Why Only Jang Wonyoung Was Treated Differently... 'Yeongyanggun Insult' by Pisik University, Sexual Harassment Thumbnail Controversy

"Deliberately covering logo evokes sexual profanity"
Criticism that Jang Wonyoung was sexually exploited for views
Overseas netizens point out "Thumbnail is hateful" and "Disgusting"

The YouTube channel 'Psick University,' which has 3.1 million subscribers, has come under fire for a video that disparaged a region, and now it is embroiled in a sexual harassment controversy involving IVE girl group member Jang Wonyoung. The controversy centers on a YouTube video thumbnail that featured Jang Wonyoung's face, partially covering the word 'PSICK' to make it appear like the profanity 'FXXK.'

The YouTube channel 'Pisik University,' which has nearly 3.1 million subscribers, has been criticized for videos disparaging certain regions, and now it is embroiled in a sexual harassment controversy involving IVE girl group member Jang Wonyoung.
[Photo by YouTube channel 'Pisik University']

On the 20th, opinions surfaced on domestic online communities claiming that the thumbnail for the 'Psick Show' interview program episode featuring Jang Wonyoung appeared to be sexually harassing. A thumbnail refers to the preview image used as the cover for a YouTube video. The problematic image featured three appearances of Jang Wonyoung. She was positioned to partially cover the letter 'P' and the letters 'S' and 'I' in the word 'PICK' (Psick), evoking the impression of a sexual profanity. Additionally, the letter 'o' in the cursive word 'show' was also obscured, making the entire text look like 'FXXK she.'

Netizens who saw this criticized it as completely different from previous photo arrangements. Above all, they pointed out that this thumbnail was an intentional act of sexual harassment. In fact, among other Psick Show videos, except for the Jang Wonyoung episode, the logo was never covered even once. Only the Jang Wonyoung video used a thumbnail that obscured the logo. Some even argued that overseas YouTube users deliberately sexualized Jang Wonyoung’s image to increase view counts.

In response, the comment section of the video included critical comments written in English by overseas netizens. Reactions included, "I came here to comment that this thumbnail is disgusting," "It’s truly disgusting how it looks like 'FXXK' behind Jang Wonyoung’s head," and "The thumbnail text is uncomfortable."

Netizens who saw this criticized it, saying it was completely different from the previous photo arrangement. Above all, they pointed out that this thumbnail was intentional sexual harassment. In fact, in other Pisik Show videos, there is no case of the logo being covered.
[Photo by YouTube channel 'Pisik University']

Earlier, Psick University faced public backlash for regional disparagement remarks in a video posted on the 11th showing cast members Lee Yongju, Jung Jaehyung, and Kim Minsu visiting Yeongyang, Gyeongbuk. During their visit, they repeatedly said things like "Isn’t this China?" and "It’s like sewage," which led to a public apology. Comments such as "The jelly tastes like grandma’s flavor. It feels like I’m biting into an old lady’s flesh" also drew public disapproval.

Despite remaining silent amid the controversy, Psick University eventually posted an apology statement after a week. However, netizens criticized the apology, saying things like, "They posted pictures of eating milmyeon with acquaintances on Instagram and ignored the issue for a week, then hurriedly posted an apology in the evening after it hit the public broadcast news," and "They only apologized now after the controversy escalated because the restaurant owner refused to respond to interviews."