[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-ho] YouTuber Song Dae-ik, who has 1 million subscribers and caused controversy with a manipulated broadcast about Pizza Nara Chicken Gongju, returned with a shaved head one month after posting an apology video.
On the 1st, Song Dae-ik uploaded a video titled "Hello" on his YouTube channel.
He began, "I thought a lot before uploading this video. I often thought about 'Should I just disappear like this?' and 'How can I make up for the mistake I made?'"
He continued, "After careful consideration, I thought it was right to take responsibility for my actions rather than avoiding or running away from this situation, so I turned on the camera. I will make sure that the mistake I made is never repeated, engrave it deeply in my heart, and live with a sincere apology."
Furthermore, he bowed his head and apologized, saying, "I sincerely apologize once again to the viewers who were disappointed by my foolish behavior and to the brand representatives who were harmed by my selfish actions. I am truly sorry."
On June 28, Song Dae-ik posted a video on his YouTube channel claiming that "someone stole part of the delivery food."
At that time, he showed chicken with bite marks and a pizza missing two slices on the broadcast, alleging that the delivery person secretly ate the food. He also called the Pizza Nara Chicken Gongju store to demand a refund.
Immediately after the broadcast, suspicions of manipulation arose, and Pizza Nara Chicken Gongju stated on their official website, "After checking all nationwide stores, the claims made by Song Dae-ik were found to be groundless," adding, "The head office is preparing strong legal action both civil and criminal against the damage caused to franchise stores nationwide."
Later, on July 1, through a video posted on his YouTube channel, he said, "The video was entirely staged, and I sincerely apologize to the brand representatives and store owners who were harmed by my video."
He added, "There is no excuse; this happened solely because of my greed. I am sorry for disappointing viewers by making the video lightly."
Meanwhile, Pizza Nara Chicken Gongju plans to take legal action against Song Dae-ik. The company stated in a notice posted on their official website, "After checking all nationwide stores, (Song Dae-ik's claims) were found to be groundless," and "In a time when everyone is struggling to overcome difficult circumstances, the head office is preparing strong legal action both civil and criminal for the damage caused to franchise stores nationwide."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
