Insooni, a well-known South Korean singer, found herself in a bit of hot water after inadvertently revealing the face of Kim Jong-min's bride during the latter's wedding ceremony. On April 21, 2025, Insooni took to her social media to share her regret over the incident, acknowledging that she had not realized the wedding was meant to be a private affair. "I know that my junior's wedding is being held privately, but I didn't realize that, and the appearance of the two people was so pretty that I only uploaded the picture," she wrote.
The wedding took place the day before, on April 20, at the prestigious Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, where Kim Jong-min, a member of the popular K-pop group Koyote, tied the knot with a businesswoman who is 11 years younger than him. The first part of the ceremony was hosted by renowned comedian Yoo Jae-seok, while Moon Se-yoon and Jo Se-ho took over for the second part. The event featured performances from notable artists, including Lyn and members of the boy band Dong Bang Shin Ki, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a concert.
Insooni, who was among the guests, later posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram, expressing her deep apologies to Kim Jong-min and his bride. "I apologized deeply to the groom and bride in the morning and heard that it was okay, but my heart is still very heavy and sorry," she said. She further expressed her regret, stating, "I should have been more careful and covered it up. I am really sorry to the two people and sincerely pray for happiness and love." Despite her apologies, the damage was done; the photo she posted quickly circulated online, leading to a wave of criticism.
Kim Jong-min had chosen to hold the wedding privately to protect his bride's identity, as she is not a celebrity and had not previously revealed her face to the public. This decision made Insooni's slip-up particularly sensitive. Following the backlash, she promptly deleted the photo from her social media account.
Other attendees also shared their experiences from the wedding. Fellow Koyote member Shinji posted a photo on her Instagram with a caption that read, "I'll cover the bride's face," showcasing her awareness of the situation. In the image, Shinji was seen in the bride's waiting room, dressed in a striking black blouse that contrasted with the bride's pure white gown. She added emoticons to her post to further respect the bride's privacy.
Lee Hyo-ri, another celebrity who attended the wedding, shared images of the couple from behind, along with a booklet that included the bride's name and the wedding menu. Comedian Kim Won-hyo also documented the event on his social media, highlighting the gathering of first-generation K-pop idols and expressing his congratulations to Kim Jong-min.
Kim Jong-min's wedding was not just a personal milestone but also a significant event in the entertainment industry, drawing a host of celebrities and fans alike. The Shilla Hotel, where the wedding was held, is known for its luxurious atmosphere and high-profile clientele, with wedding costs reported to exceed 100 million won, covering venue rental, meals, and decorations. The venue is a popular choice among top stars, including Kang Ho-dong and Yoo Jae-seok, due to its exclusivity and security.
The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line celebrities must navigate between sharing their lives with fans and maintaining their privacy. Insooni's heartfelt apology and the subsequent reactions from other attendees highlight the complexities of celebrity culture in South Korea, where public interest often clashes with personal boundaries. As the dust settles on this wedding controversy, many are left reflecting on the importance of respecting privacy, especially in an age where social media can amplify even the smallest of missteps.