Revisiting the Joke: "I Can't Win Without a Ramp" — Park Wi's Shocking Paradox [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Following the intense backlash after CCTV footage of his KTX fall was released, YouTuber Park Wi is once again facing scrutiny over a joking remark he made at the MBC 'Broadcast Entertainment Awards' ceremony in the past.

Park Wi appeared on the live broadcast of the '2024 MBC Broadcast Entertainment Awards' held on January 28, 2025. The awards ceremony was originally scheduled for December 29, 2024, but was postponed due to the Jeju Air passenger plane crash at Muan International Airport and was instead held during the Lunar New Year holiday of the following year. Jeon Hyun-moo, Yoon Eun-hye, and Lee Jang-woo served as hosts.

As the announcement for the Best Couple Award approached, Park Wi sat alongside his wife, Song Ji-eun, while engaging in conversation with the nominees. Song Ji-eun stated, "We have no desire to win the Best Couple Award. We are ready to congratulate other nominees." Park Wi then added, "Since there is no ramp, I probably won't be able to make it," drawing immediate attention.

He explained that because he uses a wheelchair, he would not be able to reach the stage even if he were to win. Park Wi quickly clarified, "It was just a joke." In response, MC Jeon Hyun-moo said, "Please don't make jokes like that."

As Park Wi faces criticism for his approach in bringing the KTX fall incident into public discourse, this past remark is also being revisited. Some interpretations suggest it may have subtly implied that disabled individuals are victims.

On the 21st, Park Wi uploaded a video titled "Reason for Releasing CCTV Footage" on his channel 'Wiracl'. In the video, he revealed that he was injured while disembarking from a KTX train after using it for a lecture on the 14th. He explained that as he descended a ramp in his wheelchair, the wheel caught on an employee's foot, causing him to be thrown from the wheelchair and fall to the floor.

The accompanying CCTV footage captured the moment Park Wi fell from his wheelchair while going down the ramp. Recalling the incident, he said, "Suddenly, I saw a pair of feet right in front of me. My wheelchair got caught on those feet, and my body was thrown off, landing directly on the floor." He added, "Honestly, I was extremely angry. I was so furious that I couldn't think clearly, and countless thoughts raced through my mind while I was already lying on the ground. It was an incredibly dizzying situation."

Park Wi also disclosed that he felt immense fear immediately after the accident because his lower body has almost no sensation, making it difficult to assess injuries. He stated, "I've never fallen from such a height in 12 years. What's even more terrifying is that I might not even realize if I have a fracture or a crack due to lack of sensation."

He further expressed his honest feelings: "Although the employee did not intentionally cause harm, I was still angry simply because they placed their foot on the ramp." However, he urged people to refrain from directing blame at any specific individual and explained that the CCTV footage was released with the intention of highlighting the need for safety improvements, as a single mistake can lead to serious accidents.

However, after the video was made public, some pointed out that Park Wi's approach of releasing the CCTV footage despite the public service worker's apology was excessive and seemed like an attempt to target one person in anger. In response, Park Wi deleted the video and posted an apology statement.

Park Wi bowed his head and said, "At the scene where the incident occurred, the employee did their best to assist me and apologized sincerely. I failed to consider their perspective. I viewed the mistake made while trying to help me more negatively than necessary. My method of communication was immature, and my thinking was short-sighted. I apologize to everyone who worked hard at the scene." He continued, "I also deeply apologize to all viewers who watched the video. I will take your advice seriously and approach content creation with a mature attitude. Taking this incident as a lesson, I will act more cautiously and responsibly in all matters. Once again, I sincerely apologize."

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*This content was translated by AI.