“Why are you apologizing to us?” Netizens furious over Kim Young-kwang’s apology stressing ‘no charges’ in road-rage case

[Financial News] Former national soccer team goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang has personally apologized over the road-rage controversy, but the public reaction remains decidedly cold. The gap between the tone of his apology, which emphasized that he had been cleared of charges, and the upright image he has usually projected on television seems to have further deepened public disappointment.
On the 9th, Kim Young-kwang posted an official apology on social media (SNS) over the recent road-rage controversy. He first stated the legal outcome of the case, saying, “I fully cooperated with the police investigation into this matter and the case was not referred to prosecutors, with a no-charge finding.”
He went on to say, “This has made me reflect on my judgment and actions while driving. I was reminded once again that on the road, I must also consider other people’s safety and perspective.” He added, “Separate from the legal judgment on what happened at the time, I take seriously that my driving may have caused others anxiety or discomfort. I will not take this lightly or try to justify it.”
But even after the apology was posted, public opinion remains icy. Netizens say Kim Young-kwang’s apology was directed at the wrong people. Criticism has poured into online communities and the comments sections of related articles: “Shouldn’t he apologize directly to the taxi driver who was harmed, rather than to the public who supported him?” “It strongly feels like he’s making excuses by leading with the fact that he did nothing wrong legally.” “It’s even more absurd that he claims to have only now realized basic driving etiquette.”
Above all, the positive persona he had built through television has come back to haunt him. Kim Young-kwang, who has recently been active on variety shows and YouTube, has often cultivated a righteous image of being tough on the powerful and gentle with the vulnerable.
The public is expressing discomfort with the contrast between his on-screen persona and real-life behavior. “We laughed it off when he regaled viewers on TV with tales of how good he was at fighting, but it’s disappointing to see him show that side of himself on actual roads.” “He acted so righteous, yet couldn’t even control his anger.”
One fan who said they had supported him for many years, going back to his time with Jeonnam Dragons, also voiced deep disappointment: “The no-charge finding isn’t the point. Anyone could see it was road rage after he cut in recklessly, and he was the one who caused the situation in the first place.” The fan added, “It’s heartbreaking that a public figure, who should be careful about every single thing he does, could behave in such a threatening way.”
Kim Young-kwang may have escaped legal punishment, but he has failed to win the public back. Attention is now focused on how he will overcome this crisis of trust.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter