Apology from YouTuber Psik University for Regional Disparagement and Elderly Discrimination Backlash
YouTuber Psik University (comprising Jeong Jae-hyung, Kim Min-su, and Lee Yong-ju) recently issued an apology following controversy over regional disparagement and elderly discrimination, but the backlash continues.
On the 11th, Psik University uploaded a video titled "We Visited Yeongyang, the Smallest City in Gyeongsang Province." The thumbnail included the phrase "Dopamine Zero City."
In the video, the trio made comments about Yeongyang such as, "Have you ever heard of this area? Is this China?" and, "If I were a civil servant assigned here, I would stop here," followed by, "It's incredibly boring."
While visiting a restaurant in Yeongyang, they remarked, "This is food I could make at home in Seoul. It's not worth coming to Yeongyang for," and, "The menu here is too unremarkable." They also criticized a local specialty, blueberry ginseng jelly, saying, "The jelly tastes like grandma. It feels like biting into grandma's flesh," which drew significant backlash.
Seven days after the video was uploaded, Psik University issued an apology, saying, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who was affected by our lack of judgment. We emphasized the quiet nature of Yeongyang for the content, using exaggerated expressions for comedic effect, but we lacked consideration for the local residents and small business owners. We take full responsibility and offer our apologies."
They further stated that they had apologized in person to the owners of the bakery and restaurant featured in the video, adding, "Although they said they haven't experienced any harm yet, we will continue to check and offer support if any issues arise." They also extended their apologies to Yeongyang residents, public officials, and Korea Electric Power Corporation staff.
Despite making the video private, the fallout continues. According to YouTube, Psik University has lost approximately 140,000 subscribers since the controversy.
On the 20th, O Do-chang, the mayor of Yeongyang, expressed his disappointment during a phone call with SBS's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show," saying, "People live here too. Yeongyang, which is well-preserved and a hidden gem, has now been portrayed as lagging behind modern civilization."
He added, "Even if it's a comedy show, using negative imagery to hurt the pride of residents and mock the region is inappropriate. It was very regrettable."
Mayor O also mentioned, "Although we received an apology, we need measures to heal the wounded pride of the residents. Yeongyang, with its 16,000 residents, is someone's cherished hometown filled with memories. I see this crisis as an opportunity. We will use various media platforms to promote Yeongyang's tourist attractions, food, and cultural offerings more widely."
