'Ilbe Controversy' Workman PD Godongwan Appeals to "Stop Malicious False Information Spread"

On the 11th, controversy arose over the use of Ilgan Best terminology in the YouTube channel 'Workman' that was released. Photo by YouTube channel 'Workman' video capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Go Dong-wan, PD of the YouTube channel 'Workman,' recently addressed the controversy surrounding the 'Ilbe issue.'

In a statement, Go Dong-wan PD said, "There was no intention to use subtitles with derogatory meaning. I have never participated in any community activities, including specific far-right sites. I earnestly and firmly appeal to stop the malicious spread of false information."

He explained, "The subtitle '(노무, No-mu),' which is a derogatory expression targeting former President Roh Moo-hyun, was used in the context where a cast member had to fold 132 pizza boxes at 100 won each, earning 13,200 won, but the boss had no change, so 18 more boxes were added to make it 15,000 won." He added, "At that time, the production team suddenly had to do extra work, literally a 'frustrating situation,' and the subtitle was used as an extension of the usual wordplay skills we enjoy to express that feeling."

He further explained, "In this process, we hoped it would be understood as an extension of 'gae-nomuski' (a derogatory term), as 'gae-nomu' (which sounds like a curse word), and on the other hand, it was used with the original meaning of 'No-mu' as 'working to earn wages.'"

He continued, "I discussed for a long time with a junior PD who was working on the subtitles about what would be funnier, and the junior in charge said it looked too much like a curse, so I suggested adding Chinese characters. Even at that time and until just before this incident occurred, I did not think this expression would be misunderstood as a derogatory term used on a specific far-right site."

Regarding allegations that he caused controversy related to Ilbe during his time as assistant director on SBS's 'Running Man,' Go PD stated, "I was never responsible for subtitles or image-related tasks on 'Running Man.' However, many media articles and posts have reported as if I were involved in subtitle-related incidents that occurred on 'Running Man' in a definitive manner." He expressed frustration, saying, "I have never participated in any community activities, including specific far-right sites. If necessary, I am willing to accept any verification of my personal server access records."

He added, "Regardless of the reasons or circumstances, I sincerely apologize to all viewers who were hurt by my negligence. Even if there was no intention, if entertainment, which should be a healing agent, caused harm, I believe I must bow my head and offer a direct apology. I am especially sorry and regretful to the viewers who have generously loved and supported us."

Earlier, 'Workman' faced controversy over the phrase '18개 노무(勞務) 시작' ('Starting 18 No-mu (labor)') used in a video released on the 11th, where broadcaster Jang Sung-kyu and weathercaster Kim Min-ah challenged a pizza box folding part-time job. Some netizens pointed out that the word 'No-mu' is used on the far-right site Ilgan Best (Ilbe) as a derogatory term for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, sparking the Ilbe controversy.

In response, 'Workman' stated, "The production team has no relation to the specific community Ilbe," and added, "We will hold the production team responsible for not anticipating the repercussions caused by the subtitle, despite being digital content creators who should be sensitive to online trends."