'Korean Englishman' Josh Apologizes, Looking Gaunt... "I Will Suspend Channel Operations"

[Image source = YouTube channel 'Yeongguknamja' capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Josh, the YouTuber behind 'Youngguknamja' who recently faced controversy over a birthday party during self-quarantine and tax evasion allegations, has issued an apology. He stated that no acquaintances entered his home during self-quarantine and denied the tax evasion suspicions as untrue. He also announced that he will suspend channel operations.

On the 16th, Josh uploaded an apology video on his YouTube channel 'Youngguknamja.' This came three days after posting an apology message regarding the controversies on the channel's community tab on the 13th.

Josh said, "Gukbagi posted a video about celebrating a birthday during self-quarantine, which sparked significant controversy in Korea. The controversy quickly escalated," adding, "I sincerely want to apologize."

He also apologized, saying, "While countless people worldwide are making great efforts to prevent COVID-19, our careless behavior just for a birthday is an inexcusable mistake."

However, he clarified the controversies surrounding him, stating, "Aside from the criticism for our mistakes, many rumors and incorrect information are spreading."

Regarding the birthday party controversy during self-quarantine, he explained, "We did not invite anyone into our home and did not leave the house at any moment." He added, "We stayed inside the house, and acquaintances were outside. However, inviting friends to the front of the house on the birthday was an inexcusable mistake."

He also addressed the tax evasion allegations, stating, "We faithfully pay taxes according to the tax laws of each country for income generated in Korea and the UK," and added, "It is not true that most viewers of the 'Youngguknamja' channel are Korean and that we exploit Koreans for profit. The average percentage of Korean viewers across our two channels is 43.4%."

Previously, Park Sung-joong, a member of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee from the People Power Party, raised suspicions that the YouTuber 'Youngguknamja' saw nearly a fourfold increase in revenue but paid taxes to the UK government instead.

Park stated, "The net assets of 'Kendall and Carrot,' which operates channels like Youngguknamja, surged from ?161,236 (about 240 million KRW) in 2018 to ?606,331 (about 910 million KRW) in 2019, nearly a fourfold increase," and claimed, "British residents living in London conducted patriotic marketing locally, earning hundreds of millions of won in profits but paid taxes to the UK government."

Meanwhile, Josh said, "Due to my mistakes, we have decided to suspend channel operations for the time being," and added, "I will reflect on the fundamental reasons why we should create content going forward."