Comedian Yang Sang-guk (42) is facing continuous public backlash due to his rude words and behavior.
Once beloved for his time on KBS2’s ‘Gag Concert’, Yang Sang-guk had disappeared from the spotlight for a while. However, he recently regained attention and received new offers after appearing in the ‘War of Money’ special on MBC’s ‘How Do You Play?’.
Unfortunately, his return to the spotlight has been marred by controversy, with critics labeling him as “unlikable” due to his behavior in various broadcasts.
“Even trying to wrap it up doesn’t work”… Controversy over ‘Pinggyego’ remarks
On the 2nd, Yang Sang-guk appeared on the web variety show ‘Pinggyego’ via the channel ‘DdeunDdeun’.
While the atmosphere was generally pleasant, Yang Sang-guk’s comments caused a stir. Discussing his views on dating, he stated, “I’ve never walked a partner home. Honestly, it’s a hassle,” adding, “I heard Seoul men do it every day, but in our case (Gyeongsang-do), we just don’t.”
Listening to this, Han Sang-jin expressed concern, noting that it might be difficult for him to maintain a steady relationship. Yoo Jae-suk and Nam Chang-hee also tried to soften his remarks to wrap up the conversation.
Yoo Jae-suk tried to smooth things over, saying, “Wouldn’t you want to spend more time together because you love them? You could walk them home occasionally.”
Despite this, Yang Sang-guk pushed back, saying, “Yoo Jae-suk, if you say that one more time, I’ll scold you.” He insisted, “I usually listen to senior Yoo Jae-suk, but I don’t think that’s right. My next partner won’t have that. I’m dreaming of marriage, not just dating. I’m not at an age to be playing around.”
Later, while discussing “free dating views,” Yang Sang-guk mentioned he dislikes it when a partner checks everything, such as drinking gatherings. When Yoo Jae-suk and Nam Chang-hee suggested that such behavior could be out of safety or interest, Yang Sang-guk drew a line, saying, “That’s just Yoo Jae-suk’s dating style.”
Following this, he suddenly asked Yoo Jae-suk, “Senior, do you do your own recycling? To the public, it seems like you would.” He continued with more controversial remarks, accumulating rudeness that might have been funny once but became excessive.
After the video was released, netizens criticized him, saying, “They tried their best to wrap up Yang Sang-guk’s remarks, but it’s just not working,” “Everyone suffered trying to fix the situation throughout the video,” “The light has left Yoo Jae-suk’s eyes,” and “He needs to learn how to keep boundaries rather than just talking about dating views.”
Facing the backlash, Yang Sang-guk apologized. The day after the video was released, he left a comment on his account saying, “I am sorry for making you uncomfortable. I will be careful with my words and actions in the future.”
One netizen left a supportive comment, saying, “Many people feel uncomfortable around Yoo Jae-suk because he does clean and calm shows… I support the current Yang Sang-guk. I hope he continues his trend without being intimidated.” Yang Sang-guk replied, “Thank you for the support. I will strive to bring better laughter.”
However, despite his apology, the controversy grew as he appeared on other programs.
Ignoring the ‘Romantic Couple’ concept… Shouting and rude remarks on ‘Amazing Saturday’
On the 9th, Yang Sang-guk appeared as a guest on tvN’s ‘Amazing Saturday’ alongside Kim Hae-jun and Na Bo-ram.
Kim Hae-jun and Na Bo-ram stayed true to their ‘Romantic Couple’ concept. Yang Sang-guk had also joined ‘How Do You Play?’ as an uncle character within that same universe, which had gained popularity online. However, he completely ignored the concept throughout the broadcast until Kim Hae-jun expressed disappointment.
The rude remarks continued. When asked how he felt about being on ‘Amazing Saturday’, he pointed at Kim Dong-hyun and Moon Se-yoon, saying, “Looking at it now, there are many messes here. What are those guys? It’s hard to make money. They’re struggling.” He also repeatedly told the host, Boom, “You talk too much. You need to reduce your talking.”
The episode featured Yang Sang-guk shouting, using informal language, and making rude comments. He even kicked Kim Hae-jun, who had appeared to calm him down by asking, “Are you really not going to stop?”
Kim Hae-jun appeared flustered, saying, “You’re actually kicking me?”
Netizens reacted by saying, “It’s absurd and disloyal that he doesn’t acknowledge the ‘Romantic Couple’ universe that helped him get popular,” “The fact that he resorts to physical action was all captured on screen,” “He needs to know when enough is enough,” and “Something rough has come out.”
It ended well, but controversy returns… Telling Jang Do-yeon she is “empty-headed”
Amidst the criticism, remarks from his appearance on MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ back in March also resurfaced.
Appearing in the “Final Boss of This Area! Gazua” special with Oh Seung-hwan, Lee Chul-min, and Jo Hyun-ah, Yang Sang-guk reunited with Jang Do-yeon, his former colleague from KBS2’s ‘Gag Concert’.
Yang Sang-guk targeted Jang Do-yeon, saying he wanted to expose her true nature. He remarked, “Jang Do-yeon became more successful than I thought. She was pretty good at comedy, but her head is empty.”
Jo Hyun-ah tried to soften the blow by saying, “She’s been reading a lot of books lately, so she’s filled it up,” but Yang Sang-guk snapped, “That’s what I hate to see.”
He continued, “She originally had a clumsy image. At some point, while MCing, she suddenly got a ‘brainy’ image. I heard she told the production team, ‘Is there some kind of issue?’ in a contemptuous way when she heard I was appearing on ‘Radio Star’.”
Jang Do-yeon clarified, “If I told the production team, it would obviously get back to you. Do you really think I spoke with contempt?”
Yang Sang-guk eventually wrapped up by saying, “Jang Do-yeon was a truly wonderful colleague,” and “I’m happy she’s doing so well, though I’m also envious.”
Although the atmosphere ended on a pleasant note, netizens have since viewed the episode critically. Comments include, “Doesn’t he know that comedy based on belittling others isn’t acceptable these days?” and “Is the only thing he can do comedy that puts others down?”
While the video didn’t cause a huge stir when first released, it is now being mentioned again due to his repeated controversial behavior.
On the 12th, Yang Sang-guk shared his feelings about the controversies in an exclusive interview with OSEN. He stated, “Since these are words given after watching the broadcasts, I intend to take them to heart. This is my first time experiencing such great interest and critical reactions, so I didn’t know how to handle it. That’s why I couldn’t say much, but I am listening to everything.”
Regarding the ‘Pinggyego’ remarks, he explained that he was “acting tough” for his broadcast image. He clarified, “In my last relationship, I walked her home every day for two years. I felt that as a ‘Gyeongsang-do man’ character, I shouldn’t say that, so I spoke strongly.”
Yang Sang-guk also appeared as a guest on KBS2’s ‘Problem Child in House’, where he reportedly opened up about the criticism. As he has entered a new peak in his career, attention is focused on his reflection and the new image he will show.
