Travel YouTuber 1G Apologizes Again Amid Employee Work Environment Controversy

Travel YouTuber 1G (real name Lee Wonji) has issued another apology amidst ongoing controversy regarding her employees' work environment. This marks her third apology following two previous statements.

On December 4th, 1G uploaded a video titled 'Hello, this is Lee Wonji' on her YouTube channel '원지의 하루.'

In the video, 1G expressed her sincere apologies, stating, "I am truly sorry for causing concern and worry regarding the office controversy." She admitted, "I have always emphasized the importance of ventilation, yet I failed to address this, causing discomfort to my team members, for which I deeply apologize."

1G further explained, "After the controversy, we transitioned to remote work for our employees," adding, "We are no longer using the office in question and are discussing future operations with the team."

She also shared that she sought advice from a shared office space due to her lack of knowledge about office environments, capturing her consultation on camera. The subtitles read, 'I was able to learn about the overall office environment.' 1G mentioned, "Besides shared offices, I am carefully researching office spaces through real estate and other means."

1G provided a detailed look at the controversial office location and its surroundings. The office, located on the second basement floor, was connected to a communal plaza. As reported, the interior was small, with the office and storage space divided equally. There was no water dispenser or pantry, only a small air purifier and microwave.

1G explained, "There was an office I used with the company CEO, but as more employees joined, I had to leave." She added, "Due to my impulsive nature, I immediately paid a deposit for the controversial office on the same day I was told to vacate the previous one."

She admitted, "I realize my impulsive nature shows a lack of leadership qualities, and I am continuously reflecting on this." 1G continued, "I think I tried to run the business like I travel. This experience, regardless of scale, has taught me humility. I appreciate both the criticism and support."

1G promised, "Moving forward, I will only take on what I can handle without being greedy and will organize things properly." She assured viewers that she would relocate the office as soon as possible and share updates.

Addressing other rumors, 1G clarified that the Hannam-dong office is not her property, and the agency's CEO is not her husband, stating, "I have no connection to it. The office belongs to an agency where I hold no shares, and the CEO is a completely unrelated person."

Previously, on November 20th, 1G introduced her office via YouTube. The workspace was a cramped 6-pyeong area on the second basement floor, lacking ventilation. The video revealed that three employees worked there, sparking controversy. Viewers criticized the conditions, saying, "It feels suffocating," "Is this a chicken coop?" and "It's too poor."

On the day of the controversy, 1G acknowledged, "As it's my first office, there are many areas where I lack experience," and promised to "accept feedback and show improvement." She issued a second apology on the same day.

However, netizens continued to criticize 1G, saying, "You're really mean," and "Despite your background in architecture and office work, you placed employees on the second basement floor while being obsessed with ventilation yourself."

As a result of the controversy, 1G's YouTube channel subscribers dropped from 1.02 million to 980,000 as of 11 PM on December 4th.

Reported by Dayeon Jung, TENASIA light@tenasia.co.kr