The controversy began when promotional material for the Jangsu Hanwoo and Apple Festival mistakenly listed Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon as a performer. In reality, the festival had booked Kim Taeyeon, a child prodigy known for her success on Miss Trot 2. Despite clarification attempts, Jangsu County officials initially insisted they had booked the K-pop icon, further clouding the situation.
In a statement shared on July 16, a source close to Kim Taeyeon told OSEN, “It looks like this will be treated as just a mix-up. But for our child, the damage is real. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking.”
Kim Taeyeon’s agency claimed they were formally contacted and had confirmed her performance. However, after the confusion broke out, the county issued a statement that omitted any mention of Kim Taeyeon, effectively erasing her from the lineup and leading her team to withdraw from the event.
What stings the most, according to the insider, is the lack of accountability: “No one from the agency or the local government has apologized. The only explanation we’ve heard is that there was a mix-up.”
They further commented on the unlikelihood of the mix-up being genuine, noting, “Anyone in the industry knows it’s nearly impossible for a top-tier star like Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon to accept a regional festival booking without substantial fees. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Beyond industry miscommunication, the emotional toll on Kim Taeyeon—born in 2012 and still a minor—is their biggest concern. “This isn’t just about appearances. She’s a teenager at a very sensitive stage. Adults might brush this off, but the impact on her mental well-being is serious,” the source said, pledging more caution in future engagements.
Kim Taeyeon began her musical journey at age four, mastering traditional Korean music like pansori and minyo. Her appearance on Miss Trot 2 brought her into the national spotlight, where she finished 4th and earned a dedicated fanbase.