A Korean celebrity has sparked mixed reactions online after mentioning JTBC’s crisis.
Recently, a video titled “I’m Not Unemployed Yet – JTBC Work Vlog” was posted on YouTube by Lee Na Yeon, a JTBC golf announcer-turned-broadcaster.
In the video, after a meeting in Pangyo, she moves to the JTBC headquarters, showing her daily routine of golf recordings and Chinese lessons. She said, “I’m still doing golf recordings. It’s still okay,” and shared updates, “I’m working, having meetings, and also handling my own tasks in between.”
Inside the building, she cautiously remarked, “Can I say this? Is the company struggling? The air conditioning isn’t working. It’s so hot,” adding, “Would this really have an impact? They won’t fire me for saying this, right?”
In the video description, she expressed, “I’ve been broadcasting hard, and the company went bankrupt…? Don’t laugh. I’m serious,” and revealed, “If I have to leave this company, I felt a bit depressed wondering if I could return to announcing.”
She later added, “Fortunately, there are no major problems with the company or broadcasting yet, but I’m considering a second future,” hinting at future plans.
After the video’s release, online opinions were divided. Some netizens commented, “It seems reckless for someone influential to openly mention the company’s difficulties,” “As a member of the team, they should have considered the repercussions of their words,” and “It could look like fanning the flames of a burning house.”
On the other hand, supporters said, “She was just honestly expressing her worries and anxious feelings about the company,” “It’s a realistic confession of a worker’s concerns; excessive criticism is too much,” and “A natural confession about her concerns for her future,” sparking a heated debate.
Last month, JTBC declared default after failing to repay ₩20.6 billion KRW (about $14.0 million USD) in securitized loans by maturity. The company then filed for restructuring proceedings, and the Seoul Bankruptcy Court is currently postponing the decision on initiating the procedure for a month, in order to proceed with the voluntary restructuring support process.