Former skeleton national team member and current YouTuber Yun Sung-bin (30) apologized after comments he made regarding "kangaroo kids" (children who depend on their parents financially even after becoming adults) sparked controversy.
On the 19th, Yun Sung-bin stated through his YouTube channel community, "I sincerely apologize to the viewers who were angry and hurt by my remarks in the recently uploaded video and my subsequent response."
Yun Sung-bin noted, "I did not realize that due to my expressions, tone, and mannerisms in conveying my words, it could appear that I was belittling or disparaging someone," and added, "I had no intention of belittling or disparaging anyone. As many have pointed out, I am ignorant of the social atmosphere and many aspects, and my question stemmed from simple curiosity."
He continued, "However, regardless of my ignorance and intentions, I sincerely apologize for not being able to respond quickly to the current situation," and reiterated, "I will continuously remember my shortcomings, reflect on them, and work to improve."
Earlier, in a YouTube video released on the 13th, while conversing with the filming staff, when a staff member mentioned, "These days, there are many kangaroo kids in their 30s," Yun Sung-bin responded, "Why is that? Why aren’t they becoming independent?" When the staff member replied, "Because they don’t have money," Yun Sung-bin reacted, "Is it because you don’t have money, or because you spend it freely? Why don’t you have (money) while working? Is it because prices are high?"
When the staff member said, "After paying for rent and living expenses, there’s no money left," Yun Sung-bin asked, "Can’t you save on living expenses?" The staff member explained, "If you earn the minimum wage, the monthly salary is 2.3 million won, but if 1 million won goes to management fees and rent, you have to live on 1.3 million won. After deducting food and transportation costs, there’s really very little left," to which Yun Sung-bin finally said, "I think it would be okay to move back in with my parents when I’m a rookie."
As the video became controversial, Yun Sung-bin edited that part and closed the comments section. When the controversy persisted, he ultimately made the video private.
Yun Sung-bin gained attention by winning the gold medal in the sledding event (skeleton) as the first Asian at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. He later appeared on various broadcasting programs and gained public recognition, and is currently active as a YouTuber after retiring.