Psick University issues apology for regional disparagement controversy

After six days of silence, the popular YouTube channel Psick University has issued a formal apology for comments made in a recent video that disparaged the region of Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. 

The controversy began with their video titled "Made in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yeongju Edition" published on May 11, which led to widespread criticism from viewers and local residents.

In the video, Psick University members, comedians Jeong Jae-hyeong, Kim Min-soo, and Lee Yong-ju, were seen making several disrespectful remarks about Yeongju, comparing it unfavorably to other places and making jokes that were seen as derogatory. Their comments included jokes about the area resembling China, criticisms about the lack of uniqueness in local food, and unpleasant remarks about the scenery and local practices.

As backlash grew, the channel faced significant pressure to address the issue. The video even caught the attention of local business owners and the mayor of Yeongju, escalating the controversy further. On May 18, Psick University responded by posting a lengthy apology on their YouTube community tab.

In their statement, they expressed remorse for the offensive content, acknowledging that their attempt to emphasize the quiet and tranquil nature of Yeongju for comedic effect was misguided and resulted in inappropriate expressions that failed to consider the feelings of local residents and small business owners. They specifically retracted statements that mocked the local cuisine and cultural attributes, admitting these did not serve the comedic purpose intended and were instead hurtful.

Psick University also mentioned that members Jeong Jae-hyeong, Kim Min-soo, and Lee Yong-ju personally visited the affected bakery and restaurant to apologize directly to the proprietors. They extended their apologies to the citizens of Yeongju, government officials working in the area, and their viewers who were disturbed by the content.

The channel concluded their apology by acknowledging their responsibility in the matter and expressed their intention to learn from this experience to create content that is both humorous and respectful. They reassured their audience that they would take this incident as a learning opportunity to improve their content and be more mindful of the impact their words and actions have on various communities.