"His Wife Is a Public Official"... Kwaktube Sponsorship Controversy Under Anti-Corruption Review Despite Explanation

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission is currently reviewing whether the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act applies to the controversy surrounding YouTuber Kwaktube (Junbin Kwak) and the sponsorship received by his spouse at a postpartum care center.

On April 13, Sports Kyunghyang reported that the Department of Improper Solicitation and Graft Act at the Commission's Anti-Corruption Bureau received a civil inquiry on April 10 regarding the matter and is examining the possibility of applying the law.

YouTuber Kwaktube (real name Junbin Kwak) became embroiled in controversy over the labeling of 'sponsorship' related to postpartum care center usage. Screenshot from Kwaktube's social media.

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According to the report, the inquiry seeks a determination on six key issues, including: ▲ whether benefits enjoyed directly by a spouse can be considered as received by the public official; ▲ whether promotional effects from a YouTuber alone can establish a work-related connection; ▲ and whether the difference in upgrade costs should be used as a basis for calculating the value of goods or services, among others.

Previously, on April 1, Kwaktube sparked controversy after posting a photo taken at the postpartum care center with the hashtag "sponsorship," which he later deleted. His agency, SM C&C, explained, "It was not a full sponsorship; only a room upgrade and some services were provided." They further clarified, "We revised the post because the use of the broad term 'sponsorship' in the initial post could have given the impression that all fees were covered."

However, the controversy intensified due to the fact that the price difference between postpartum care center room grades can range from at least 3.6 million won to as much as 18 million won, and that his spouse is currently a public official. Given that most of the benefits of such centers are directed toward mothers, some have pointed out that if the public official spouse was the actual beneficiary, it could constitute a violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, which prohibits the receipt of improper solicitations and valuables.

Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act stipulates that public officials may not receive valuables exceeding 1 million won per instance or 3 million won annually from the same source, regardless of whether the gift is related to their work. The law covers not only cash, but also accommodation, services, and the provision of conveniences.

Ultimately, on April 10, Kwaktube stated via his YouTube channel, "Through legal consultation, it has been confirmed that this was a private contract between myself and the care center, unrelated to my spouse's work." He added, "Nevertheless, as a family member of a public official, I should have been more cautious," and apologized. He also revealed, "I have already paid the full amount of the sponsored difference to the care center," and announced, "Reflecting on my lack of consideration, I plan to donate 30 million won to support single mothers, something I have long wanted to do."

He further stated, "Not only will I adhere to legal standards, but I will also reflect more deeply on my social responsibilities and put them into practice," and expressed his sincere apologies to anyone who felt uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, Kwaktube married a current public official in October last year and welcomed a son on March 24 of this year.

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