YouTuber 'Potato Turtle' Apologizes After Uninvited Visit to JENNIE's Agency

YouTuber Potato Turtle (real name Song Ji-yoon), who became embroiled in a sasaeng controversy after posting a video of herself visiting the office of JENNIE's personal agency uninvited to meet the BLACKPINK member, has finally apologized.

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

Regarding the planning intent behind the controversial content, Potato Turtle explained, "I am currently taking on a challenge of 100 bucket list items," and "Some of these are relatively easy to achieve, like 'seeing the aurora in Iceland,' but 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," and "Of course, I didn't think I would actually be able to have coffee with JENNIE just by visiting the company or going to a concert."

Regarding the background of the excessive production, she bowed her head, saying, "I often refer to overseas content when making videos. Since there is content overseas that gives shout-outs to celebrities, I produced the video with the desire to convey my sincerity," and "However, my thinking was short-sighted. I am truly sorry for causing discomfort to many people."

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

After the video was released, netizens poured out harsh criticism, stating that visiting a private space without prior appointment could be a threat to the artist and that the behavior was no different from that of a sasaeng fan. As the controversy grew, Potato Turtle immediately made the video private and began damage control by posting an apology.

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

Regarding her actions at the concert venue, she also stated, "Since it was my first time attending a concert, I lacked understanding of concert culture. I sincerely apologize for holding a sign at the concert venue as well. I will follow concert etiquette in the future and not repeat such mistakes."

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)