[Summary] BJ Cheolgu, Short Self-Reflection and No Remorse in 'Shaved Head Show'... Standing Ovation for Star Balloons

Controversy Over Park Ji-sun and Park Mi-sun's Appearance-Bashing Remarks
Wife Oe Jilhye's "It Will Quiet Down Anyway" Comment Sparks Further Debate
Backlash Over Daughter's Elementary School Enrollment... 'Opposition to Enrollment' Public Opinion Continues
Returns to Broadcasting After 5 Days... Receives Star Balloons, Shaves Head, and Gets Standing Ovation
Netizens Criticize, "Apology Lacks Sincerity"

On the 8th, during a live broadcast on AfreecaTV, Cheolgu bowed his head and apologized for causing controversy with his appearance-disparaging remarks, saying, "I am sorry for speaking thoughtlessly during the broadcast. From now on, I will be careful not to make verbal mistakes while streaming. I apologize to those who were disappointed." Later, when a viewer sent 10,000 star balloons (AfreecaTV currency) twice in a row (about 1 million KRW), he shaved his head. Photo by AfreecaTV Cheolgu broadcast screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] African TV BJ Cheolgu (real name Lee Ye-jun, 31), who caused controversy by making derogatory remarks about the appearances of late comedian Park Ji-sun and broadcaster Park Mi-sun, sparked another controversy by showing insincere behavior during his comeback broadcast after a short self-reflection period.

On the 8th, Cheolgu started a live broadcast on AfreecaTV and apologized for the controversy caused by his derogatory remarks about appearances, saying, "I apologize for speaking thoughtlessly during the broadcast. From now on, I will be careful not to make verbal mistakes while broadcasting. I am sorry to those who were disappointed," bowing his head.

Some viewers then said, "Shave your head as a sign of reflection," to which Cheolgu responded with harsh words like "Xkka" and asked, "Why are you doing this to me?"

However, when a viewer sent 10,000 star balloons (AfreecaTV currency) twice in a row, he said, "Bring the clippers," and began shaving his head.

On the 8th, BJ Cheolgu received star balloons and a standing ovation after shaving his head. Photo by AfreecaTV Cheolgu broadcast screen capture.

After receiving another 10,000 star balloons, he said, "Thank you," gave a standing ovation, and cheered.

Some netizens criticized Cheolgu's sudden head-shaving performance and overly cheerful attitude due to the star balloons as "lacking sincerity."

In response, Cheolgu explained on the broadcast, "I will try to enjoy it. I have reflected a lot anyway. Having a downcast expression does not mean I am reflecting. People who want to criticize will do so anyway," adding, "Since I will be criticized even if I have a bad expression, I will not manage my facial expressions separately. I have to broadcast, so I cannot have a bad expression."

Earlier, on the 3rd, during a live broadcast, when a female BJ said, "You look like Hong Rok-gi," Cheolgu responded, "Park Ji-sun, go to hell." When viewers pointed out, "Are you insulting the deceased's appearance?" Cheolgu explained, "I said that because she looked like Hong Rok-gi. I meant to talk about Park Mi-sun, not Park Ji-sun," which led to even harsher criticism.

Upon hearing the news, Park Mi-sun expressed her displeasure on her Instagram on the 4th, writing, "Who are you? Before criticizing appearances, look in the mirror first. You have a brain to think before you speak."

BJ Cheolgu (left) and his wife BJ Oejilhye. Photo by Oejilhye Instagram capture.

The reaction of Cheolgu's wife, BJ Oejilhye, also came under fire. When the controversy was brought up during a live broadcast, Oejilhye rebutted with profanity, saying, "I said it was Park Mi-sun," and made remarks such as "It will calm down again anyway," "They live well regardless," and "If the broadcast is suspended, just take a break," which intensified the controversy.

Oejilhye later apologized via social media, saying, "I could only know the broadcast situation through chat, and there was a chat telling me not to be swayed, which led to my remarks," and added, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was offended by my words."

Eventually, public opinion even flared up opposing the enrollment of their elementary school-aged child. In particular, when rumors spread that their daughter had been accepted to a private elementary school in Incheon, parents at each school strongly opposed Cheolgu and Oejilhye's daughter's admission.

A post uploaded on SNS by an elementary school in Incheon rumored to be enrolling BJ Cheolgu and Oejilhye's daughter. Photo by the elementary school's Instagram.

Eventually, the elementary school issued an official statement saying, "It is not true that BJ Cheolgu's daughter is enrolling at OO Elementary School."

The school added, "There are no special qualifications for admission to private elementary schools. Any healthy child in South Korea can enter through a lottery," and stated, "Contrary to some netizens' claims, there is no private elementary school in South Korea that admits anyone just because they pay money."

Meanwhile, BJ Cheolgu was born in 1989 and is 31 years old. He was active as a professional StarCraft player and retired in 2008 before starting internet broadcasting. Cheolgu now runs YouTube alongside AfreecaTV and currently has over 1.5 million subscribers.