Uploaded Donation Video on YouTube Channel, Switched to Private
"I Accept the Criticism That 'Social Contribution Is Ridiculous'"
The father of Baek Gang-hyun (10), a gifted science prodigy who recently confessed to economic difficulties, announced through YouTube that he would donate the sponsorship money received to single moms, which drew criticism from subscribers.
On the 28th, a video was uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Baek Gang-hyun' stating that the money sponsored by YouTube subscribers so far would be donated to single moms. The video titled 'Single Mom Support Hope Relay' was set to private as of the 29th.
A woman appearing in the video introduced herself as Summer, who will be in charge of running the Baek Gang-hyun channel going forward, and explained the channel’s operation plans and the use of YouTube sponsorship money and channel advertising revenue. The video also included the decision to donate the sponsorship money collected through YouTube to single moms.
Another woman, who appeared blurred and seemed to be a single mom, shared a story saying, "Through someone I know, a senior had a gathering... while living together, we drank alcohol," among other things.
Most netizens who saw the video reacted negatively. They questioned why the money sponsored for Baek’s future was being used for other purposes. They commented, "Why use the money given for Gang-hyun’s education and living expenses on something else?" and "Donations should be used according to the donor’s intent." The backlash also extended to single moms. Some left comments like, "I don’t want to hear stories about women becoming single moms irresponsibly or by mistake."
Baekgun's father’s explanation post left on the YouTube community[Image source=YouTube channel 'Baek Ganghyun' capture]
As the backlash intensified, Baek’s father stepped forward to clarify his position. He said, "Due to the continuous critical comments directed at the host of the single mom-related video and the single moms who appeared, the related video has been set to private," and added, "I humbly accept the criticism from those who sponsored and subscribed, and I will reflect on this while enduring any criticism." He further stated, "Even if the sponsorship money had been used entirely for Gang-hyun, there would still be critics, but I accept the criticism that the very idea of donating the sponsorship money to society with good intentions is absurd."
Baek appeared on the 2016 TV entertainment program 'Genius Discovery' and became known as the 'IQ 204 Genius Child.' He entered Seoul Science High School in March but reportedly withdrew in August. When announcing his withdrawal, Baek’s father claimed that Baek was a victim of school violence. Baek’s father also expressed economic hardship, saying, "At my age, approaching my mid-60s, I injured my back and lost my ability to work," and "Without my wife by our side, Gang-hyun and I would starve to death. Even the average monthly YouTube income of 100,000 won is a blessing for us."
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