Kim Ji-min SNS screenshot
Influencer Kim Ji-min, from the Channel A variety program ‘Heart Signal 4’, issued an official apology after private Instagram posts uploaded under the ‘Close Friends’ setting were leaked without authorization and sparked controversy.
Recently, online communities saw the spread of screenshots of Instagram posts that Kim had shared only with a small circle of acquaintances. The posts included sensitive political remarks, the sharing of rumors about other celebrities and broadcast cast members, the use of inappropriate terms toward her mother, and statements about giving up a pet, triggering a backlash.
On the 6th, Kim issued a statement and bowed her head, saying, “I sincerely apologize to everyone for causing concern over the posts written in my personal space over the past few days.”
Kim Ji-min Instagram screenshot
In particular, regarding the portion of the leaked posts that mentioned rumors about another artist, she said, “I sincerely apologize to artist Park Hee-seon, the agency staff, and fans who were unintentionally hurt by the so-called ‘Ju Club’ image cited among things I mentioned in private without the facts being clearly verified,” and added, “I also extend a deep apology to other artists who experienced discomfort due to my careless remarks.”
However, she clarified that she did not personally write everything that was leaked. Kim explained, “It is true that some of the content included in the posts currently circulating online was written by me. However, I did not directly write all of the content included in those materials, and some of it is content that had already been written that became referenced while being shared or forwarded.” She added, “In the process of re-sharing, much of the intended meaning at the time of writing and the surrounding context has been omitted or distorted, so some of the content is being conveyed contrary to the facts.”
Kim also indicated possible legal action over the unauthorized disclosure of private conversations. She said, “Due to the unauthorized leaks without consent and the spread of content that differs from the facts, not only I but also my family and those around me who care about me are going through severe difficulties that are hard to bear,” and stated, “To prevent the situation from worsening, I am reluctantly reviewing appropriate legal action within the necessary scope.”
Lastly, she concluded, “Above all, what I hope for is for the further sharing and spread of content whose facts have not been clearly verified to stop,” and continued, “I will strive to stand before you with a more mature and responsible attitude going forward.”
In the leaked social media posts, Kim made political remarks such as, “Martial law is what made public the Democratic Party’s acts that ruin the country,” and, regarding her partner who lives in the United States, she praised him, saying, “My husband who brings in dollars is the best.” She also disclosed a messenger exchange with her mother that used the misogynistic term ‘kimchi woman’, and even expressed a desire to give up her pet while mixing in expletives. In addition, by sharing the so-called ‘Ju Club’ image whose facts have not been confirmed, she brought up sponsorship rumors about artist Park Hee-seon as well as other actresses and dating show cast members, committing serious secondary harm.
Kim Ji-min became known through appearances on ‘Heart Signal 4’, which aired in 2023, and the spinoff ‘After Signal’, and she recently revealed that she is in a relationship with a boyfriend who works at Tesla in the United States.
The full text of the apology follows.
First, I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people
over the posts that were written in my personal space over the past few days.
As someone who receives generous love and attention from the public,
I should always have shown a more prudent and mature side,
but I feel heavy-hearted that my lack of maturity seems to have caused discomfort and disappointment to many.
Even though it was a limited space, I am deeply reflecting on having caused trouble in the process of sharing my personal opinions.
In particular, I sincerely apologize to artist Park Hee-seon, the agency staff, and fans who were unintentionally hurt due to the so-called ’Ju Club‘ image mentioned among what I said in private without the facts being clearly verified.
I also extend a deep apology to other artists who experienced discomfort due to my careless remarks. It is true that some of the content included in the posts currently circulating online was written by me.
However, I did not directly write all of the content included in those materials,
and some of it is content that had already been written that was included as it was referenced while being shared or forwarded.
In addition, those posts were written in a private space where I communicated only with a limited number of close acquaintances, and in the course of re-sharing, much of the intended meaning at the time of writing and the surrounding context has been omitted or distorted, so some of the content is being conveyed contrary to the facts.
I, too, as a member of society, always respect diverse opinions and perspectives.
However, due to the unauthorized leaks without consent and the spread of content that differs from the facts, not only I but also my family and those around me who care about me are going through severe difficulties that are hard to bear.
For this reason, to prevent the situation from worsening, I cautiously inform you that I am reviewing appropriate legal action within the necessary scope.
Above all, what I hope for is for the further sharing and spread of content whose facts have not been clearly verified to stop.
I earnestly ask for this.
Taking this as an opportunity, I will look deeply at myself, and going forward I will strive to stand before you with a more mature and responsible attitude.
I sincerely thank the fans who, even at this moment, trust me and send warm support and comfort.
Once again, I am truly sorry.
June 6, 2026
Kim Ji-min
