Comedian Kim Byung-man has personally apologized just one day after sparking controversy for arriving late to a public event.
On May 21, Kim posted a lengthy apology on his social media, writing, "I am writing this to apologize for the delay at the production presentation caused by my recent negligence."
In the statement, he explained the circumstances of his lateness: "I traveled up from Jeju on May 19 to attend the press conference for 'King of Survival 2' on May 20. Although I prepared for the briefing and set off for my morning schedule that day, I made the mistake of failing to anticipate the sudden weather changes and traffic congestion caused by the rain."
He added, "I kept the reporters who filled the venue waiting, and as a result, my oversight caused the event schedule to be delayed. I sincerely apologize for this. In the future, I will be much more meticulous when coordinating my schedule and ensure thorough preparation."
At the same time, he did not forget to ask for support for his new show. Kim shared, "Season 2 of TV Chosun's 'King of Survival' premiered yesterday. All the staff and cast members filmed with great passion in the remote areas of Taiwan. I hope my oversight does not dampen expectations for the program."
Previously, on the morning of May 20, a press conference for 'King of Survival 2' was held at the TV Chosun Gasan-dong studio in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by the main cast and production team, including Kim Jong-kook, Kim Byung-man, Yook Joon-seo, and THE BOYZ's YOUNGHOON. However, the press conference, originally scheduled for 10:00 AM, was delayed as Kim Byung-man arrived approximately 20 minutes late.
Although the venue announced that Kim Byung-man's delay was due to rain-related traffic congestion, the controversy grew because the event proceeded without a direct apology from Kim himself at the time. Furthermore, criticism intensified as his past record of arriving about 15 minutes late to another event in March was brought back into the spotlight.
In response, Kim Byung-man appears to have taken steps to address the backlash by personally posting the lengthy apology.
[Photo = SBS DB, Kim Byung-man's Instagram]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)