'I Am Solo' Star Young-sook Addresses Education Controversy: 'I'm Not a Fraud'

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Young-sook from the 22nd season of 'I Am Solo' has spoken out about the controversy surrounding her educational background.

On October 5th, Young-sook appeared as a guest on the channel 'Shin Jung-hwan's Three Go' to clarify the rumors that arose after her 'fraud character' comment.

Previously, during her appearance on 'I Am Solo,' Young-sook introduced herself as a 'fraud character,' which sparked interest and speculation about her educational background.

Reflecting on the situation, Young-sook shared her honest thoughts.

She said, "My fellow contestants had great jobs and were all impressive people," adding, "After introducing myself, I thought I made a big mistake by coming on 'I Am Solo.'"

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She continued, "I was drunk and thought the cameras were off when I said, 'I'm a fraud character,' but it aired," recalling the incident as a moment of self-deception.

Young-sook explained, "Everyone was so accomplished, but I wanted to show I wasn't inferior, so I said it, and it aired from the first episode," expressing regret by saying, "I shouted, 'What a crazy thing to say!'"

Following this, questions about her education arose online.

Young-sook stated, "Because I called myself a 'fraud character,' people started asking if I went to Johns Hopkins University or where I studied."

She explained, "I never wanted to go to college, but my parents, who run a daycare, encouraged me to pursue higher education."

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Young-sook revealed, "I needed an education degree to run a daycare, so I started studying later and earned a bachelor's degree through the credit bank system at Dongduk Women's University."

She emphasized, "It's equivalent to a four-year degree, a college diploma," highlighting her achievement through the credit bank system.

Young-sook admitted, "I wasn't sure how to explain it, and saying 'I'm not a fraud character' felt awkward."

She added, "I don't think college is that important in life, and I don't feel the need to downplay myself because of it."

The video and online comments received mixed reactions. Some netizens said, "I don't see why it's controversial," and "She seems honest," while others commented, "Calling herself a fraud character wasn't right," and "So it wasn't an American university."

Meanwhile, Young-sook also discussed her dating life post-'I Am Solo,' revealing, "I haven't dated since the show," and expressing her desire to have four children, saying, "I think my genes are great, so I want at least two."

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr