Regarding the controversy over the name confusion between Girls' Generation's Taeyeon (36) and trot singer Kim Taeyeon (13) at the Jangsu County Festival, the management agency responsible for the booking has issued a statement.
The booking management agency for the 'Jangsu County Hanwoo and Apples' festival (JTV) stated in a phone call with Maeil Business Star Today on the 18th that it was a "misunderstanding due to lack of communication."
JTV explained, "During the planning stage of the opening celebration performance for the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival,' we considered booking Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, who is from Jeonbuk, but had to give up for certain reasons. We failed to inform the organizing committee, Jangsu County, about the confirmed appearance of Kim Taeyeon, which caused significant confusion."
They also stated, "We sincerely apologize to Taeyeon (Girls' Generation), Kim Taeyeon, their fans, and the local residents for the confusion caused by JTV's lack of communication and inadequate response. We also express our regret to Jangsu County, which was affected by this booking controversy."
JTV mentioned that they have officially conveyed their apology to both Taeyeon and Kim Taeyeon, emphasizing, "We do not wish for this controversy to spread any further."
They added, "We will take this incident as an opportunity to address the shortcomings in our processes and prepare thoroughly to ensure the successful hosting of the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival,' the only red food festival in the country."
Previously, a poster featuring Taeyeon included in the lineup for the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival' was posted on an online community, attracting attention. The poster listed Taeyeon (Girls' Generation) alongside various artists from different genres, including TripleS, Punch, and Park Ji-hyun. In response, her agency SM denied Taeyeon's participation, stating, "We have not received any booking requests. We hope fans are not confused."
In the meantime, it was belatedly revealed that Kim Taeyeon, not Taeyeon, was the officially booked artist, seemingly wrapping up the incident as a simple "same name" misunderstanding. However, Jangsu County Office later issued an official statement confirming that while they attempted to book Taeyeon, it did not materialize, and they denied any booking for Kim Taeyeon.
In response, Kim Taeyeon's agency K Tigers Entertainment expressed strong regret over the denial from Jangsu County Office, stating, "We confirmed the booking through official channels," and ultimately withdrew Kim Taeyeon's participation in the festival, expressing their displeasure.
The public, including Kim Taeyeon's fans, expressed disappointment over Jangsu County Office's handling of the situation. Ultimately, the management agency that conducted the booking stepped forward to provide a detailed explanation of the situation.
The festival is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 21 at Uiam Park and Nuri Park in Jangsu-eup.
Kim Taeyeon began her journey in pansori and folk songs at the age of four, gaining recognition as a "Korean music prodigy," and later gained attention as a promising trot singer by finishing fourth in TV Chosun's 'Tomorrow is Miss Trot 2.'
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
