[Full Text] Agency Speaks Out on Controversy Claiming 'Only Lim Young-woong Is Neglected'

Singer Lim Young-woong. Photo by TV Chosun 'Mr. Trot'

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] The agency of singer Lim Young-woong apologized and explained amid controversy over "neglecting Lim Young-woong."

On the 21st, Lim Young-woong's agency New Era Project (New Era) stated through the official fan cafe, "We apologize to Lim Young-woong and his fans."

New Era said, "There was inexperience in managing Instagram. The incorrect hashtag was a mistake by the staff member. We have educated the staff involved and improved the operating system to prevent similar mistakes from happening again."

They added, "We apologize for the absence of photos from the Traffic Broadcasting radio site and ask for the fans' situational understanding. The site was very complicated due to the large participation of broadcasting company officials."

They continued, "There was a lack of understanding regarding Lim Young-woong’s fans. Because of this, there was inexperience in choosing the usual social network service (SNS) communication method." They said, "We held a long discussion and training session with all staff involved regarding this situation and took it as an opportunity for reflection and improvement."

Earlier, New Era, which manages 'Mr. Trot' artists Lim Young-woong, Young Tak, Lee Chan-won, Jung Dong-won, Jang Min-ho, and Kim Hee-jae, faced criticism from fans for omitting Lim Young-woong’s hashtags or not posting site photos on official SNS.

Below is the full apology statement from New Era Project

Hello.

This is New Era Project.

First, we apologize to Lim Young-woong and his fans.

There was inexperience in managing Instagram.

Also, in taking measures regarding the mistake, we failed to fully understand the feelings of the fans.

We sincerely apologize.

1. The incorrect hashtag on SNS was a mistake by our staff member.

Although the incorrect hashtag was displayed for about one minute, we discussed and educated the staff member on the seriousness of the mistake and improved the operating system to prevent similar mistakes from recurring.

2. We apologize for the absence of photos from the Traffic Broadcasting radio site and ask for fans’ situational understanding.

On the day, the site was very complicated due to the large participation of broadcasting company officials, and uncoordinated media coverage occurred, causing managers to focus on site management.

Also, at the live broadcast site, we had to follow the broadcasting company’s management and control, making active photo shooting difficult.

Nevertheless, we believe we should have been more proactive in securing photos or, in situations where that was not possible, conveyed news on SNS with deep consideration and care to Lim Young-woong and his fans. We have established measures to improve this.

3. There was inexperience in taking measures regarding the mistake.

There was a lack of understanding of Lim Young-woong’s fans, which led to inexperience in choosing the usual SNS communication method.

Also, the flustered staff member’s hasty actions led to inappropriate responses and caused further distress to fans.

We held long discussions and training sessions with all staff involved regarding this situation and took it as an opportunity for reflection and improvement.

Through a series of situations that we could not list all, our shortcomings in SNS management were revealed, and through fans’ criticism, we were able to reflect on ourselves more accurately and deeply.

All the distress caused to the artist and fans due to these mistakes and shortcomings is due to my shortcomings as the manager.

We will reflect more deeply and strive to carry out management duties for Lim Young-woong, Young Tak, Lee Chan-won, Jung Dong-won, Jang Min-ho, and Kim Hee-jae with better directions and systems. I apologize for the manager’s shortcomings.

Since last weekend until today, we have discussed improvement plans for SNS management based on many opinions from fans.

Within a week, we plan to establish a new system for SNS management, consult and finalize it with the artists and original agencies, and inform fans.

We humbly and gratefully accept the voices of all fans of Lim Young-woong, Young Tak, Lee Chan-won, Jung Dong-won, Jang Min-ho, and Kim Hee-jae.

Going forward, New Era Project will strive and develop to provide the best service to Mr. Trot artists. We ask fans to watch over us and share much wisdom during this process.

We are always deeply grateful.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.