Ji So-yeon and Yang Mi-ra's Japan Trip Controversy

Actress Ji So-yeon faced controversy after releasing a YouTube video of her trip to Japan with actress Yang Mi-ra just before the March 1st Independence Movement Day. She has since made the video private and issued an apology.

The video, filmed on February 11th, featured Ji So-yeon saying, "It's been so long since I traveled without my family, I can't even imagine it, but I think I needed physical rest and mental rest." However, some netizens criticized her for posting a Japan travel video just hours before March 1st.

Netizens raised concerns, asking, "I'm curious why you would post a Japan travel video right before March 1st," and "I wish you would think of the many ancestors who sacrificed for independence, at least on March 1st." Others commented, "Other people go on trips to Japan all the time," and "It's too harsh on celebrities."

As the controversy grew, Ji So-yeon apologized, stating, "It was my oversight not to have deeply considered the significance of the posting timing." She explained that the decision to schedule and release the video was entirely hers, and that Yang Mi-ra, who accompanied her, was unaware of any related issues.

Ji So-yeon reiterated her apology and pledged to act with more caution and responsibility, stating, "I will more carefully consider the social context and timing in all processes of planning and releasing content."