Cultural critic Kim Kap Soo recently addressed the controversy surrounding his comments about Park Eun Bin, who won the grand prize at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards. In an interview with IMBC Entertainment, Kim Kap Soo clarified that he did not intend to attack Park Eun Bin and merely cited her as an example in his criticism.

In his original remarks on the YouTube channel '[Podppang] Maebul Show,' Kim Kap Soo shared his view that emotions should be restrained during awards ceremonies and critiqued Park Eun Bin for what he perceived as excessive bowing and uncontrollable crying. He stated, "I'm really sorry Ms. Park Eun Bin, who received the grand prize. She's an amazing actress and will do better, but she was crying with her nose running, it's just..."

During the podcast show, MC Choi Wook refuted, "She can't be emotional?" In response, Kim Kap Soo added, "Not only at award ceremonies but you shouldn't provoke emotions in front of others under any circumstances." He then pointed out, "She bowed over 30 times to everyone around her when she's making her way to the stage. What kind of manners is that?" 

The critic continued to criticize Park Eun Bin and even compared her to Song Hye Kyo, saying, "Since when was Fanfare (congratulatory song) allowed to be played and she comes out to cry? She needs to have something called dignity. She's not even 18 but 30 years old. She needs to learn from Song Hye Kyo." 

He was heavily criticized for his comments about Park Eun Bin. However, he now asserts that his remarks were not explicitly directed at Park Eun Bin and that he was simply using her as an example.

He told the media outlet, "It doesn't matter if there is much criticism about me. But Park Eun Bin became the subject of my story." He continued, "I was expressing my thoughts that our society is immature and that the members of our society are still expressing themselves without the virtue of self-restraint in the relationship between people."

He also added that his words were not directed solely at Park Eun Bin. Kim Kap Soo shared, "In the case of awards ceremonies, I pointed out two things. One is that there is no content in the speech, and only the expression of gratitude to individuals is repeated. When you're in the spotlight, at least the suppression of emotions is required."

The critic continued explaining, "It has become widely accepted to shed tears from being emotional. There was no intention of attacking Park Eun Bin. I just took her as an example because she is the grand prize winner and she stood in the public's eyes."

He added, "Now, Korea's entertainment industry has risen to a level that stands out all over the world. This award ceremony was especially broadcast live all across the globe. I just hope that people are aware that the world is watching when they are shedding tears, sniffing, and bowing uncontrollably during the speech."

Critic Kim Kap Soo also criticized other individuals' acceptance speeches for lacking substance and often consisting of mere lists of names rather than thoughtful remarks about the industry or society in general. He emphasized the importance of self-restraint and professionalism in public appearances, particularly given the global audience of the Baeksang Arts Awards. 

After his remarks, many netizens were angered as they believe the critic's opinion is outdated. They commented, "He's now saying he had no intention to attack her? but he mentioned her name and made specific examples out of her," "This such an outdated opinion saying people can't express their emotions," "The content of her speech was amazing. She expressed her gratitude and also her dreams of a better society," "He should learn to be more empathetic rather than becoming a critic," "Her speech had no substance? Her speech had more content than Song Hye Kyo's," "Did he listen to her full speech?" and "Maybe it's because he's from a generation that suppresses their emotions but where does it say that you can't cry during an award ceremony? Who says that the speech has to mention anything about social issues? Now actors need to prepare a script for their acceptance speeches?"

Meanwhile, Park Eun Bin shared, "It is my hope that 'Young Woo' has served as a means to better comprehend the autism spectrum, even if only in a small way. Your interest and encouraging words have been invaluable to me, and I hope that this show has been just as helpful to you. I did not aspire to change the world through my work, but rather to foster a kinder heart within everyone and to encourage people to appreciate each other's unique traits, thereby promoting diversity. Thank you for taking notice of this effort and supporting it."