, I neither gained nor lost much.” When asked if he felt wronged, he surprised the panel by replying, “I don’t feel wronged.” Kim explained, “There’s no need to feel wronged. I think that’s how it is. Celebrities realize that being found not guilty doesn’t truly mean they are exonerated,” hinting at the struggles of living under public scrutiny.
When asked if he wanted to turn back time, Kim was firm. He said, “There are regrets, but I know I can’t undo the past. I don’t dwell on the past. I believe the future I will live is what’s important.” Recently, he has shown a surprising new side, revealing that he is now farming corn, seeking a new direction in life.
Kim Hyun Joong was indicted in 2014 on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Ms. A. She claimed to be pregnant with his child and filed a civil damage lawsuit for ₩1.60 billion KRW (about $1.12 million USD). Kim counter-sued her for defamation based on false claims. After Ms. A gave birth, the child was confirmed to be Kim’s, and Kim ultimately won the case.
In 2022, Kim married his first love and had a son. He plans to promote with project group FIVE O ONE alongside Heo Young Saeng and Kim Kyu Jong, celebrating the 20th anniversary of SS501’s debut.