YouTube Channel Pisik Daehak Loses 200,000 Subscribers
Controversy Over Insulting Yeongyang Region and Girl Group Member Thumbnail
Apologized In-Person at Store, But Reaction Remains Cold
The subscriber count of the YouTube channel 'Pisik University,' which has been embroiled in controversy over regional disparagement, ageist remarks, and sexual harassment in thumbnails featuring girl group members, is rapidly declining.
Pisik University Nutrition Episode. Currently, the video is set to private. [Photo by YouTube 'Pisik University' capture]
On the 28th, the subscriber count of the YouTube channel 'Pisik University' was about 2.99 million, down approximately 200,000 from over 3.18 million subscribers before the controversial video was uploaded.
Earlier, on the 11th, Pisik University uploaded a video titled "I Came to Yeongyang, the Smallest City in Gyeongsang-do (I Came)." The video is a vlog-style recording of Pisik University members Jeong Jae-hyung, Kim Min-su, and Lee Yong-ju traveling to Yeongyang, Gyeongbuk. Throughout the video, the three gave consistently negative evaluations of Yeongyang. At a handmade hamburger shop, they said things like, "Since we can't eat the hamburger, we mix it like this," and "It's not a dish worth coming all the way to Yeongyang for." At a gukbap (soup with rice) restaurant, they disparaged the place by saying, "The menu lacks uniqueness," "You have to eat whatever they serve," and "How delicious can a hamburger be if you only eat this?" After eating blueberry jelly, they made remarks presumed to be ageist, saying it tasted like "grandma flavor."
The video sparked significant controversy. In response, Pisik University issued an apology on the 18th and bowed their heads, but the controversy has not easily subsided. Pisik University stated, "We knew that a prompt apology was important, but we thought it was first necessary to deliver a sincere apology directly to the parties involved in this matter," and "We apologize to everyone who was harmed by our immaturity."
Additionally, Pisik University explained, "'Made in Gyeongsang-do' is comedy content based on Lee Yong-ju's regional identity," adding, "As the episodes progressed, content featuring experiences of various cultural elements from different parts of Gyeongsang-do was added, naturally including promotional content for the region, but we failed to deeply consider the potential negative impact on the area." Pisik University has set the controversial video to private.
(Above) Original thumbnail of Jang Wonyoung and (below) thumbnail changed after controversy. [Photo by YouTube 'Pisik University']
The thumbnails of Pisik University also became controversial. Regarding the thumbnail of the 'Pisik Show' episode featuring Jang Won-young, which raised sexual harassment suspicions, Pisik University explained, "The original thumbnail was intended only to highlight the guest, with no other intent," and announced that they replaced the thumbnail.
Full Apology Statement from Pisik University
Pisik University Nutrition Episode. Currently, the video is set to private. [Photo by YouTube 'Pisik University' capture]
Hello, this is Lee Yong-ju, Jeong Jae-hyung, and Kim Min-su from Pisik University.
We apologize regarding the 'Made in Gyeongsang-do, Gyeongbuk Yeongyang Episode' uploaded on May 11th on the Pisik University YouTube channel. We have read all comments without deleting any, reflecting on the criticisms you have given us. We understood the importance of a prompt apology, but we believed it was more important to offer a sincere apology directly to the parties involved. Also, we were concerned that an apology without sufficient reflection would fail to convey our true feelings, so after careful consideration, we decided to post this apology today.
We sincerely apologize to everyone who was harmed by our immaturity. 'Made in Gyeongsang-do' is comedy content based on Lee Yong-ju's regional identity. The concept was to portray the awkwardness and discomfort Lee Yong-ju experiences when facing actual Gyeongsang-do natives, despite claiming to be from Busan, through comedy. As the episodes progressed, content featuring experiences of various cultural elements from different parts of Gyeongsang-do was added, naturally including promotional content for the region, but we failed to deeply consider the potential negative impact on the area.
The Yeongyang episode, which caused the issue, was filmed emphasizing the concept of a quiet area despite the region having many attractions. To create entertaining content, we used excessive expressions. In particular, we used careless remarks lacking consideration for local residents and small business owners. All the criticized comments such as "It’s like China," "It lacks uniqueness," "It’s like sewage water," and "Grandma flavor" were conveyed to viewers without filtering in a way that is difficult to accept as comedy. We take full responsibility for all these parts without excuse and sincerely apologize.
First, we apologize to the two business owners who suffered direct harm from mentions in the content. Lee Yong-ju, Jeong Jae-hyung, and Kim Min-su from Pisik University visited the bakery and the gukbap restaurant mentioned in the content to apologize. We deeply apologized to the bakery owner for rude behavior and inconsiderate taste evaluations inside the store. Thankfully, the owner invited us to talk together and said they were okay, forgiving us with great generosity. We thank and apologize again.
We also apologized multiple times to the gukbap restaurant owner for our rudeness. Through this incident, we recognized our shortcomings and promised to become better people. The owner comforted us, saying everyone makes mistakes, the first is a mistake, but the second is a fault, so do not repeat the same mistake. Both owners said they are currently unharmed, but we will continuously check for any future harm and do our best to help.
Second, we apologize to the citizens of Yeongyang County, public officials working in Yeongyang, and Korea Electric Power Corporation employees for the harm and concern caused. We deeply regret causing emotional distress. We also made careless remarks about Yeongyang County and its specialties, causing unpleasant feelings. We sincerely bow and apologize to the residents of Yeongyang County who live there as their home. We contacted Yeongyang County Office to correct our mistakes. Although nothing has been achieved yet, we will continue to strive to find ways to make amends in any form in the future. Third, we apologize to everyone who felt discomfort from our content.
As a comedy channel, we sincerely apologize for causing discomfort and disappointment to many who have watched and supported us with interest and enjoyment. We are comedians. This incident has made us reconsider the social role of comedians. We have made many efforts to create good comedy, but we still have shortcomings. We will show you a more developed Pisik University in the future. Once again, we apologize to the citizens of Yeongyang County who suffered harm and to subscribers who were concerned due to this incident.
The 'Made in Gyeongsang-do Yeongyang County Episode' will be set to private along with the posting of this apology statement.
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