YouTube Channel Singgeulbeonggeul
Controversy Over Video Mocking Soldiers
"We Reflect and Apologize"
A comedy YouTube channel with approximately 1.38 million subscribers recently posted a video that appeared to mock soldiers, sparking controversy and ultimately leading to an official apology.
"Sincerely Apologize to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces... No Intent to Defame"
On the 24th, 'Single Bungle SGBG' stated through their YouTube community, "We would like to apologize regarding the video titled 'I Got Discharged Today' uploaded on our YouTube channel." Single Bungle said, "Above all, the video reminded viewers of a current social issue, causing pain to the bereaved families and discomfort to our viewers, for which we sincerely apologize. We also sincerely apologize to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces currently protecting our country and all military personnel."
They continued, "The problematic video was created based on our military service experience to evoke empathy by highlighting how 'military life is tough' and depicting a 'dream about re-enlistment' that we personally experienced. However, we deeply regret that, contrary to our original intention, the video could cause discomfort to some and hurt others."
They added, "As veterans who have fulfilled our mandatory military service in the Republic of Korea, we always appreciate the hard work of the armed forces. We had no intention to ridicule or mock any specific gender, nor to support or defame any particular group. On the contrary, we reflect and apologize once again for failing to recognize the seriousness of the issue because we are veterans ourselves."
Furthermore, they said, "We sincerely apologize for not carefully considering the planning stage, for using expressions that may have been uncomfortable to hear, and for causing concern. We will strive to become Single Bungle that devotes great effort to video production to prevent repeated mistakes based on this incident."
"You Won't Be Able to Use It in the Military"... Controversy Over Mocking Soldiers
Earlier, the Single Bungle channel posted a video titled 'I Got Discharged Today.' The video depicts a man who has just been discharged dreaming about re-enlisting. The video included an advertisement for a massager, and the participants made remarks such as, "Your legs will hurt in the military, so you might as well bring a massager," and "(Even if it has many functions) you can't use it in the military," which sparked controversy.
In particular, netizens pointed out that the content of the video could be seen as belittling or mocking soldiers, especially amid heightened attention to military treatment following the death of a Marine Corps corporal in the line of duty and the death of a recruit during training at the Army's 12th Infantry Division Recruit Training Center. Netizens responded with comments such as, "Even if there was no intent, it can be interpreted as insulting men who have served," "Is it enough to just apologize after belittling soldiers?" and "There was a recent recruit death incident, and yet they post this kind of video in these times. I will unsubscribe." As these reactions intensified, Single Bungle eventually set the video to private.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
