"If the man is the perpetrator, is the woman to blame?" Kim Yubin apologizes for 'n번방' offensive remarks, parents also apologize

Published 26 Mar.2020 11:08(KST)

Updated 26 Mar.2020 21:19(KST)

Direct message on social networking service (SNS) sent by Yubin Kim's mother. Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Regarding the 'Telegram Nth Room Case' (Nth Room Case), in which sexual exploitation materials were produced and distributed for money on the messenger Telegram, child musical actor Kim Yubin (16), who was embroiled in controversy due to reckless remarks, has apologized twice and her parents have also come forward to ask for forgiveness.

On the 25th, Kim Yubin's father said in an interview with a media outlet, "Kim Yubin posted a reckless message without fully understanding the story related to the 'Nth Room Case,'" adding, "Currently, the child is suffering due to 'doxxing.' Since this was a mistake made at a young age, we hope for lenient forgiveness."

He also reportedly appealed, "Please consider Kim Yubin's future," and said, "Excessive 'doxxing' is a harsh social death sentence."

Earlier, Kim Yubin's mother also expressed her apology through direct messages on social networking services (SNS).

Kim Yubin's mother said, "I thought such a post was inappropriate and told him to take it down immediately after reprimanding him," adding, "This is not about defending my son, but he is still being reprimanded at this moment and trying to correct his mistakes. We will properly educate him at home and ensure that no further harm comes to the victims."

She continued, "I have been working hard day and night to raise my child well, but this incident has been very difficult," and added, "I hope that only personal information will be taken down as he will continue to make efforts and reflect on his actions."

Musical child actor Kim Yubin posted on her Facebook story on the 24th. Photo by Online Community Capture

On the 24th, Kim Yubin posted on her Facebook story, "Did I watch the Nth Room? You f***ers. They say there are 270,000 f***ers in South Korea, so does that mean you are practically a f***er too?" and "I'm scared that there might be f***ers near me. How is this any different?"

After the post caused controversy, Kim Yubin switched her Instagram account to private.

She then posted apologies twice on her Twitter account. On the 25th, Kim Yubin wrote on her Twitter account, "I apologize to those who were upset by the story I posted without thinking," explaining, "The story was written in anger because there were people who asked me if I had ever entered the Nth Room and treated all men in South Korea as criminals."

Later, Kim Yubin posted again, saying, "I am deeply reflecting on the comments you are leaving about my words and actions," and "I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt and distressed by my momentary mistake. I am truly sorry."

Meanwhile, Kim Yubin debuted in 2013 with the opera 'Tosca' and appeared in the 2014 EBS 1TV children's program 'Meokbo Dinosaur Tino.'

*If you are experiencing difficulties due to illegal filming or distribution of photos or videos, threats using such materials, or sexual harassment in cyberspace, you can receive support from the Women's Emergency Hotline 1366 and the Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center (02-735-8994).