'Chalkak' Sound on Operating Train Tracks... 'Chotongryeong' Bows Head as Controversy Grows

Unauthorized Filming on Operating Railway Tracks
"Insufficient Preliminary Investigation... We Apologize"

Dotty, a popular YouTuber known as the so-called 'President of Children' and co-founder of the domestic digital entertainment agency 'Sandbox Network,' has been embroiled in a controversy over safety negligence. This occurred after he posted footage online of himself filming on an active railway track.

Dotty, who has 2.3 million YouTube subscribers, recently uploaded a video to his Instagram account but quickly deleted it. The controversial video showed Dotty entering a railway track to take photos. The track in question is the Yongsan Triangle Line, which is still operational and not abandoned.

A photo posted on 'Instagram' by Doti, a popular YouTuber with 2.3 million subscribers. It has since been deleted. [Image source=Instagram]

This track connects the Gyeongbu Line and the Gyeongwon Line, and the surrounding area is famous as a photography spot in Seoul. However, entering an active railway track without prior permission to take photos is clearly illegal.

According to Article 48 of the current Railroad Safety Act, entering or passing through railway tracks or railway facilities designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport without the consent of the railway operator is prohibited. Violators may be fined up to 5 million won.

Originally, Dotty was said to have posted the photo to announce that his channel had been opened on 'Deerus,' an online community for communication between YouTube creators and fans. However, once it was revealed that the track used as the photo background was an active section, the issue quickly escalated into a controversy.

Netizens criticized, saying, "Did he get permission from Korail?" "Entering the railway without permission is illegal and life-threatening," and "Is it okay for a 'President of Children' YouTuber to do this? Children might see and imitate it."

As the controversy grew, Dotty deleted the post, and Sandbox Network also issued an apology via social media, stating, "We apologize for the fact that creator Dotty did not obtain prior permission for filming the facility during the content production process."

They added, "Due to insufficient prior investigation by the production team, the 'Samgak Baekbin Crossing' in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, was mistaken for an abandoned track. Although every effort was made to ensure safety during filming, we sincerely apologize for causing discomfort to many people."