'Victim of racial discrimination' YouTuber Ino-nang faces backlash for mocking Messi jersey... "No insults" apologizes [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

YouTuber Ino-nang (real name Yoon Soo-jin), who has 6.65 million channel subscribers, eventually bowed her head amid accusations that she mocked Argentine football legend Lionel Messi.

On the 22nd, Ino-nang posted an apology message via YouTube Community, stating, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to my recent video."

She continued, "As I usually create content centered on cultures and comedy memes from various countries, I produced this video thinking it was just another meme. However, I have come to realize that the content could be perceived far more sensitively than I anticipated."

Ino-nang added, "I had no intention of belittling or hating anyone, but in the end, I caused discomfort to many people and should have been more careful. Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will strive to be a better person by paying closer attention to expression methods and cultural backgrounds when creating content."

Previously, on the 20th, Ino-nang uploaded a video to her YouTube channel showing herself stepping on an Argentina national team jersey bearing Messi's name and number 10, as if it were a doormat at the entrance. She also revealed scenes of using the jersey like a cleaning rag to wipe windows and living room floors.

In response, questions arose whether this was aimed at the Argentina national team, which faced controversy after some players engaged in a brawl following their 0-1 defeat to Spain in the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean Cup final.

Meanwhile, Ino-nang gained attention last June when she revealed that she had been subjected to racial discrimination involving "eye-slitting" by Mexican spectators while filming a cheer video during the group stage match between South Korea and Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean Cup held in Mexico.

Shortly after, FIFA identified the perpetrator's identity and blocked their ticket account. Additionally, Ino-nang was invited to an official event for the South Korea vs. Mexico match held on World Day Against Hate Speech, where a message opposing racial discrimination and promoting respect was conveyed together.

The male perpetrator was identified as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the Civil Engineering Geometric Association (CITGEJ) in Jalisco State, Mexico. He eventually posted an apology video, stating, "I hoped that when foreigners visit Mexico, they would feel as comfortable as at home, but I acted in exactly the opposite way." He further declared, "I sincerely apologize to the aforementioned influencer, the Korean community, and Mexican compatriots who were disappointed by my actions," and subsequently resigned from his position as president of the Civil Engineering Association.

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*This content was translated by AI.