'720K YouTuber Accused of "Hair Refund Scam"... "Never Intentionally Included," Statement Issued'

Suspected Refund Fraud Claiming Hair Found
Similar Method Used at Same Store a Month Ago
Youtuber Shows "Scene of Placing French Fry Piece from Blanket onto Tissue"

Mr. A and his party are placing hair strands removed from the blanket on the dining table. / Photo by KBS News capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gun-chan] A well-known YouTuber with 720,000 subscribers is embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced that they deliberately put hair in food to get a refund. The YouTuber posted a statement denying the allegations, saying, "I have never intentionally put hair in the food."

YouTuber A, who uploads vlog videos, posted on the YouTube community on the 15th, "I apologize for causing concern due to an unfortunate incident yesterday. I learned about this incident through the news, and due to the confusion, I am issuing this statement late," adding, "Neither I nor my family have ever intentionally put hair in a hamburger."

A stated, "I will provide detailed information during the investigation process, and my innocence will be proven through the police investigation." He also added, "I have hired a law firm to respond, and I ask that you refrain from personal attacks and defamatory comments."

KBS reported on the 14th that A was suspected of deceiving others by claiming hair was found in food to get a refund.

According to the report, A and their party recently visited a hamburger restaurant in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, showed the staff a tissue with hair on it, and received a refund before leaving. However, the restaurant owner confirmed through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that one of A’s party placed something on a tissue that was on the table. It was also reported that they had received a refund using a similar method at the same restaurant a month ago.

The restaurant owner said, "They asked for a refund by giving us hair that was completely clean and not on any food, even though nothing was left on the plate. Visiting twice in a row and doing this was truly shocking."

On the 15th, A explained the matter to KBS, which reported the case. Regarding the CCTV footage showing something being taken from a blanket and placed on a tissue, A claimed, "It was a piece of French fry stuck to the blanket that was taken off and placed on the tissue." He further explained, "The hair was found in the bowl containing the hamburger and was placed on the tissue. There was no fraud." However, he said he had no evidence to prove his claim. Regarding the suspicion of using a similar method a month ago, he said he did not remember.

The restaurant owner responded to A’s claims by saying, "It is outrageous without even an apology," and stated their intention to reveal the truth by disclosing both their name and the restaurant’s name.

Following the restaurant owner’s report and confirmation of A’s identity, the police are expected to launch a full-scale investigation.