She stated that she has no recollection of the individual in the photo taken 12 years ago.
The agency requested the cessation of unverified reports.
On December 23, Hong Jin-young's agency, IMH Entertainment, addressed the rumors regarding her alleged friendship with 'Jusa Aimo'. This situation arose after a photo featuring them surfaced from the Garoseoro Research Institute. The photo is believed to have been taken around 12 years ago during Hong Jin-young's promotions for 'Boo Gieman' after 'Love Battery'. The agency stated that Hong Jin-young has no recollection of the situation or the individual in the photo. The possibility of a friendly acquaintance stems from her frequent collaborations with various businesses and brands, but the agency clarified that due to the time gap, detailed memories of this hospital visit are hazy. Furthermore, they confirmed that Hong Jin-young and the individual in question do not follow each other on social media and have no personal connection. The agency urged for the cessation of speculative and unverified reports.
Hong Jin-young has recently found herself at the center of various controversies. While her agency has officially denied the rumors regarding her friendship with 'Jusa Aimo', such situations can negatively impact her public image. Fans and the industry alike hope that the brand value Hong Jin-young has built through numerous collaborations with various companies won't be tarnished by this ongoing controversy.
Throughout her career, Hong Jin-young has been loved for her bright persona and extensive activities. However, continuous controversies like this one can pose risks to her image and fanbase. Therefore, the agency's prompt response and factual clarification are critical, and it may be necessary for Hong Jin-young herself to assert her position clearly as well.
Lastly, similar situations can arise for many celebrities. In today's media landscape, where unchecked information spreads quickly, proactive communication from both the artist and the agency is essential to avoid such controversies.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
