"Realizing Arrogance After Time Has Passed"
Performing artist Poppin Hyun Joon apologized for the so-called 'sponsorship beggar' controversy. Previously, he sparked controversy by expressing dissatisfaction with an airline's sponsorship due to inadequate service.
On the 24th, Poppin Hyun Joon appeared on the YouTube channel 'Hyun Jin Young,' operated by singer Hyun Jin Young. When asked about the details of the 'sponsorship beggar controversy' that happened about 10 years ago, he began by saying, "It was my fault."
When Hyun Jin Young asked, "I heard that Poppin Hyun Joon caused a scene because he was not moved to business class on an Asiana Airlines flight," Poppin Hyun Joon replied, "It's a complicated story," and admitted, "It was my fault. At that time, I had a celebrity syndrome scarier than middle school rebellion."
Poppin Hyun Joon apologized again while explaining the past controversy known as the 'sponsorship beggar.' [Image source=YouTube channel 'Hyun Jin Young' capture]
He continued, "At that time, I received a ticket sponsored by Asiana Airlines to go to LA, USA. But when I went to the airport information desk and showed my passport, they said there were no seats available," he explained. "I had a performance the next day, and when they said there were no seats, I asked them to check again. After waiting for more than 30 minutes, the staff found the ticket information and apologized to me."
He added, "Because of my celebrity syndrome, I felt like 'How dare they.' So, I posted on Facebook something like, 'If you're going to sponsor me, do it properly. Why do it like this? Next time, I'll fly Korean Air instead.'" Poppin Hyun Joon recalled, "I shouldn't have written such a post. If they sponsored me, I should have just been thankful and accepted it. It was my fault," bowing his head again.
In fact, in 2014, Poppin Hyun Joon posted on his Facebook account, "This trip is sponsored by Asiana, but if you're going to sponsor me, why not give me business class? Anyway, I get criticized even after they do it." At that time, his post received harsh criticism from netizens. Some mocked him by creating the nickname 'sponsorship beggar,' saying he complained despite traveling for free with the airline's cooperation.
Poppin Hyun Joon said, "I really wanted to talk about this incident. At first, I felt a bit unfair, thinking 'What did I do wrong?' But after some time passed, I realized I was arrogant." He added, "Since it was my fault, no excuse can change that. So, to prevent this from happening again, I have not accepted any sponsorships since then."
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