On the YouTube channel '뜬뜬', the web variety show '핑계고' featured Hong Jin-kyung as a guest on its episode released on the 15th.
During the episode, host Jo Se-ho asked directly, "Can I ask anything? Which political party do you actually support?" Hong responded candidly, "Today, I'll be honest." She explained, "When I hear from one party, I agree with them, and when I hear from the other, I agree with them too. It's really tough during presidential elections." She added, "Nothing is entirely good or bad. I love everyone."
Hong Jin-kyung then elaborated on the situation that sparked her political controversy for the first time. She recalled that it began with a photo of her in a red sweater taken during a business trip to Northern Europe during the election period.
She shared, "There was a store of a brand I love just 150 meters from my accommodation in Europe. I found a beautiful red sweater, got excited, took a photo, and posted it on social media. I didn't think at all about the election period."
However, the situation changed drastically the next morning. Hong recalled, "I felt strange as soon as I woke up. When I turned on my phone, there were over 80 missed calls and 300 messages, including 100 from Jo Se-ho."
Hong Jin-kyung continued, "Articles were pouring in from the morning. I couldn't delete the post or apologize, and it seemed more like a fact because it was left up all morning." She added, "If I had even 0.1% of intention, it would have been terrifying. But since it wasn't the case, I thought the misunderstanding would eventually clear up."
At the time, she quickly posted a handwritten apology and a video explanation, but the controversy lingered. She admitted, "I immediately deleted the photo and wrote an apology. I was baffled at myself for making such a mistake during a sensitive time."
Meanwhile, Hong Jin-kyung faced political controversy last month for wearing red clothing ahead of the 21st presidential election. She clarified on YouTube, "I would stake my precious daughter on it; there was no political intent." She also confessed that she couldn't vote due to overseas commitments on election day.