'Rank 1 to 31' Pisik University Falls... 150,000 Subscribers Left Amid Controversy

Signs of Subscriber Loss Amid Regional Disparagement Controversy

The popular YouTube channel 'Pisik University,' which is facing backlash over regional disparagement controversies, is showing signs of subscriber loss. Over the past week, more than 150,000 subscribers have decreased, and the channel has also fallen in the domestic YouTube channel chart rankings.

As of 10:30 AM on the 24th, Pisik University's YouTube subscriber count is approximately 3.01 million. It dropped by 10,000 from 3.02 million the previous day, and compared to a week ago, about 150,000 subscribers have left. It’s not only subscribers who are leaving. The number of netizens clicking on Pisik University videos also appears to be decreasing. The weekly view count from the 15th to the 22nd was 22.94 million, a sharp decline from the previous week’s 30.73 million.

The controversy grew further as it was reported that the remarks were intended to disparage local restaurants.
[Image source=YouTube Pisik University capture]

According to data from 'Tube Guide,' which tracks the popularity of domestic YouTube channels, Pisik University’s ranking in the comedy category fell to 31st place in the fourth week of May. Until now, Pisik University had been the undisputed top player in the domestic comedy YouTube scene.

The 'regional disparagement controversy' that surfaced on the 11th seems to be negatively affecting both Pisik University’s image and popularity. On that day, Pisik University visited Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, where they made remarks such as "It looks like China" at the terminal and described Yeongyang-gun’s specialty jelly as "tasting like biting a grandmother’s flesh," which sparked criticism. There was also controversy over rude comments made while tasting hamburger buns at a local bakery.

YouTube channel 'Pisik University' visiting Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk [Image source=YouTube Pisik University capture]

The controversy intensified when Mr. A, the owner of a restaurant in Yeongyang-gun featured in Pisik University’s video, appeared in a JTBC broadcast interview on the 17th. Mr. A said, "I was about to stop accepting customers because lunch hours were over, but when they said they were famous YouTubers, I served them food," adding, "It was my fault for serving food even though business was over. I’m considering closing the shop and going out for some fresh air," showing regret.

Amid growing criticism from netizens, Pisik University posted an apology about seven days after the video was uploaded on the 18th. At that time, Pisik University stated, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who was harmed. We will take this opportunity to reconsider our social responsibilities." They also mentioned that they revisited the restaurants involved in the disparagement controversy to apologize again.

On the 20th, Oh Do-chang, the mayor of Yeongyang-gun, appeared on SBS radio program 'Kim Taehyun’s Political Show' and pointed out, "Although it is a comedy program, it was very inappropriate to handle content that hurt the pride of the residents with negative images and disparaged or mocked the region."

However, he expressed his determination by saying, "We will turn this crisis into an opportunity," and added, "Taking this incident as a chance, we will work harder to promote tourist attractions, sights, food, and entertainment that can truly provide healing, using various promotional media such as SNS."