[Full Text] Director Yang Chi-seung Explains "Power Abuse Controversy, Post from 3 Years Ago"

On October 29 last year, trainer Yang Chi-seung is giving a greeting at the press conference for the entertainment show "The Manager Has Donkey Ears" held at the TS-D Studio in the KBS Annex, Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Trainer and broadcaster Yang Chi-seung has denied allegations of power harassment against a former gym employee, stating that "this incident was already resolved three years ago."

On the 9th, Yang posted on his Instagram, "The content currently being discussed online about me is from a post made three years ago."

He continued, "At that time, the person deleted the post and came to me personally to apologize, saying there was a misunderstanding," and explained, "I remember paying the two days' wages for the work done and sending them off on good terms."

He added, "Now, the post written back then has been captured and is being spread as if it were a recent event," and said, "I believe someone has maliciously distributed this with intent. I express deep regret toward the original distributor."

He also said, "I bow my head and sincerely apologize once again for causing concern due to this unpleasant matter."

Previously, on the 8th, a post titled "Exposing Trainer Yang Chi-seung" was uploaded on various online communities.

According to the photo, a netizen wrote on the Facebook page 'Fitness Zone' that "In 2016, when I was 20 years old and eager to become a trainer, I went to interview at the gym run by Yang Chi-seung with only my high school competition achievements," and claimed, "On my first day at work, feeling unfamiliar, the trainer called me to a secluded spot and hurled all kinds of insults, saying 'If you don't want to do this, go home.' I remember that clearly."

The netizen added, "If my behavior displeased him even slightly, he threatened me, saying 'I know the entire fitness industry. Wherever you go, they will know you,' and I couldn't endure the insults and threats, so after 3-4 days, I stopped coming without notice."

Meanwhile, Yang Chi-seung gained fame as a trainer for actor Sung Hoon on MBC's 'I Live Alone' and is currently active appearing on KBS2's 'The Manager Has Donkey Ears' and 'Starting Today, Exercise Expert.'

Below is the full text of Yang Chi-seung’s Instagram post

Hello, this is Yang Chi-seung.

I am sorry to greet you under such unfortunate circumstances.

The content currently being discussed online about me is from a post made three years ago.

At that time, the person deleted the post and came to me personally to apologize, saying there was a misunderstanding, and I remember paying the two days' wages for the work done and sending them off on good terms.

Now, the post written back then has been captured and is being spread as if it were a recent event.

I believe someone has maliciously distributed this with intent, and I express deep regret toward the original distributor.

I bow my head and sincerely apologize once again for causing concern due to this unpleasant matter.