Jangsu County Office has conveyed its apology to Taeyeon of Girls' Generation and trot singer Kim Taeyeon, who were involved in a case of mistaken identity regarding festival appearances.
On the afternoon of the 18th, Jangsu County Office stated through its official SNS, "We sincerely apologize to the local residents, Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, Kim Taeyeon, and the fans of both artists for the confusion caused by the lack of communication with the operating agency."
They added, "We will make every effort to prepare for the 'Jangsu Hanwoo and Apples Festival'."
On the same day, the operating agency also explained to Maeil Business Newspaper's Star Today, "During the planning stage of the festival's opening performance, we considered inviting Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, who is from Jeonbuk, but had to give up for certain reasons, and we failed to inform Jangsu County, the host, about the confirmed appearance of Kim Taeyeon, which caused significant confusion."
They also conveyed their official apology to both Taeyeon and Kim Taeyeon, hoping that the controversy would not escalate further.
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 appearance, stating, "She has never been invited. We hope fans are not confused."
Amidst this, it was later revealed that Kim Taeyeon, not Taeyeon, was the officially invited artist, seemingly resolving the issue as a simple case of 'same name' confusion. However, Jangsu County Office later clarified that while they attempted to invite Taeyeon, it did not materialize, and they denied the invitation to Kim Taeyeon altogether.
In response, Kim Taeyon's agency K Tigers Entertainment expressed strong regret over Jangsu County's denial, stating, "We confirmed the invitation through formal channels," and ultimately withdrew Kim Taeyon's participation in the festival, showing their displeasure.
The public, including Kim Taeyon's fans, expressed disappointment over Jangsu County's handling of the situation. Ultimately, the operating agency took the initiative to provide a detailed explanation regarding the incident.
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 4, gaining recognition as a 'Korean music prodigy,' and later gained attention as a promising trot singer by finishing 4th in TV Chosun's 'Tomorrow is Miss Trot 2' with her solid skills.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
