Trot singer Sook Haeng is facing a growing backlash across the broadcasting industry following allegations that she was involved in an extramarital affair, with multiple programs moving to limit or erase her appearances.
On December 30, the production team of JTBC’s talk show 'Outspoken' stated that Sook Haeng had already stepped down from the program, adding that episodes featuring her would be excluded from future reruns.
The following day, producers of MBN’s 'The Best K-Trot Singer 3' also released an official statement. “Due to the situation unfolding rapidly after receiving Sook Haeng’s position, our response was delayed,” they said. “Going forward, all of Sook Haeng’s solo stages will be completely edited out.”
They added, however, “As this is a competition program, there are stages involving other contestants. Those segments will be minimized during editing to ensure that other participants are not unfairly affected.”
The controversy began after a December 29 broadcast of JTBC’s 'Crime Chief,' in which a woman in her 40s publicly accused her husband and a well-known female trot singer of having an affair, naming Sook Haeng as the alleged third party.
The woman, who said she is raising two teenage children, claimed that her husband left the family home after becoming involved with the singer. Once the identity of the trot singer was widely believed to be Sook Haeng, the controversy quickly escalated.
Initially, both the husband and Sook Haeng denied the allegations, explaining that they were merely friends. However, it was later reported that after the wife sent a formal legal notice in late September, Sook Haeng contacted her, allegedly asking her to “please let it go just once.”
According to the wife, Sook Haeng claimed she had been told that the divorce was nearly finalized and that marriage had been discussed, even stating that she had already met the man’s parents.
Sook Haeng reportedly said, “I am a celebrity with a lot to lose, and I endured a long period of obscurity to get here. If I had known the true circumstances, I would never have acted that way.”
On December 30, Sook Haeng posted a handwritten letter on Instagram, issuing a public apology. “I sincerely apologize for causing concern due to a recent personal matter,” she wrote.
She continued, “I am deeply sorry for causing harm to fellow contestants and the production team who are doing their best in the competition. I will reflect thoroughly and strive to return as a more responsible person,” formally announcing her decision to withdraw from 'The Best K-Trot Singer 3.'
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