Emphasized Living in Japan, but Returned to Korea a Year and a Half Ago
Deleted Initial Explanation and Issued a Second Apology After Criticism Over Casual Attitude
The YouTuber "TokyoGyuJjang," who gained popularity with content about life in Japan, has issued an apology after it was revealed that she had been producing videos without actually living in Japan.
A YouTuber who gained popularity with lifestyle content about living in Japan apologized after controversy arose when it was revealed that she returned to Korea one and a half years ago. TokyoGyuJjang YouTube
On September 10, TokyoGyuJjang posted a video titled "I Sincerely Apologize" on her YouTube channel, stating, "I have disappointed those who trusted me and watched my videos. I sincerely apologize for the confusion caused by my poor judgment." This was her second apology, following an initial explanatory video uploaded two days prior.
Previously, she had introduced herself as someone who had lived in Japan for 10 years, residing there on working holiday, student, and employment visas. She leveraged her experience living in Japan to sell a Tokyo guidebook e-book, and her most recent video was titled "My 10-Year Story in Japan That Everyone Opposed."
However, controversy arose when it became known that she had actually returned to Korea about one and a half years ago and had been traveling back and forth to Japan as a tourist to film content. She admitted, "I failed to obtain a visa and returned to Korea, but I was afraid to reveal this, so I hid it," adding, "I considered Japan to be my identity, so I thoroughly concealed anything that was not related to Japan."
In her first explanatory video, she acknowledged, "Every time I went to Japan, I filmed and uploaded several videos," admitting that she maintained the perspective of a 'local in Japan' even while staying in Korea. However, as criticism grew over her casual tone and what appeared to be an attempt to avoid responsibility, she deleted the video and, in her second video, apologized again, saying, "I am also sorry for my lighthearted attitude. From now on, I will share my situation more transparently."
As these facts came to light, some viewers have expressed dissatisfaction, calling it 'deceiving subscribers' and demanding refunds for the guidebook.
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