"Who apologizes in a tracksuit?" Sang Hae-gi, three drunk driving offenses, apology + return plans.. Public outrage explodes [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Food YouTuber Sang Hae-gi (real name Kwon Sang-hyeok), who sparked public outrage for being caught drunk driving and fleeing, has announced his return. Although he posted an apology video after six months, public reaction remains unfavorable.

On the 10th, through a video posted on his YouTube channel, Sang Hae-gi stated, "Although a bit late, I stand before the camera to bow my head and apologize for the irreversible mistake I committed. I drove drunk last September. This was my third (drunk driving) arrest, following 2020 and 2021."

Previously, last September, Sang Hae-gi was arrested on the spot for refusing a drunk driving measurement under the Road Traffic Act. According to police at the time, Sang Hae-gi was caught driving while intoxicated but refused the police's request for a breathalyzer test and fled. This marks Sang Hae-gi's third drunk driving arrest.

Dressed in a tracksuit, Sang Hae-gi said, "I fully understand that I have caused great disappointment and hurt to those who believed in and supported me. I am sincerely sorry. I held the steering wheel with the careless thought that 'the distance is short' or 'I must have sobered up,' and I deeply reflect on how dangerous and irresponsible that choice was. I believe criticism and disappointment are only natural. I will not make excuses. I did something that deserved to be condemned," as he bowed his head.

Regarding the reason for posting the apology video, he explained, "I wanted to clearly record my mistake before the world and reaffirm my resolve not to repeat the same mistake again. This is not just a reflection limited to words; I will completely change my way of life and carry the weight of this sin for the rest of my life."

He continued, "I fully understand that it takes a very long time to restore broken trust. I even think I may never be forgiven. However, I will not run away; I will live by reflecting on my mistakes every moment."

He then added, "I also apologize for my cowardice in not making a statement sooner. Once again, I sincerely bow my head and apologize. I am sorry."

However, public sentiment is cold. Some pointed out that posting an apology video on his own YouTube channel itself is a move to test the waters for a return, known as the "six-month rule." The "six-month rule" refers to YouTubers who caused controversy and undergo self-reflection, only to return before the six-month period ends—the point at which YouTube policy stops monetization.

Many netizens left angry comments such as, "Who apologizes in a tracksuit?", "He's creeping out slowly," "He apologizes so quickly," "There's a time for apologies," "He well understood the six-month rule," "There's no answer for drunk driving three times," "I've never seen someone apologize in a tracksuit," "Drunk driving is not a mistake; it's intentional," "Seeing him clearly plan his return makes me angrier," and "Even someone who fled is still making money through videos."

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*This content was translated by AI.