Broadcaster Lee Na-yeon (30), a former JTBC Golf announcer, has sparked controversy by mentioning her company's financial difficulties and claiming that "the air conditioning is not working" on YouTube.

The controversy stems from a video titled "I'm Not Unemployed Yet," released by Lee on her YouTube channel "Let's Na-yeon" on July 13.

Through the video's description box, Lee candidly shared her thoughts on JTBC's financial struggles.

She wrote, "While doing my best at the given work and looking around, the world had changed a lot. For example, while working hard in broadcasting, did the company go bankrupt?" She added, "I briefly felt depressed, thinking, 'If I have to leave this company, will I be able to work as an announcer again? I am getting older and it will be hard to find a job again, is this really the end for me as an announcer?'" She continued, "Fortunately, there are still no major problems with the company and broadcasting, but I am thinking hard about my second future. Please cheer me on even if I start something new later."

In the video as well, Lee was seen studying foreign languages in the lobby of the JTBC building and said, "I don't know if I'm allowed to say this, but maybe because the company is struggling, the air conditioning isn't working. It's so hot." She added, "Does this really have an impact? I won't get fired for saying things like this, right?"

She also added via subtitles, "I am not unemployed yet. I am still working at JTBC Golf," and wrote, "Actually, I don't know myself how long I will be able to show it. It's like a spiritual home to me."

After the video was released, some viewers criticized her remarks, saying it was inappropriate to make light of the company's financial crisis. On the other hand, comments cheering and encouraging her while expressing concern over JTBC's financial situation also followed.

In particular, Lee's remark that "the air conditioning is not working" was confirmed to be untrue. According to the broadcasting industry, separate from JTBC's financial difficulties, the cooling system inside the office building is operating normally, and there are reportedly no major issues with the working environment for employees. In response, criticisms continued from within JTBC, pointing out that it was a careless remark that dampened the morale of her colleagues.

On June 12, JTBC declared a default after failing to repay securitized borrowings amounting to 20.6 billion KRW. Afterward, it applied for the commencement of rehabilitation procedures with the court, and the court accepted an application for the Autonomous Restructuring Support (ARS) program, keeping the decision on whether to commence rehabilitation procedures on hold.

Meanwhile, Lee began her broadcasting career as a JTBC Golf announcer in 2021 and gained public recognition through the TVING original entertainment show "EXchange 2" in 2022. She is currently in an open relationship with ice hockey player Nam Hee-doo, and recently drew attention by appearing together with Nam on the JTBC entertainment show "Extreme Tour."


(Photo: Yonhap News) Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon (SBS Entertainment News)