[OSEN=Reporter Kang Seo-jung] Travel creator Wonji lost 1 million subscribers following the controversy surrounding his ‘6-pyeong underground office’.
As of 7 a.m. on the 3rd, the YouTube channel ‘Wonji’s Day’ has 999,000 subscribers. The channel, which once boasted 1.02 million subscribers, has been experiencing a decline following the controversy.
Previously, on the 20th of last month, Wonji released a video titled ‘Looking for a 6-pyeong Office’ on YouTube. The video introduced a newly arranged team office; however, the approximately 6-pyeong windowless space on the basement level 2 became the center of controversy. Netizens criticized the cramped structure and stifling atmosphere in which three employees worked, saying, “It’s hard to believe this is a 1 million subscriber YouTuber’s office,” “It looks like a black company,” and “It resembles a prison.”
As the criticism intensified, Wonji made the video private and issued an apology. He stated, “I apologize for causing discomfort regarding the office environment,” and explained, “The video did not adequately convey the ventilation system or structure, leading to misunderstandings.” He added, “The building is designed with a commercial structure, and the ventilation system is functioning, so I judged there wouldn’t be a significant issue despite the lack of windows.” Admitting, “This was my first office, and I was inexperienced. I will create a better environment in the future.”
Despite the clarification, public opinion remained cold. Some netizens continued to criticize, pointing out that Wonji had previously expressed negative views on cramped spaces and labor conditions, highlighting a discrepancy with his usual consumer values. The public outcry intensified as people compared it to the more comfortable offices of other YouTubers.
Eventually, Wonji decided to relocate the office and offered another apology. He acknowledged, “I should have prioritized the working environment and welfare since it is the space where employees work every day. As an employer, I lacked consideration.” He admitted, “It was my negligence to make a lazy judgment. If subscribers hadn’t pointed it out, I might have continued to impose sacrifices on the employees,” and vowed, “I will immediately arrange a new office.”
In conclusion, he expressed, “I’m genuinely sorry for causing disappointment to both the employees and subscribers. I will take responsibility as an employer and pay more attention to my surroundings in the future,” attempting to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, Wonji, who is a leading travel YouTuber in Korea with over 1 million subscribers, has suffered a significant blow to the credibility and image of his channel due to this office controversy. /kangsj@osen.co.kr