Lee Su-ji issues handwritten apology over re-election mockery controversy

Broadcaster Lee Su-ji has issued a handwritten apology two weeks after sparking controversy for "mocking re-elections." She admitted her shortcomings, stating, "Regardless of my intention to create laughter, I ultimately caused hurt and discomfort."

On the 1st, Lee posted the handwritten note via the community tab of her YouTube channel 'Hot Issue Ji.'

"I sincerely bow my head in apology to everyone who felt discomfort and disappointment due to the recent episode of 'The Real Extreme Job: Civil Servant,'" she stated.

She continued, "It is also my fault and responsibility, without excuse, that I failed to respond quickly and apologize to those whose feelings were hurt. Regardless of my intention to create laughter, I am taking it heavily that I ultimately caused hurt and discomfort to someone."

Lee also explained the reason for the delay in her response.

"The Blue Dragon Series Awards was the first official occasion where I stood before you after this incident," Lee shared. "I took the stage amidst many thoughts, but I felt it was insufficient to fully convey my heart in that setting. Although late, I am leaving this note because I wanted to convey my sincerity directly."

She also emphasized her responsibility as a comedian.

"As a comedian who should provide laughter, I should have been more cautious," she reflected. "I failed to fully realize that my acting and content could come across as hurt and unpleasantness to someone."

She promised, "I will use this incident as an opportunity to reflect more deeply on myself. I will strive to become a comedian who delivers healthy laughter that many people can empathize with, by maintaining a more cautious attitude and a greater sense of responsibility."

Finally, she added, "I sincerely apologize once again to everyone who was hurt and disappointed by my shortcomings. I will take this matter heavily, take sufficient time to reorganize myself, and return to you with a more cautious and responsible appearance."

The controversy began with the YouTube content 'Kim Ji-young's Iron Rice Bowl Protection,' which was released on the 14th of last month.

In the video, Lee appeared as 'Gi Mi-jeong,' a first-year civil servant, but criticism arose because the voices of protesters shouting "re-election" were inserted into the background, which critics argued depicted a legitimate protest as a malicious nuisance.

As the controversy grew, the production team deleted the scene, but criticism continued as no official statement was initially released. Ultimately, Lee addressed the matter directly with her handwritten apology two weeks after the incident occurred.