On the 15th, Jangsu County stated, "During the process of selecting performers for the opening ceremony of the 19th Jangsu Hanwoorang Sagwarang Festival, an internal list of potential performers and a draft poster were leaked, despite the fact that Girls' Generation's Taeyeon was not finalized to perform."
They continued, "We deeply regret any disappointment caused to local residents and Taeyeon's fans due to this incident."
The county further added, "We will use this incident as an opportunity to review the entire festival preparation process and ensure more thorough management and operation of performers in the future to prevent such confusion from recurring."
Previously, an online poster suggesting that Girls' Generation's Taeyeon would perform at the festival's opening on the 19th went viral, sparking significant interest.
However, SM Entertainment, Taeyeon's agency, officially stated, "It is not true that Girls' Generation's Taeyeon will perform at the festival, and no request for her appearance was made."
Subsequently, some media speculated that there might have been confusion with another singer named Kim Taeyeon, a trot singer. Kim Taeyeon's agency, K-Tigers Entertainment, confirmed through various outlets, "Kim Taeyeon is scheduled to perform at the festival, and discussions with the festival organizers have been concluded."
In contrast, the Jangsu County Office clarified, "There was no confusion between Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and trot singer Kim Taeyeon. Kim Taeyeon's appearance is also not true," adding to the confusion. Concerns have been raised about the emotional impact on Kim Taeyeon, who is a 13-year-old born in 2012, amid the chaos caused by the Jangsu County Office.
Reported by Jiye Choi, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr