Raising your foot to show anger? Korail station staff on 'Park Wi controversy': "You must press down firmly on the ramp"[Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

In connection with the controversy surrounding YouTuber Park Wi’s release of CCTV footage, a Korail station employee stated that placing one’s foot on the ramp is a common practice.

MBC Standard FM’s “Kim Jong-bae’s Focus” discussed the Park Wi-related controversy on the 25th.

On that day, Korail station employee A, in a telephone interview, explained: “Most machines do not touch the ground when first installed. You have to press them down firmly with your foot. That’s usually how it’s done; otherwise, they become unstable.” He added, “If this works well, it’s fine, but if it doesn’t, it simply won’t work.”

He further noted, “Older models seem to fit less well than newer ones. There may also be issues related to aging equipment.”

In response, writer Yoo Seung-min said, “It appears this has become a kind of shared know-how. Since the machines are quite heavy and must be adjusted manually, foot-trapping accidents can occur during this process. In reality, two people should handle it together, yet cases where only one person responds are extremely common.”

Earlier, on the 21st, Park Wi released a video titled “The Reason for Releasing CCTV Footage” through his YouTube channel ‘Wi-racle’. He stated that he suffered an accident while disembarking after using KTX for a lecture on the 14th. Park Wi explained that as he descended the ramp in his wheelchair, the wheel caught on the staff member’s foot, causing him to be thrown from the wheelchair and fall to the floor.

The CCTV footage released alongside the statement captured the moment Park Wi fell from his wheelchair while going down the ramp. Recalling the incident, Park Wi said, “Suddenly, I saw a foot right in front of me. My wheelchair caught on that foot, and my body was thrown off, landing on the floor.” He added, “Honestly, I was extremely angry. I was so furious that I couldn’t think clearly; countless thoughts raced through my mind while I was already lying on the ground. It was an incredibly dizzying situation.”

Park Wi also revealed that he felt great fear because, given his near-total lack of sensation in his lower body, it would be difficult to determine whether he had been injured immediately after the accident. He said, “I have never fallen from such a height in 12 years. What’s even more terrifying is that I might not realize if I’ve suffered a fracture or a crack due to my lack of sensation.”

He further shared his honest feelings: “Although the staff member did not intentionally do anything, I was still angry simply because they placed their foot on the ramp.” However, he urged people to refrain from directing criticism at any specific individual and explained that he released the CCTV footage with the intention of highlighting the need for safety improvements, as a single mistake can lead to a major accident.

However, after the video was made public, some pointed out that Park Wi’s approach—publicly releasing CCTV footage despite the public service worker having already apologized and singling out one individual—was excessive. In response, Park Wi deleted the video and posted an apology statement.

Park Wi bowed his head and said, “At the time of the incident, I failed to consider the staff member’s position who did their utmost to assist me at the scene and apologized politely.” He continued, “I viewed only negatively a mistake that occurred in the process of trying to help me better. My method of communication was immature, and my thinking was short-sighted. I apologize to everyone who worked hard at the scene.” Park Wi added, “I also deeply apologize to all viewers who watched the video. I will take your advice seriously and approach future content creation with a more mature attitude. Taking this incident as an opportunity, 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.