The controversy about actor Kim Soo-hyun's recent press briefing, aimed to explain his past ties with late actress Kim Sae-Ron, as well as the backlash stemming from it, have run aground, the latter being 'mind-messing' as many have called the event.
KBiZoom reported that on Chinese social media, netizens have drawn comparisons to Hong Kong actor Edison Chen's infamous 2008 press conference, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to public scandal.
Kim, 36, held the press event on March 31, addressing allegations surrounding his involvement with Kim Sae-ron years before her passing.
However, rather than quelling speculation, the nearly 36-minute speech—which was punctuated by tears, gasps, and long pauses—led to accusations of overacting.
Critics noted his reluctance to provide direct answers, especially when referring to Kim Sae-ron only as "a person from my past."
One reporter confronted him, asking, "If you're holding a press conference, can't you answer clearly just once?" Kim remained silent before bowing and exiting the venue.
Following the event, social media users in China began circulating footage of Edison Chen's five-minute apology from 2008, in which he took full responsibility for a leaked private photo scandal involving multiple female celebrities, including Cecilia Cheung and Gillian Chung.
Netizens praised Chen's brief but direct statement, contrasting it with Kim's emotional display. "At least Edison apologized properly," one Weibo user wrote, while others described Chen's press conference as "a PR masterclass."
Kim attempted to defend himself during the conference, stating, "I take responsibility for what I did, but I can't let false accusations define me."
His legal representatives later confirmed that the matter remains under legal review and that he will refrain from further comment until an official resolution is reached.
The backlash deepened as some netizens started picking apart Kim's appearance by speculating about potential cosmetic improvements and even making a note of what appeared to be a wig hiding a receding hairline.
Others wondered whether his press conference had wrought more harm than good, with one comment on the internet reading, "Crocodile tears won't save his reputation."
