"War Must Never Happen for Any Reason," Emphasized
Popular Russian YouTuber Active in Korea
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Kristina Andreyevna Opchinnikova, a famous Russian YouTuber active in South Korea known as 'Soviet Woman (Soryeon Yeoja)', has reportedly been suffering from malicious comments by some netizens. They held her responsible for controversies surrounding Russia, such as the doping scandal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the invasion of Ukraine. In response, 'Soviet Woman' posted a clarification video.
The YouTube channel 'Soviet Woman' uploaded a video titled "Clarifying Russia's War and Olympic Doping" on the 24th. At the beginning of the video, a message appeared stating, "This video was filmed on February 18, before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since it was produced prior to the outbreak of war, please understand that the focus is more on the doping controversy than the war."
In the video, Soviet Woman said, "Insulting Russia is my specialty, but I was late in explaining because I was watching 'Now Our School' (a Netflix drama)." She then exclaimed, "Is this my fault? You crazy XXs!"
She continued, "I apologize for not stopping the Russian doping. If I had known, I would have done my best to stop it."
Russian figure skating national team member Kamila Valieva (left), who sparked a 'doping controversy' after banned substances were detected in her sample / Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, she said, "No War. War is absolutely unacceptable for any reason."
She then addressed the South Korean public, saying, "To the people of the Republic of Korea, I hereby declare a boycott of Russian products starting today," and concluded the video with, "Having made this clarification, I will take some time to reflect."
'Soviet Woman' is a YouTuber who posts various content such as mukbang (eating broadcasts) and reviews, with about 1.13 million subscribers domestically and internationally. Being from Russia, she has introduced Russia several times on her channel, and gained popularity for her 'honest remarks,' including critical comments about Russia's political system.
On the 24th (local time), a convoy of vehicles attempting to escape Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. / Photo by Yonhap News
However, recently she has reportedly become a target of malicious comments from some netizens. When the doping controversy involving some Russian figure skaters at the Beijing Winter Olympics arose, netizens left critical comments simply because she is 'from Russia.'
On the early morning of the 24th (local time), after Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a large-scale military operation against Ukraine, the malicious comments intensified.
Netizens left abusive and insulting remarks such as "Apologize instead of Putin," "Go live in your own country," "Ukraine is pitiful," and "Why is a YouTuber from a war criminal country active in Korea?"
However, some voices criticized the commenters, saying, "What does the YouTuber have to do with Putin?" and "Why take out your anger on an ordinary person?"
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