On July 19, he made his comeback on an MBC lecture show. During his appearance, he apologized for his missteps, recounted 3 1/2 years of deep reflection and committed to fulfilling his role as a history popularizer going forward.
For Jung Sang-gyu, a history writer and public intellectual, Seol's saga epitomizes the harm that the nation's unforgiving cancel culture can inflict on both individuals and the broader public interest.
"It seems that the Korean public expects broadcasters and lecturers to uphold ethical standards similar to those of politicians," Jung told Aju Press.
"In Korea, when someone becomes wealthy and famous, any moral failings are met with harsh scrutiny and unforgiving attitudes in most cases."
Jung gained popularity for collecting materials on lesser-known Korean independence fighters during the Japanese colonization period (1910–1945). For these efforts, he became the youngest recipient of the Order of Cultural Merit in 2018.
Despite the scandal, Jung supports his comeback, emphasizing his efforts to make history engaging and captivating to the public are valuable.
He drew a distinction between influencers like Seol and academic scholars.
"Unlike scholars, a history influencer aims to explain knowledge as clearly as possible to as many people as possible in an engaging and entertaining way," Jung explained.
He called for a more nuanced approach to judging influencers who have made ethical mistakes, arguing that those who show genuine reform should be given a second chance.
He praised Seol's sincere willingness to admit his mistakes and his efforts to make amends. During the MBC show, "Heart of Broadcasting: Speakers," Seol again acknowledged his negligence in research and carelessness with citations and footnotes.
Seol also revealed that he had re-enrolled in Yonsei University's graduate program in history education after his master's degree was canceled.
"Although influencers' accountability is crucial, so is forgiveness and recognition of their contributions," Jung said.
"Allowing space for redemption helps create an environment where people can learn from their mistakes and continue to make positive contributions."
This photo shows Cho Min, the daughter of Korean liberal politician Cho Kuk. This screenshot image was captured from Cho's YouTube channel.Jung also discussed Cho Min, daughter of liberal politician Cho Kuk, as another example of Koreans' harsh attitudes toward public figures.
In a politically charged scandal dating back to 2019, Cho Min has been criticized for admission fraud and false credentials.
Cho Min launched her YouTube channel in November 2021, showcasing a variety of travel and daily life content. The channel has about 417,000 subscribers. Her activities faced relentless criticism, mostly from those with politically conservative views.
"Cho Min's case has been amplified due to her father's prominence. She has likely faced much more scrutiny than she would have otherwise," he said. "If her father hadn't been a prominent figure, she wouldn't have attracted as much attention."
Jung believes that scandals can arise anytime and anywhere because they attract attention as one's visibility increases.
"Instead of reacting emotionally, a proper response is needed. A sincere apology, self-reflection, and atonement are necessary, and the response should be acceptable to everyone, like Seol's," he said.
"It is good to avoid avoidable pain, but if the pain is unavoidable, I think it is more important to accept it quickly and take a step forward."
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
