In a candid and introspective appearance on the popular YouTube channel Gonariza, veteran South Korean singer Kim Jang-hoon confronted one of the most controversial moments of his career: the 2015 in-flight smoking scandal that made headlines across the country.
During a lie detector test segment in the episode titled “Is Kim Jang-hoon Really Not Sorry About Donating 20 Billion Won?”, the 60-year-old artist addressed the incident directly. “I have reflected on it enough,” he stated calmly. “I was truly sorry back then especially for the flight attendant whose disappointment I can’t forget.” The polygraph reportedly registered his response as truthful.
Kim described how police officers treated him with unexpected humanity upon landing, choosing not to handcuff him. That moment, he said, stayed with him and motivated a genuine effort to turn his life around. “Since then, I’ve really tried hard to live better,” he added.
The interview also highlighted Kim’s well-known commitment to philanthropy. When asked about reports of donating over 200 billion won (approximately $145 million USD), he confirmed the figure and suggested the actual amount is now higher, as he has continued giving quietly over the past decade.
He admitted that early in his career, some donations were partly motivated by a desire for a positive public image, but emphasized that his giving has since become more sincere and natural.
Beyond past regrets, Kim shared his current self-improvement journey. He has quit smoking and drinking, reduced swearing, and maintains a rigorous vocal training regimen to stay stage-ready. “If I weren’t a singer, I probably wouldn’t manage myself like this,” he said with a laugh, “but I’m grateful to my fans and those who still support me.”
At the end of the episode, the artist playfully promised to donate 100 million won if his new YouTube channel reaches one million subscribers though he briefly joked about reconsidering once the polygraph confirmed his sincerity, drawing laughter from the hosts.
Kim Jang-hoon, who debuted in 1991, has long been regarded as one of Korea’s leading celebrity philanthropists, consistently supporting disaster relief and underprivileged communities.
His latest reflections reveal a man who continues to balance accountability for past mistakes with a forward-looking commitment to doing good.
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