Travel YouTuber Wonji, Controversy Over '6-Pyeong Office Without Windows'... Criticism of Employee Treatment Spreads

Popular travel YouTuber Wonji (Lee Won-ji), who has about 1 million subscribers, has sparked controversy over the poor working conditions of his office environment. Some viewers have strongly criticized his office conditions, claiming they are at a 'black company' level.

On the 20th, Wonji posted a video titled 'Looking for a 6-Pyeong Office' on his YouTube channel 'Wonji's Day'. The video showed three employees working in a cramped space of about 6 pyeong ($19.8\text{㎡}$) located on the second basement floor and without windows.

Working Environment in Contrast to 'Business Class'

Immediately after the video was released, criticism poured in, especially on online communities. Netizens reacted by saying, "If a 1 million YouTuber's office is in this condition, isn't it a black company?", "How can you have an office in a place without windows on the second basement floor?", and "Three people in 6 pyeong is like a prison level".

This controversy was particularly highlighted as it starkly contrasted with Wonji's usual videos where he showcases using business class on airplanes or buying luxury goods. Additionally, there were criticisms pointing out the contradiction with his past statements about changing jobs due to stress from his previous company.

"Misunderstanding of Ventilation System"... Video Deleted and Clarification Made

As the controversy spread, Wonji made the video private and posted a lengthy apology.

He stated, "The video alone may not have sufficiently conveyed the ventilation system or structure of the entire building, which could lead to it being perceived somewhat differently from the actual environment," and added, "I thought there could be misunderstandings or inconveniences for those using the same building, so I made it private."

Wonji gained recognition as a travel YouTuber by appearing on ENA's entertainment show 'Earth Monopoly World Travel', and he announced his marriage earlier this year.