Yoon Kye-sang's 'Leftist' Remarks Cause Online Stir

By Cho Jae-hyon
Staff Reporter

Actor Yoon Kye-sang, a former member of now-disbanded idol boy group G.O.D., is causing a stir on the Internet for his remarks that the Korean movie circle is dominated by "leftists".

In a recent interview with GQ Korea magazine, Yoon said, "The Korean movie circle is basically left-leaning, and very hostile to (an idol-turned actor)". He also said, "What I mean by leftists is that they are very closed. I don't care even if the word causes misunderstandings. I'm saying that as I myself experienced it".

However, as his remarks ignite disputes among Internet users, Yoon posted Monday an apologetic letter under the title of "A Shameful Day" on an online cafe of his fans.

"I'm really ashamed of my ignorance. I'm sorry to my fans", Yoon said. "Frankly speaking, I have wrongly understood the meaning of the word `leftist'. The word has no political connotation. And at the same time, I don't have any prejudice against the movie circle".

Yoon also said he will "have to think by himself a lot".

Despite his apology, netizens are posting comments critical of his remarks, indicating that the disputes involving his remarks are unlikely to subside soon.

The controversy and apology came as his new movie "The Executioner", about people on death row and executioners, is to be released Thursday across the nation. Yoon plays the role of a prison guard in the movie directed by Choi Jin-ho.

Yoon debuted on the big screen in 2004 in Byeon Yeong-joo's movie "Flying Boys".