Mukbang YouTuber Sanghaegi (real name Kwon Sang-hyeok) uploaded an official apology video about eight months after the drunk driving controversy erupted. However, netizens have continued to react coldly to his actions, which do not feel sincere.
On the 10th, a video titled Hello, Sanghaegi Kwon Sang-hyeok was uploaded to the Sanghaegi YouTube channel. Along with the video, he added that it was late but he wanted to speak and apologize in person, and that he is deeply reflecting on the wrongs he committed. He said he is truly sorry for causing disappointment and hurt to the many people who trusted and supported him.
In the video, Sanghaegi wore a white tracksuit and appeared in front of the camera sitting on a sofa. He began by saying, Hello, Sanghaegi Kwon Sang-hyeok. Although it is a bit late, I stood in front of the camera to bow my head and apologize for the irreversible wrongs I committed.
He went on to admit his wrongdoing, saying, I drove under the influence in September last year. It was the third time I was caught, following 2020 and 2021. I know very well that I caused great disappointment and hurt to the people who trusted and supported me. I am truly sorry. I drove with a careless mindset, thinking, "the distance is short," "I seem sober," and I deeply reflect on how dangerous and irresponsible that choice was.
Sanghaegi said, I think the criticism and disappointment you send are also justified. I will not make excuses. I acted in a way that deserves criticism. Nevertheless, the reason I stand here today is to clearly record my wrongdoing before the world and to remind myself of my commitment not to repeat the same mistake and to reflect. Also, it is not merely verbal remorse; I will completely change my way of life and carry the weight of this sin for the rest of my life.
He bowed his head and said, I know very well that it will take a very long time to restore the broken trust. I even think that it may never be fully restored. But I will not run away and will live every moment recalling my wrongdoing. I also apologize for the cowardice of not stating my position earlier. Finally, I bow my head and once again sincerely apologize to all those disappointed by my irresponsible actions. I am sorry.
However, reactions from netizens who watched the video were cold. Critics say that uploading an apology video nearly eight months after the controversy broke looks like nothing more than groundwork for a return to activities. In fact, it is known that YouTube discontinues monetization for channels that have been inactive for more than six months in most cases. Coincidentally, the new video was uploaded about six months after Sanghaegi posted a brief statement on drunk driving through his YouTube community.
In the comments, critical reactions poured in, saying, time of commitment, you're starting your comeback, ran out of money? pretending to apologize to prepare for a comeback, you're very late. looks like you ran out of money, and apologies also have timing. They also pointed out his seemingly insincere attitude despite it being an apology video — noting his comfortable tracksuit and the fact that he was sitting on a sofa, which made it hard to feel sincerity.
Moreover, the fact that it was not a single mistake but that he committed drunk driving three times added strength to the negative reaction. Netizens turned their backs, saying, You committed too great a crime to return, Just use the money you earned for business and don't return to YouTube, If you are truly reflecting, delete your YouTube, Let's reflect and make sure we never see you in videos again, and subscriber departures continued, with the subscriber count dropping from 1.6 million to 1.59 million.
Meanwhile, Sanghaegi was arrested on the spot in the early morning of Sept. 21 last year on suspicion of fleeing with a female passenger after refusing a police alcohol test. It was reported that he also refused a blood test after his arrest. In particular, the report shocked the public when it was revealed that Sanghaegi had previously been caught twice by the police for drunk driving.
Afterward, Sanghaegi deleted his social media accounts without any special explanation, and almost two months later he posted an apology on his YouTube community, saying, I spent a lot of time alone and looked deeply at myself. I reflect daily on how wrong my actions were and how many people I hurt because of them. I sincerely apologize to those who cared for and waited for me. I am sorry. And I am truly grateful, and then stopped activities.
[Photo] Sanghaegi YouTube
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