"No Intent to Belittle or Disparage"... Yoon Sung-bin Apologizes for Kangaroo Tribe Remarks Controversy

Former skeleton national team athlete Yoon Sung-bin apologized after controversy arose over his derogatory remarks about the 'Kangaroo Tribe.' On the 19th, Yoon Sung-bin stated on his YouTube channel, "I sincerely apologize to viewers who were angered and hurt by my remarks in the recently uploaded video and my subsequent response," adding, "I failed to consider that my facial expressions, tone, and attitude during the delivery of my words could appear to belittle or disparage someone, and I apologize once again for my actions."

I am skeleton national team athlete Yoon Sung-bin. YouTube

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Yoon Sung-bin said, "I want to clarify that I never intended to belittle or disparage anyone," and added, "As many have pointed out, I am largely ignorant of the overall social atmosphere and various aspects, and my intention was to ask questions out of curiosity." He also emphasized, "Regardless of my ignorance and intentions, I sincerely apologize for not responding quickly to the current situation. I will continuously remind myself of these shortcomings, reflect on them, and work to improve."

In the YouTube video released by Yoon Sung-bin on the 13th, he is seen having a conversation with the filming staff about the Kangaroo Tribe. The Kangaroo Tribe refers to children who are of an age to be independent but still financially depend on their parents.

During a meal, when the staff said, "Nowadays, many people in their 30s are part of the Kangaroo Tribe," Yoon Sung-bin asked, "Why is that? Why don't they become independent?" When the staff replied, "Because they don't have money," Yoon asked, "Is it because they don't have money, or because they just spend it recklessly? If they are working, why don't they have money? Is it because the cost of living is high?" The staff then explained, "After paying rent and living expenses, there is nothing left," to which Yoon responded, "Can't they just save on living expenses?" showing a lack of understanding.

However, the staff later explained, "If you earn minimum wage, your monthly salary is 2.3 million won, but 1 million won goes to management fees and rent. So you have to live on 1.3 million won, and after food and transportation costs, very little remains." Yoon then said, "When you're a newcomer, it might be okay to live at your parents' house," showing a more understanding attitude.

Following the video, comments criticized Yoon Sung-bin for being ignorant and disparaging the Kangaroo Tribe, while others expressed sympathy with his remarks.

According to Statistics Korea, as of 2022, 81% of Koreans in their 20s live with their parents, ranking first among the 36 countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for which data is available.

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