Popular YouTuber 'Ipjjalbeun Haetnim' Faces Subscriber Exodus Amid Illegal Medical Practice Scandal

The controversy surrounding illegal medical practices, initially sparked by revelations from Park Na-rae's manager, has intensified as popular YouTuber 'Ipjjalbeun Haetnim' admitted to receiving medical treatment at home from the so-called 'Injection Aunt.' This admission has led to a significant drop in subscribers, with tens of thousands leaving his channel.

Ipjjalbeun Haetnim, known for his mukbang videos and appearances on tvN's variety show 'Amazing Saturday' alongside celebrities like Key and Park Na-rae, had approximately 1.76 million subscribers. However, following the controversy on the 18th, his subscriber count quickly fell to 1.75 million, and after acknowledging the home treatment and announcing a hiatus, it further dropped to 1.74 million. In less than a day, he lost 20,000 subscribers.

Ipjjalbeun Haetnim explained, "I first met the individual in question, Ms. Lee, through an introduction at a hospital in Gangnam and believed she was a doctor without suspicion." He added, "While she did visit my home on busy days, I have never been to her house."

He continued, "I should have been more careful and attentive to various circumstances, and I deeply regret not doing so." He announced, "I have decided to withdraw from all current programs and suspend all planned activities."

Ipjjalbeun Haetnim previously weathered the 'backdoor advertising controversy' in 2020 with minimal impact, distinguishing himself from other YouTubers who either took a break or ceased channel operations. At the time, he emphasized his distance from illegal advertising, stating, "You all know I'm too timid for such things," which earned him trust.

Following the current scandal, social media is abuzz with criticism, with comments like "He dodged the backdoor ad controversy, but now he's caught in illegal medical practices," "This won't just end with a short break," and "Can he really claim ignorance on this matter?"

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr