Apink's Namjoo Reveals Heartwarming First Encounter with Veteran Kim Jaejoong

Apink's Kim Namjoo, who has been at the top of the music industry for 15 years, has captured attention by sharing the story of her movie-like first meeting with veteran Kim Jaejoong.

On Kim Jaejoong's YouTube channel 'Jae Friend,' a video titled 'The Thousand-Year Idol Aiming to Live to 1000' was uploaded.

In the video, Apink members Park Chorong and Kim Namjoo appeared as guests, engaging in a deep conversation with Kim Jaejoong that spanned generations. Kim Namjoo surprised everyone by confessing her extraordinary decisiveness during a critical moment for her team years ago.

The most talked-about moment was when Kim Namjoo reached out to Kim Jaejoong, whom she had never met before. She recalled that during Apink's contract renewal season, she desperately needed advice from Kim Jaejoong, a senior with extensive industry experience.

Kim Namjoo revealed, "I wanted to seek advice during the contract renewal period, so I contacted Senior Kim Jaejoong, even though we had never met." She conveyed her earnest feelings from that time. Kim Jaejoong, despite the unexpected contact from a junior, graciously accepted and offered sincere advice. Kim Namjoo expressed her gratitude, saying, "The senior was a great help in every aspect, and I developed deep respect for him."

Their unexpected communication style added to the fun. Kim Jaejoong revealed, "Kim Namjoo is polite on broadcasts but calls me 'oppa' in a friendly manner in KakaoTalk messages," showcasing their informal friendship. Kim Namjoo admitted, "Since that encounter, we mostly exchange greetings or briefly meet at events, so it's a bit awkward now," defining their relationship as 'message friends' and eliciting laughter.

Meanwhile, Apink's leader Park Chorong, who also appeared, expressed admiration for Kim Jaejoong. She shared her first meeting with him, saying, "He was an object of admiration I only saw on TV as a child," and shyly added, "To me, he is the true essence of a celebrity." In response to the respect from the junior artists approaching their 15th anniversary, Kim Jaejoong humorously remarked, "The difference in our years isn't that much," demonstrating the warm bond between seniors and juniors in the music industry.

Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia Reporter syjj426@tenasia.co.kr