Comedian Yang Sang-guk, who has recently been gaining attention on variety shows with his "Gimhae Crown Prince" persona, has issued an apology via social media following controversy over his recent remarks.
Yang recently took to the comments section of his own social media posts to express his regret, writing, "I am very sorry for making people uncomfortable," "You are right. I will try harder," and "I will be more careful."
The controversy arose from an episode of the YouTube channel DdeunDdeun's show "Pinggyego" released on May 2. While discussing his views on dating, Yang stated, "I have never walked a girlfriend home. It's a hassle." When Yu Jae-seok advised him that "it's nice to walk them home occasionally," Yang drew a line, remarking, "That is Yu Jae-seok's dating style."
In particular, his comment that "men in Seoul walk their partners home every time, but we (men from Gyeongsang-do) don't do it at all" drew criticism for generalizing based on region. He continued to emphasize his dating philosophy, adding, "If there's no sincerity, I don't do it," and "I don't have the concept of walking someone home."
When Nam Chang-hee mentioned during the same conversation that he walks his wife out every day after marriage, Yang continued his line of reasoning by saying, "If you treat them well and then don't walk them home one day, they might think, 'The love is over,'" adding that "it's better not to do it at all."
In response, Han Sang-jin commented, "It might be hard for you to get a fixed place on a show," and when Yu Jae-seok offered further advice, Yang added to the controversy over his attitude by saying, "If you say that one more time, I'm going to scold you."
Following the release of the video, critical voices emerged on online communities and social media. Comments included, "He is promoting stereotypes about men from Gyeongsang-do," "Isn't he just masking rudeness as honesty?", and "It only takes one comment to become unlikeable."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)