[Comprehensive] "I am truly sorry" Ju Yeji's Official Apology for Welding Worker Derogatory Remarks (Full Text)

"Sorry with No Excuse"
"Need to Learn Welding with 7th Grade CSAT Score" on YouTube
Netizens Say "No Job is Inferior", "Reckless Remark"

Academy instructor Ju Yeji is issuing an official apology after causing controversy with derogatory remarks about occupational groups. Photo by Ju Yeji, YouTube capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Academy instructor Ju Ye-ji has officially apologized for derogatory remarks about the welding profession. Previously, Ju Ye-ji sparked controversy for belittling a profession by saying that if you are not good at studying, you should learn welding. The Korea Welding Association also called Ju Ye-ji’s remarks a clear case of occupational disparagement and urged an official apology. Netizens also criticized Ju Ye-ji’s comments as problematic.

On the afternoon of the 14th, Ju Ye-ji apologized through her YouTube channel, saying, "Yesterday (the 13th), during a live broadcast, I mentioned a specific profession while responding to comments, which caused discomfort to those working in that profession and viewers of the live broadcast. I am sorry."

She continued, "Without any excuse, I sincerely apologize. From now on, I will be a more careful and responsible instructor with every word I say. I apologize once again," bowing her head repeatedly.

On the 13th, during a YouTube live broadcast, Ju Ye-ji responded to a viewer’s comment stating, 'A grade 7 in the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) type Ga and a grade 1 in type Na are equivalent,' by saying, "No. Students studying type Ga math tend to seriously look down on those studying type Na, but that’s not true. A grade 7 in type Ga cannot become a grade 1 in type Na. Honestly, a grade 7 in type Ga means they didn’t study."

She added, "Is that not allowed? Honestly, that’s what I think. If you had tried, you couldn’t get a grade 7 by getting all the 3-point questions right. I think so. If you get all the 3-point questions right, you’d get around grade 5 or 6, but getting grade 7 means you even missed the 3-point questions. It means you didn’t study," she pointed out.

Juyeji is depicting the act of welding with her hands. Photo by Juyeji, YouTube capture.

Afterwards, Ju Ye-ji mimicked welding sounds by making a "jijing" noise with her hands pretending to weld. She then laughed and said, "(If you get grade 7) you have to learn welding and go to Australia. They pay well."

She continued, "Guys, I’m talking nonsense because I’m hot," and said, "Anyway, students who get grade 7 in type Ga should not dismiss the efforts of type Na students and say they can get grade 1."

Immediately after these remarks, criticism arose mainly on online communities accusing her of belittling the welding profession. Netizens expressed opinions such as "There is no low or high in professions," "Inappropriate remarks," and "What’s wrong with welding? But what’s wrong with grade 7?"

Min Young-cheol, president of the Korea Welding Association, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy that day, "Ju Ye-ji’s remarks were careless. They are clearly occupational disparagement."

He added, "Welding is one of the high-income professions, and many people want to learn about welding. I hope Ju officially apologizes," he emphasized.

As the controversy grew, Ju’s side stated, "Only parts of the video were pieced together and shared, amplifying the controversy. Later, through a live broadcast, we clarified that it was not occupational disparagement," and "We are currently discussing internal measures regarding future responses," but the uproar did not subside.

Also, Ju was scheduled to appear on the live recording of SBS PowerFM’s 'Bae Sung-jae’s Ten' on the 14th, but it was canceled.

Below is the full official statement from Ju Ye-ji

Hello, this is math instructor Ju Ye-ji. During yesterday’s live broadcast, while responding to comments, I mentioned a specific profession, which caused discomfort to those working in that profession and viewers of the live broadcast. I sincerely apologize.

Regarding this matter, I want to sincerely apologize without any excuse.

From now on, I will be more careful with every word I say and become an instructor who can take responsibility. I apologize once again.