[Exclusive] Gunwi-gun Almost Spent 72 Million Won on Controversial YouTuber Pisik University

Gyeongbuk → Daegu City Incorporation,
Regional Introduction Video Filming
"Payment Not Yet Made"

Daegu's Gunwi County Office faced a situation where its plan to promote the county using the YouTuber 'Pisik University' was about to be canceled. Gunwi County had planned to allocate a budget of 72 million KRW for a single 30-minute video under the name of promotional expenses.

Pisik University archival photo

According to Gunwi County in Daegu on the 23rd, the county had planned to promote the region using content featuring the famous YouTuber Pisik University and had completed filming last month.

Since November last year, Pisik University has been producing content traveling around Daegu and Gyeongbuk through the 'Made in Gyeongsang-do' series. Videos lasting 20 to 30 minutes introducing local attractions and restaurants in areas such as Tongyeong, Pohang, and Gyeongju have gained over 1 million views, achieving promotional effects.

Gunwi County planned to use Pisik University's YouTube channel to introduce the fact that it was incorporated from Gyeongbuk Province into Daegu City last year, and to showcase the region's development and attractions such as Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport and the advanced industrial complex.

A budget of 72 million KRW was allocated for one video of about 30 minutes under promotional expenses.

However, recently, Pisik University became embroiled in controversies including disparagement of Yeongyang County in Gyeongbuk and sexual harassment allegations involving singer Jang Wonyoung, leading to a delay in deciding whether to post the video.

A Gunwi County Public Relations Office official stated, "We are currently negotiating the video posting date," adding, "It is not clear whether the video will be posted or not." He further explained, "No costs have been spent yet," and "Although filming was done, payment will be made after the video is posted."