Is Park Na-rae's statement without an apology or explanation a blessing or a curse?
Comedian Park Na-rae, who recently became the center of controversy starting with allegations of power abuse, released her final statement before legal proceedings. Park Na-rae appeared in person and spoke about the allegations and controversies surrounding her in a 2-minute, 23-second video. However, Park Na-rae's statement offered neither explanations for the allegations nor clarification of the controversies, so public reactions have not been uniformly favorable.
On the 15th, a video of Park Na-rae expressing her position on the recent controversy was posted on the YouTube channel "Baek Eun-young's Golden Time" under the title "I don't want anyone to be hurt or unnecessary disputes."
In the 2-minute, 23-second video, Park Na-rae appeared somewhat tired and weary and bowed her head first. She began by saying, "I accept with gravity that the recent raised issues have caused concern and fatigue to many people. I have voluntarily withdrawn from all programs I was participating in because of these matters. I made that choice because I no longer wanted to cause confusion or burden to producers and colleagues."
She went on to explain her situation, saying, "There are parts of the currently raised matters where the facts need to be calmly verified, and legal procedures are underway. In that process, I will refrain from additional public remarks or explanations. I judge that this matter should be objectively verified through official procedures, not as a personal emotional or relational issue."
She explained why she had not spoken earlier, saying, "This choice is not to blame someone or assign responsibility but a decision to exclude emotions and personal judgments and leave the matter to the procedures to sort out. Many discussions are ongoing, but I do not want another person to be hurt or for this to turn into an unnecessary dispute."
Park Na-rae took a stance that she would not make further statements until the matter is legally resolved, saying, "Therefore, I will pause all activities for the time being and take time to focus on resolving this matter. I will reflect on my responsibilities and attitude in my position. Matters that require time will be calmly left to the procedures. I thank the many people who cared for me, and to avoid further controversy I will not address this matter after this video."
Park Na-rae's direct statement came for the first time since she posted a declaration of withdrawal from broadcasts on her personal social media on the 8th. At the time she said, "With the help of many people, I was able to meet my former manager only yesterday, and although we were able to resolve misunderstandings and distrust between us, I still believe everything is my fault and I deeply reflect on it," and she declared her withdrawal from all broadcasts in which she was appearing.
After that, Park Na-rae disappeared from broadcasts. She did not attend the recording of MBC's "I Live Alone," which she had appeared on for nine years, was removed from the cast list, and was edited out of other programs as much as possible. While pursuing legal procedures, Park Na-rae remained silent without a separate statement.
The problem was that even after Park Na-rae's announcement of withdrawal from broadcasts, suspicions and controversies continued to follow. Starting with former managers' revelations of alleged power abuse, the so-called "injection aunt" incident broke out, raising allegations of illegal medical procedures. The "injection aunt" affair caused waves as it mentioned others besides Park Na-rae, including SHINee member Key. In addition, contrary to Park Na-rae's explanation, the former managers refuted the claim that "misunderstandings and distrust were resolved" through broadcasts and media, adding allegations of a false statement. As suspicions compounded, even past remarks made by Park Na-rae and colleagues were "Exhuma," and the controversy grew uncontrollably.
Nevertheless, Park Na-rae chose legal procedures and silence instead of explanations. In the 2-minute, 23-second video there was neither an apology nor an explanation. It has not been revealed whether the former managers' revelations are true, and since legal procedures to resolve the matter are underway, premature judgments cannot be made. However, toward fans and the public who had supported and cheered for Park Na-rae, perhaps more courtesy should have been shown than the final declaration of "no further remarks." That is why Park Na-rae's "final statement" that she felt compelled to make in person is disappointing.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]