Epik High members visit Stanford… tears healed through laughter.
Singer Tablo concluded his emotional journey with laughter and tears while facing fellow members who shared the scars from the academic fraud allegations that troubled him 15 years ago, known as the 'Tajinyo' controversy.
In the video released on the official Epik High YouTube channel on the 7th, Tablo, Tukutz, and Mithra celebrated surpassing 1 million subscribers by visiting YouTube's headquarters and receiving their Gold Play Button. While sharing their joy and heading to their lodging, Tukutz and Mithra unexpectedly suggested an unplanned destination — Tablo's alma mater, Stanford University in the United States.
Stanford holds special significance for Tablo. In 2010, some internet users claimed that Tablo manipulated his academic records, establishing an online forum called 'We Demand the Truth from Tablo (Tajinyo),' which escalated into one of the entertainment industry's largest cyberbullying incidents. At the time, Tablo went directly to Stanford to prove the facts through MBC Special but expressed deep wounds with the remark, "It seems like they don't believe me, not that they can't believe me."
Now, 15 years later, the members of Epik High led Tablo to Stanford, saying, "Let's see the site of history with our own eyes." Tukutz demonstrated meticulousness by bringing the black beanie and hoodie that Tablo wore during that broadcast, and while Tablo found it absurd to say, "I really attended there," he couldn't help but laugh in the end.
In a playful suggestion from the members, Tablo reenacted a scene from the broadcast, this time with a bright smile instead of a sad expression. He revealed his grievances by saying, "I'm already healed," although his eyes were moist. Observing this, Tukutz remarked, "Now my heart feels completely relieved," and shared an earnest smile. This moment signifies more than just a simple parody or incident; it's a moment shared joyfully with team members who endured the painful and lonely times together, lifting the weight of that pain.
Previously, Tukutz, who appeared on MBC's 'How Do You Play?,' had suggested, "If that's the case, let's go to the U.S. and see (Stanford). It's the site of history," anticipating this visit. As Tukutz said, "After about 15 years, the sadness and pain can be turned into humor," they transformed their past suffering into laughter.
Tablo is a musician with a much deeper inner world than what he reveals through variety shows or social media. The day he said he was "fully healed," showing both tears and laughter, proves it was a true moment of healing. Epik High reflected on past pains together, overlaying friendships, and transforming them into laughter. Their heartfelt jokes seem likely to be recorded as another truly 'epic' moment that will remain in fans' memories for a long time.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, YouTube'
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