'GwakTube' Controversy Over Defending Lee Na-eun Leads to Cancellation of Busan Talk Concert

Busan International Travel Fair Talk Concert Canceled
Official: "Concerned It Will Deviate from Its Purpose"
'Ongoing Backlash Over Support for Lee Na-eun'

Travel YouTuber KwakTube embroiled in controversy over defending Lee Na-eun. [Source=KwakTube social media (SNS) capture]

The Busan talk concert featuring YouTuber GwakTube (real name Gwak Jun-bin), who became embroiled in controversy for defending actress Lee Na-eun amid bullying allegations from members, has been canceled.

On the 23rd, the Busan International Travel Fair posted an announcement on its official website stating, "The 'Talk Concert with Travel YouTuber GwakTube' scheduled for 2 PM on Saturday, September 28, has been canceled due to unavoidable circumstances." The notice did not include specific reasons for the cancellation. The organizer, Busan City, reportedly decided to cancel the event, judging that the on-site atmosphere might deviate from the original purpose of sharing travel-related experiences due to the ongoing controversy.

On the 16th, GwakTube uploaded a video of his trip to Rome, Italy, with Lee Na-eun on his YouTube channel. In the video, he said, "I was sensitive whenever school violence was mentioned," and added, "I immediately blocked you, but then I saw articles saying it wasn't true. As a victim of school violence, I have shared many stories, but it seemed like I was causing harm to someone who was actually misunderstood," making remarks that appeared to defend Lee Na-eun. Lee Na-eun is accused of ostracizing member Lee Hyun-joo during her time in the group April.

As the controversy spread, GwakTube posted an apology, saying, "There were parts in this video that I did not think deeply about and overlooked," and "I will think carefully to ensure that my personal feelings do not become everyone's stance." Despite this, when responses doubting his sincerity arose, on the 18th he issued another apology stating, "I have deeply felt and reflected on my shortcomings. From now on, I will act with greater responsibility and caution in everything to avoid words or actions that could hurt someone."

Earlier, the Ministry of Education's official YouTube channel 'Education TV' made private the public service announcement video for the school violence campaign titled '2024 School Violence Prevention Campaign - Searching for the Corner Talent,' in which GwakTube appeared.