28th Generation Young-soo, startup files for bankruptcy: "Even if I end up with nothing, I will strive to recover losses" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Regarding the news that the startup company operated by SBS Plus and ENA's "I Am Solo" 28th Generation Young-soo (real name Kim Ha-seop) is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, he directly shared his feelings.

On the 20th, 28th Generation Young-soo posted a lengthy message, apologizing for the recently surfaced bankruptcy of Medipreso and the issue of investor losses.

28th Generation Young-soo stated, "I began my first job at SK Hynix and later challenged entrepreneurship, running a company for the past eight years. While the company has repeated various crises and growth, last year, a combination of internal and external misfortunes struck at once, causing significant hardship. I invested my personal assets and worked hard to revive the company, but ultimately, the company entered court receivership proceedings in June this year. I lost not only the company's assets but also most of my personal property." He added, "I sincerely apologize to the shareholders for the harm caused."

He continued, "It seems a misunderstanding arose because I changed my phone number and became unreachable. I did not intentionally avoid contact or disappear. I have consistently tried to communicate through group chat rooms and SNS." He further stated, "Ultimately, everything is due to my shortcomings. All responsibility lies with me. I am sorry to those around me and feel unworthy. I believe one failure does not equate to a failure of one's entire life. I will use this experience as a stepping stone to grow further and live my given life to the best of my ability."

Medipreso, the food-tech startup founded by 28th Generation Young-soo, was recently reported to have informed shareholders of plans to proceed with bankruptcy proceedings. Medipreso is a food-tech company established by 28th Generation Young-soo in 2016. It gained market attention by developing products that extract traditional tea into capsule form for consumption.

28th Generation Young-soo joined SK Hynix as part of the first general recruitment cohort, worked there, and then left to start a business. His business model, which integrated a capsule system into the tea market, was recognized for its growth potential. In fact, Medipreso secured cumulative investment funds of approximately 7 billion won from numerous investors, but failed to sustain its growth trajectory. Additionally, during its crowdfunding campaign, it fell short of the 17.5 billion won revenue target set for 2025.

28th Generation Young-soo appeared on the November 12, 2025, finale of "28th Generation Dolsing Special," which produced six couples, receiving three votes in the first-impression poll and consistently drawing attention as a favorite among female cast members.

Notably, 28th Generation Young-soo often used the catchphrase "Let's talk together," earning him the title of "Talk Station."

Hello. I am Kim Ha-seop, who appeared as 28th Generation Young-soo on "I Am Solo." I have never before posted a message organizing my thoughts online, but this time I have mustered the courage to write a few words, however humble.

I began my first job at SK Hynix in my 20s. As I entered my 30s, feeling that I could not wait any longer, I started Medipreso with a small but meaningful dream and have operated it for nearly eight years. In my 40s, I had the opportunity to appear on the program "I Am Solo." Seeing viewers who appreciated my imperfect and awkward self on the broadcast made me feel truly grateful. My 20s at SK Hynix, my 30s at Medipreso, and my 40s on "I Am Solo" are the most precious memories in my life, irreplaceable by anything else.

The company I founded went through repeated crises and growth over the past eight years, but last year, a series of internal and external misfortunes struck at once. Unable to overcome them, the company faced a liquidity crisis from the end of last year. To address the immediate crisis, I poured my personal savings into the company and did everything possible, but ultimately, the company entered court receivership in June this year. We are now in the process of winding up the company under court orders. I am also disposing of my remaining personal assets to fulfill my responsibilities until the end. Even if I end up with nothing, I am doing my best to prevent harm to those around me, but I feel deeply sorry and unworthy to those who have been unintentionally harmed.

In this process, it seems people have said I cut off contact due to my shortcomings. I recently changed my phone number, and this timing likely caused misunderstandings. Since I am not an extrovert and have tended to communicate with those around me via SNS rather than through external activities, I apparently did not actively publicize my new phone number. However, I am still consistently communicating with those around me through group chat rooms and SNS. If I receive messages on Instagram, I respond to them as they come in.

It seems these current events occurred because I am insufficient and lack ability. It is all my responsibility, and I feel deeply sorry and unworthy to those around me. However, I believe one failure should not become a lifelong failure. Using this experience as a stepping stone, I will strive harder to become a more mature person who cares more for others and contributes even slightly to society. I will live carrying this sense of apology, and if I ever rise again, I will repay the kindness I have received throughout my life. Thank you for reading this humble message.

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*This content was translated by AI.