"D-Day" star Kim Young Kwang experienced a backlash from Korean netizens for his comments during a recent interview with Arirang TV.

During a segment of "Showbiz Korea," the model-turned-actor was asked to describe the reasons why he took on acting in Korean drama, rather than remaining within the fashion

"I received an offer to do something and began with minor roles," said Kim. "I did small roles then thought it was unfair. I was doing well as a model but wondered why when I appeared in a drama..."

The interviewer then pointed out that his experience could have been like starting from the beginning, rather than keeping his momentum from modeling, as an emerging actor.

"I felt unfair when I thought I was like a fish-out-of-water," said Kim. "And I thought if I do really well, I could do great roles like veteran actors and could show excellent acting. So, since I did it, I thought I should do more. I thought I shouldn't give up my modeling career."

Asiae News covered the controversial nature of his statements in an October 29 article. Netizens took issue with his use of the term fish-out-of-water, which can be construed as derisive towards supporting roles.

"There was a bit of a misunderstanding from statements that ran during that broadcast," said Kim, in a statement released after the broadcast. "The expression fish-out-of-water referred to the experience of incompetence I felt during the beginning. When I began my acting career, I was surrounded by such talented actors. "

He went on to positively reflect on the types of roles he would like to pursue, in the future.

"If I can, I want to try diverse roles," mused Kim. "I don't care if they overlap. I want the occupations to change, they are different every time."

Kim currently leads the cast of jTBC's weekend drama, "D-Day." He experienced an increase of fame with international audiences through his portrayal of Seo Beom Jo in "Pinocchio," before joining 2NE1's Sandara Park in Naver TV's "Dr. Ian."

Prior to the success of "Pinocchio," he appeared in a slew of supporting roles, before landing a notable part in tvN's "Plus Nine Boys." While the series was well received by domestic audiences, it did not experience the same acclaim as "Pinocchio," whose success was bolstered by the inclusion of Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk.

However, Kim continues to receive critical acclaim for his current role in "D-Day," as Lee Hae Sung, a physician who is devoted to helping the injured citizens of Seoul, after the city is paralyzed by a series of earthquakes.