Kim Jung Hyun's Departure from Story J Company

In a surprising turn of events, beloved actor Kim Jung Hyun is set to close the chapter on his four-year journey with Story J Company as his contract comes to an end in March. According to sources from MyDaily on the 6th, the decision to part ways has been made amicably, signaling a mutual desire for new beginnings.

Exploring New Opportunities

Industry insiders reveal that Kim has been actively exploring his options in recent weeks, engaging in discussions with various management agencies. A well-informed source noted, 'Kim Jung Hyun and Story J Company are parting on good terms. He is eager to find the right fit for his career moving forward.' This pursuit follows a challenging year where he took a brief hiatus due to health concerns but made a robust return to the industry last year, rejuvenating his career.

Addressing Past Controversies

In addition to his industry moves, Kim Jung Hyun recently made headlines for addressing past controversies. During the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, he publicly apologized to actress Seohyun for the infamous "Kim Ddak-Ddak" incident that marred their collaboration in the 2018 MBC drama *Time*. 'I have a lot to reflect on from the past. I have always carried a heavy heart while working, and I wanted to apologize,' he stated, bowing his head in a moment of humility.

The Drama Surrounding *Time*

Their working relationship has not been without its controversies; during the press conference for *Time*, Kim Jung Hyun's protective behavior towards Seohyun—specifically, preventing her from crossing her arms—captured media attention for all the wrong reasons. At the time, his agency noted that his intense immersion in the role, compounded by health issues, contributed to this peculiar interaction.

Refusal of Romantic Scenes

Further layers of the drama unfolded when it became known that Kim had refused to participate in romantic scenes, reportedly due to the influence of Seo Ye Ji, his then-girlfriend. This led to substantial public scrutiny as critics questioned the impact of his personal life on his professional engagements.

Looking Ahead

As Kim Jung Hyun embarks on this new journey in search of a new agency, fans and industry watchers are left speculating about his next moves and the projects that could be on the horizon. Will he choose a heavyweight agency, or carve out a path on his own? Only time will tell!