Popular streamer Yapyap (real name Kim Sung-tae, 34) issued a formal apology after a fire broke out at his apartment, saying, "This was 100% my negligence."
According to the Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, between 9:44 and 9:50 p.m. on Nov. 20, a blaze believed to have been sparked by a cigarette ignited in the master bathroom of an apartment in Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin-gu. Yapyap was live hosting an in-house League of Legends match when he suddenly said he smelled something burning and stepped away. Moments later, gray smoke filled the frame; the power cut out and the stream ended.
Photos released by firefighters and aired by regional broadcaster KNN showed hundreds of cigarette butts and household trash scattered across the bathroom floor and shelves. Some plastic items had melted from the heat, and the space appeared long neglected. Authorities cited "negligent handling of a cigarette while smoking" as the likely cause. Sprinklers activated automatically, stopping the fire from spreading. Damage was limited to about 3.3 square meters, with estimated losses of 2.98 million won.
In his first post on his official fan cafe after the incident, Yapyap wrote, "I'm relieved no other homes were affected… I'll stream from a temporary place for now," and added, "I'll think of it as having a vacation home in Busan." The tone sparked backlash online, with commenters calling it "shockingly flippant" and accusing him of treating a serious incident like a personal mishap.
As criticism mounted, he quickly issued a second apology: "I'm truly sorry for posting a simple status update without grasping the gravity of the situation. I deeply apologize for causing public concern through my carelessness. Even if neighboring units were vacant, indoor smoking was unequivocally my fault."
He continued, "Starting now, I'm quitting smoking and rethinking my lifestyle. I'll withdraw from all upcoming content, including a Sonic Racing showdown and the Chzzk Cup. Acting like nothing happened would only cause more trouble."
Beyond the fire itself, some commenters voiced concern over the long-neglected state of his living space, suggesting it could signal stress or burnout. Yapyap has previously taken breaks from streaming due to toxic chat and mental strain. Fans are urging him to prioritize his health and reset his living environment.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)