YouTuber Iljueoteo (real name Kim Joo-yeon) is being criticized for his thoughtless comments. He recently stood at the center of controversy for defending MBC weathercaster Kim Ga-young, who is accused of bullying the late Oh Yo-anna.
On the 28th of last month, Iljueoteo defended Kim Ga-young when she faced allegations of bullying Oh Yo-anna. He commented on Kim Ga-young’s SNS, saying, “Ga-young unnie was very troubled at the time, unable to protect Oh Yo-anna. I had the chance to work out with Oh Yo-anna once, and even then, she told me sincerely how much she liked and relied on Ga-young unnie. Oh Yo-anna would never want comments like this.” He brought up the deceased, with whom he had no close relationship, to make what many saw as a proxy defense.
He added, “It might be presumptuous of me, but I’m worried about Ga-young unnie and, though we shared a short acquaintance, I pray for Oh Yo-anna’s rest in peace.” Iljueoteo and Kim Ga-young appeared together on SBS’s ‘Kick a Goal.’
Subsequent claims by the bereaved family stated, “The real culprits are Lee OO and Kim Ga-young,” and Iljueoteo faced significant backlash.
Ultimately, Iljueoteo issued an apology on his YouTube channel on the 3rd. He said, “I made comments before having the full facts. I apologize for causing pain to many with my thoughtless words. It pains me that I hurt the deceased and the bereaved family. I regret my actions deeply and am sincerely reflecting on them. It’s inexcusable and I apologize sincerely for my shortcomings.”
He continued, “I am cautious that my statement might again hurt the bereaved family. I apologize to them sincerely and promise to speak and act more carefully in the future. Once again, I am truly sorry.”
The issue with Iljueoteo is the repetition of thoughtless remarks and apologies, leading to public criticism. Last October, he also issued a public apology for derogatory remarks about the Hanwha Eagles baseball team.
Moreover, previously unknown inappropriate remarks have resurfaced amid this latest controversy. A netizen commented under Iljueoteo’s apology post, referencing a past incident: “When the Jeju Air accident happened, he posted a condolence message with ‘P.S. By the way, I’ve gained weight again.’ Why is he behaving like this lately? Please get a grip.”
Faced with inquiries about the truth of this comment, the netizen responded, “He deleted it quickly.”
Another netizen pointed out, “During the Muan Air accident, he said ‘P.S. – I’ve gained more weight hehe.’ Just as he now says ‘Our Ga-young unnie wouldn’t do that.’ What’s Iljueoteo’s true character? This is who he is.”
A shocking post also appeared in an online community, stating, “During the Muan Air accident, he wrote a condolence post for the deceased and below it added ‘P.S. I’ve actually gained more weight.’ and then deleted it quickly. He’s not in his right mind.”