Actor Kong Hyung-jin's remarks to junior co-star Cha Ji-yeon spark debate

Remarks and behavior by actor Kong Hyung-jin toward his junior, musical actor Cha Ji-yeon, at an official event have sparked controversy.

On Saturday afternoon, the "Far East Broadcasting 70th Anniversary Homecoming Day" was held at Hanyang University in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Kong served as an emcee for a special performance and shared the stage with Cha.

When Cha bowed in greeting on stage, Kong told her to bow again, saying he was her sunbae.

Pointing to a screen displaying event photos, he said, "Why isn't my photo up there? I'm a much more senior sunbae than her." During a handoff of scripted lines, he also remarked, "Why are you performing?" and "Those were originally my lines — she just took them," delivering the comments in informal speech throughout.

After video footage of the exchange was made public, criticism spread online.

Viewers took issue with what they described as dismissive and rude treatment of a junior colleague on an official stage, including the use of informal speech.

Some users argued that Kong had simply been trying to lighten the mood with humor. Others, however, said his remarks were far too discourteous for a formal public occasion.