Kang Hyung Wook, celebrity animal trainer and CEO of Bodum Company has issued an apology.
On June 26, Kang Hyung Wook stated, "Over the past month, I have had time to deeply reflect on my life, and as the CEO, I feel a profound sense of devastation and shame for the path I have walked." He continued, "I deeply regret not showing a more responsible demeanor, and I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt disappointed and hurt upon hearing the news."
Two former employees of Bodum Company recently accused Kang Hyung Wook and his wife of violating the Information and Communications Network Act. He responded by committing to cooperate fully with the investigation to uncover the truth.
Kang Hyung Wook also emphasized that he would take decisive legal action against those who have caused unnecessary misunderstandings about him and his family based on unverified information, spread false accusations, or filed false charges.
Kang Hyung Wook revealed, "My heart is also greatly hurt. However, having received so much love from many people over the years, I believe it is only right that I endure this pain."
He added, "I plan to step back from my role as CEO and devote myself to my original profession as a trainer. I am drawing strength from the comments and emails of support from many who await my training videos. I intend to repay them by showing even more dedication as a trainer."
Moreover, Kang Hyung Wook stated, "I am now trying to gather the courage to return to a normal life where I can go for walks with my family and pets. If we meet on the street, I will humbly accept whatever you say, and I promise to show a more mature and responsible side as a professional trainer."
Previously, Kang Hyung Wook became embroiled in a controversy over workplace abuse after reviews by former employees of Bodum Company spread on an online community last month. These employees accused Kang of insulting them, monitoring them with nine CCTV cameras at work, scrutinizing their personal lives through social media, and paying them as little as 9,670 KRW (~6.93 USD).
After remaining silent for a while, Kang Hyung Wook refuted the allegations point by point on his YouTube channel 'Kang Hyung Wook's Bodum TV' on the 24th of last month. However, some former employees continue to allege workplace abuse, perpetuating the conflict.
Meanwhile, 'Dog is Incredible' halted broadcasting for four weeks starting from the 20th of last month due to the controversy surrounding Kang Hyung Wook and resumed broadcasting without him.
Read Kang Hyung Wook's full statement below:
"Hello, This is dog trainer Kang Hyung Wook.
Over the past month, I have had time to deeply reflect on my life, and as the CEO, I feel a profound sense of devastation and shame for the path I have walked." He continued, "I deeply regret not showing a more responsible demeanor, and I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt disappointed and hurt upon hearing the news.
I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been disappointed or hurt by the news about me. I am truly sorry.
Recently, I heard that complaints have been filed against my wife and me at the police station. I will participate earnestly in the investigation to uncover the truth. However, I must state that I will take firm legal action against those who have caused unnecessary misunderstandings about me and my family with unverified information, spread baseless falsehoods, or filed false accusations.
My heart is also greatly hurt. However, having received so much love from many people over the years, I believe it is only right that I endure this pain.
I plan to step back from my role as CEO and devote myself to my original profession as a trainer. I am drawing strength from the comments and emails of support from many who await my training videos. I intend to repay them by showing even more dedication as a trainer.
Lastly, I am now trying to muster the courage to return to a normal life where I can go for walks with my family and our pets.
If we meet on the street, I will humbly accept whatever you say. I have missed seeing you all.
Going forward, I will demonstrate greater professionalism and responsibility as a trainer and show a more mature side. Thank you."
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