KARA's Kang Ji-young Opens Up About Aegyo Controversy After 12 Years

KARA's Kang Ji-young has finally addressed the aegyo controversy that surrounded her 12 years ago.

On the October 15th episode of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star', themed 'Box Office Lupin', actors Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok, and Kang Ji-young appeared as guests.

Kang Ji-young remarked, "It's been 12 years since I last appeared on 'Radio Star'. As soon as I stepped in, memories from back then overlapped, and I felt nervous."

In 2013, when Kang Ji-young appeared on the show with her KARA members, she refused the hosts' request for aegyo, saying, "I really don't have aegyo, so I don't know why people say I do. I won't do it," and ended up in tears, sparking a controversy over her attitude.

Reflecting on that time, Kang Ji-young shared, "'Radio Star' was the most intimidating show for idols. I was already nervous, and when they asked me to show aegyo, I cried. It was a transitional period for KARA, and we were in the midst of important contract negotiations, so I was sensitive. Honestly, I think I was a bit full of myself back then."

She added, "Now, if someone asks me to show aegyo, I would do it. I can say, 'I'm not really good at aegyo, but if you want to see it, I can show you.'"

Kim Gura asked Kang Ji-young, who is actively working in Japan, "How are Japanese variety shows? Do they ask for aegyo?" Kang Ji-young started to say, "In Japan, variety shows are actually quite rude," but quickly apologized.

Kim Gook-jin persistently asked, "Do they not ask for rude things in Japan?" to which Kim Gura added, "Japan is the origin of rudeness." Kang Ji-young replied, "If they like you, they might hit you," to which Kim Gura commented, "They seem to see it positively there."

Reported by Taeyuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr