TV host Hong Jin-kyung denies political intent in red outfit post, swears on daughter’s life
Popular TV personality Hong Jin-kyung denies political intent over red outfit post before election. Captured from her YouTube channel
TV host and comedian Hong Jin-kyung has firmly denied allegations of political intent after facing controversy for posting a photo of herself wearing red just a day before the June 3 presidential election.
The color is often associated with a specific political party in Korea, sparking speculation over possible partisan expression.
In a YouTube video titled “I’ll tell you everything: The truth about the red outfit,” posted Tuesday on her channel Zzin Genius, Hong, who has over 1.77 million subscribers, explained the circumstances behind the now-deleted post and vowed to clear up the misunderstanding.
“I came straight to the office from the airport,” she said. “Some told me not to stir things up, that it would pass, but I thought that if I speak honestly, the misunderstanding might be resolved.”
Hong had previously posted a handwritten apology on Instagram, clarifying that her regret was over her carelessness, not because she had any political motive. “As someone who interviewed all three major presidential candidates, I should have remained cautious until the very end. I sincerely apologize for not being more careful,” she said.
Hong Jin-kyung addresses red outfit controversy ahead of presidential election on her YouTube channel, Tuesday. Captured from her YouTube channel
To assert her sincerity, she made an emotional vow. “My mom told me to speak from my conscience, but I know people might not trust that. So I swear on the life of my daughter, who is most precious to me,” Hong said. “Posting the photo, I didn’t think of any candidate, any party, or even Korea itself. There wasn’t a moment of hesitation because of the color — I simply thought the outfit looked great and the photo came out well.”
“If I’m telling the truth, my daughter will live a healthy and happy life. But if there’s even a shred of dishonesty in my words, may everything I do fail and my family suffer for three generations,” she said. “She’s the kind of child I would give up my life for. If I can make such a heavy promise involving her, doesn’t that prove my innocence?”
Hong’s statement follows criticism after she posted a photo on May 2 wearing a red sweater on Instagram, which many saw as a show of support for the conservative People Power Party candidate ahead of the presidential vote.
In her video, Hong emphasized repeatedly that the photo had no political implications. “That is the truth,” she said, “and I have nothing to hide.”
This article is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.