"Not a Sponsorship, but an Upgrade": Why Controversy Grows Over Kwak Tube's Postpartum Care Center Explanation

YouTuber Kwak Tube (real name Kwak Junbin) has become embroiled in a controversy regarding the labeling of 'sponsorship' related to the use of a postpartum care center, drawing attention to the cost structure and legal standards of such facilities.

On April 1, Kwak Tube posted a photo on his social networking service (SNS) that appeared to be taken at a postpartum care center, accompanied by the word 'sponsorship.' He later deleted the term. As the controversy grew, his agency, SM C&C, explained, "It was not a sponsorship; he only received a room upgrade."

YouTuber Kwak Tube (real name Kwak Junbin) became embroiled in a controversy over the labeling of 'sponsorship' related to the use of a postpartum care center. Kwak Tube SNS

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However, the controversy has not subsided even after the explanation. The issue intensified as the fees for the postpartum care center in question became public. According to industry sources, postpartum care centers in Korea typically offer services on a two-week basis. The average cost ranges from about 3 million to 5 million won, but in the Seoul metropolitan area or at premium facilities, prices can reach 7 million to 10 million won. Some premium care centers charge as much as 6.9 million won for a royal room, 10.5 million won for a suite, and 25 million won for a presidential suite, highlighting significant price disparities.

Even if, as the agency claimed, he only received a room upgrade, the price difference between room categories is estimated to be at least 3.6 million won and can exceed 18 million won. As a result, a key point of debate is whether this should be considered a simple service or a substantial benefit of high value. At the core of the controversy is the Act on the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft (commonly known as the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act).

Article 8 of this law stipulates that public officials may not receive goods or benefits exceeding 1 million won per instance or 3 million won annually from the same person, regardless of whether it is related to their official duties. The law defines 'goods' broadly to include not just money but also accommodation, services, or convenience. In particular, receiving more than 1 million won per instance, regardless of job relevance, can result in criminal penalties. This has led to differing interpretations of whether this case constitutes a violation of those standards.

The service structure of postpartum care centers is also fueling the debate. These centers primarily focus on the recovery of mothers, with most benefits such as meal management, massages, breastfeeding education, and laundry services dedicated to them. Key facilities like breast pumps and sitz bath machines are also for mothers. Accordingly, questions have been raised as to whether a spouse with public official status could be considered the actual beneficiary, making them subject to the law. Some argue that regardless of the promotional intent for influencers, the real issue is that high-value services were ultimately provided to the mother.

Moreover, this controversy is evolving from a matter of 'sponsorship labeling' to a broader debate on fairness regarding the practice of providing expensive services to influencers and certain celebrities. As the gap in perceived benefits compared to ordinary citizens becomes more apparent, it is also triggering feelings of relative deprivation and prompting social discussions on fairness.

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