Former soccer player Ahn Jung-hwan's YouTube production team clarified that the pizza shop startup content was 'for donation' amid criticism.
The production team of Ahn Jung-hwan's YouTube channel Ahn Jung-hwan 19 posted an explanatory note on the channel's official community board on the 3rd saying, "There was a misunderstanding in the previous video, so we are posting this notice to correct it."
The production team said, "Contrary to many people's concerns, 'Record Pizza' is a startup content conducted to jointly operate a company-owned store that they are preparing together with 'Ahn Jung-hwan 19' in order to donate to good causes, and to donate part of the revenue to those in need."
They added, "As it is a brand participating in what we do, please look upon it favorably and visit the store often," and "We will be back soon with news of the donation."
On the 26th of last month, the Ahn Jung-hwan 19 side uploaded a video titled, 'Where should we open a store to do well? Give your opinion to a serious Ahn Jung-hwan today!' It followed an earlier video in which Ahn Jung-hwan and others including Kim Nam-il uploaded a video titled 'Could Ahn Jung-hwan also start a business' and included actual commercial area analysis.
In the video, Ahn Jung-hwan looked at a 25-pyeong (about 825 sq ft) space located in a dining alley near Yongsan Station in Seoul with a key money of 200 million won and a monthly rent of 8 million won. Another candidate was a 23–24-pyeong (about 759–792 sq ft) space in Yeouido, Seoul, with a key money of 6 million won and a monthly rent of 15 million won. Subscribers were encouraged to vote between Yongsan and Yeouido, and an actual vote was held.
However, contrary to expectations, harsh criticism poured in, saying, "Brother, don't do it," "This business-mindedness is hopeless," "Even if you won't do it, at least stop bringing it up," "What does Ahn Jung-hwan have to do with pizza?" and "Please listen to opposing voices." In response, the Ahn Jung-hwan 19 production team directly revealed that the startup content was for donation, seemingly calming the critical public opinion.
The following is the full text of the explanatory note from the Ahn Jung-hwan 19 side.
Hello. This is the Ahn Jung-hwan 19 production team.
We are posting this notice to correct a misunderstanding in the previous video. Unlike many people's concerns, 'Record Pizza' is a startup content conducted to jointly operate a company-owned store that they are preparing together with 'Ahn Jung-hwan 19' in order to donate to good causes and to donate part of the revenue to those in need.
As it is a brand participating in what we do, please look upon it favorably and visit the store often.
We will be back soon with news of the donation. [Photo] OSEN DB. [OSEN]