Actress Kang Ji-young, formerly of Kara, has revealed her thoughts about the ‘aegyo controversy’ that came up during her appearance on ‘Radio Star’ 12 years ago for the first time.
The MBC variety program ‘Radio Star’ broadcast on the 15th was themed ‘Box Office Leeches’, featuring actors Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, Kang Young-seok, and Kang Ji-young, the lead actors of the movie ‘First Ride’. This marked Kang Ji-young’s return to ‘Radio Star’ after 12 years.
Kang Ji-young opened cautiously, saying, “As soon as I walked in here, I remembered that time. The day from 12 years ago overlapped in my mind.” She continued, “I can’t not talk about it, back then when they asked me to show aegyo, I said ‘I can’t do that’ and ended up crying,” reminiscing about those days. At that time, she was a teenager, going through a sensitive period due to idol activities and contract issues with her team.
Kang Ji-young said, “Back then, ‘Radio Star’ was the most feared variety show for idols. The atmosphere was quite straightforward and sharp. I think I had a resentment around ‘why should I do aegyo?’” She admitted candidly. She added, “Looking back now, I think I was a bit too big for my boots. I was immature and think I lacked manners,” she acknowledged coolly.
She said, “After that incident, I studied what aegyo really means,” she laughed. “I found out that aegyo is not just about acting cute, but an expression of wanting to make the other person feel good. It’s a technique of gently bending the rhythm of emotions,” she explained. She also added, “Now, if someone asks me to show aegyo, I say, ‘I can’t do it well, but if you ask, I can try,’” showing a mature attitude.
Kang Ji-young also talked about her activities in Japan. MC Kim Gu-ra asked, “Don’t they ask for aegyo on Japanese variety shows?” Kang Ji-young responded, “The atmosphere in Japanese shows is different. But sometimes they are so honest that it surprises me,” she laughed. She is currently active in Japan as an actress and is also venturing into various fields, such as launching a sake brand.
Co-star Kang Ha-neul confessed, “I’ve been a Kara fan since high school. Seeing her on set, she’s really good at Japanese,” expressing his fandom for Kang Ji-young. She replied, “That’s why I’m now Ha-neul’s Japanese teacher,” making the set burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, the movie ‘First Ride’ starring Kang Ji-young is set to be released in the second half of 2025, marking a new turning point in her acting career.
