HYNN's set interrupted by politician's stage appearance at Sunchang festival

A politician walked into HYNN's set

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok took the stage during singer HYNN's (흰, real name Park Hye-won) performance at the 21st Sunchang Jangryuk Festival opening ceremony in Jeonbuk Province on October 15. Her set was cut short.

HYNN had already performed two songs and was preparing for her next number when the event MC abruptly introduced Kim and called him up. His face and name appeared on the large screen. HYNN, visibly caught off guard, stepped aside and exited the stage. Only after Kim finished his remarks did her performance resume.

Three separate apologies followed

Kim posted on SNS on October 18: "I expressed that I would not greet people since it was during a performance, and while looking around the venue, I was suddenly called by the moderator and ended up greeting." He continued, "I am sorry to singer HYNN and the audience for the uncomfortable situation."

The Sunchang Jangryuk Festival Committee acknowledged the incident on its official website. An organizer error had led to the guest greeting during the performance. The committee apologized to Park Hye-won, her fans, audience members, and also to Kim Min-seok for the unintended controversy.

New Order Entertainment, HYNN's agency, said: "Various situations arise during live performances. Going forward, I will do my best to sing in any situation."

Political fallout

The opposition weighed in. People Power Party floor spokesperson Choi Su-jin called Kim's stage appearance an "abusive intrusion" and criticized the use of a citizens' festival as a campaign venue for ruling-party politicians.

HYNN recently released a new single titled 3일 후 ("3 Days Later").