YouTuber Apologizes After Visiting Jennie's Agency Uninvited to 'Have Coffee'

YouTuber Potato Turtle (real name Song Ji-yoon), who faced backlash for "sasaeng" (obsessive fan) behavior after posting a video of herself visiting the private agency building of BLACKPINK's Jennie, has issued an apology.

On July 14, Potato Turtle posted an apology on her social media, stating, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to the video I recently uploaded. I have been reading every comment left for me and am deeply reflecting on my thoughtless actions."

Regarding the intent behind the controversial content, Potato Turtle explained, "I am currently taking on a challenge to complete 100 items on my bucket list. Some are relatively easy, like 'seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland,' while others are realistically difficult, like 'having a cup of coffee with Jennie.'"

She clarified, "I wanted to challenge myself with something that seemed impossible. I wanted to knock on the door and find my own path. Of course, I did not think that I would actually be able to have coffee with Jennie just by visiting her agency or attending her concert."

She continued by explaining the background of the excessive production, saying, "I often refer to overseas content when creating videos. Since there is content abroad that gives shout-outs to celebrities, I produced the video with the desire to convey my sincerity. However, I was short-sighted. I am truly sorry for causing discomfort to many people," she said, bowing her head.

Previously, Potato Turtle became the center of controversy after uploading a video to her channel showing her visiting the office building of OA Entertainment, Jennie's one-person agency, to fulfill her bucket list item of "having a cup of coffee with Jennie." In the video, she was seen ringing the doorbell of the agency uninvited to deliver a letter and a bouquet of flowers, and standing at a concert venue holding a picket sign that read, "Jennie, would you like to have a cup of coffee?"

After the video was released, netizens criticized her heavily, arguing that visiting a private space without prior appointment could pose a threat to the artist and that her behavior was no different from that of a "sasaeng" fan. As the controversy grew, Potato Turtle immediately made the video private and posted an apology to address the situation.

Potato Turtle apologized, saying, "I did not realize that visiting the company uninvited to deliver a letter and flowers could be perceived as sasaeng behavior. I wanted to convey my sincerity by delivering the letter and documenting the process, but the method was wrong. I think I was too ignorant about idol fan culture. I will act more cautiously in the future. I am sorry."

Regarding her behavior of holding a picket sign at the concert, she added, "Since it was my first time attending a concert, I lacked understanding of concert etiquette. I sincerely apologize for holding a picket at the venue as well. I will follow concert etiquette in the future and ensure such mistakes are not repeated."

However, Potato Turtle drew a line regarding accusations that her actions were solely for the purpose of increasing views. She emphasized, "It is absolutely not true that I used Jennie for the sake of content," adding, "I just wanted to convey my sincerity as a fan who likes her. I hope my sincerity is not overshadowed by my lacking actions."

(Photo: SBS Entertainment News DB, captured from Potato Turtle's Instagram)

Reported by Kang Seon-ae

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Seon-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.