'I Am Solo' Season 28 Young-soo Speaks Out: "I Didn't Disappear, and I'm Sorry for the Damage to Shareholders" [Full Text]

[Sportschosun Reporter Jo Min-jeong] Kim Ha-seop, CEO of Medipresso, who became known as Young-soo in NA and SBS Plus's 'I Am Solo' Season 28, has released his first official statement since the controversy over the company's bankruptcy.

On the 20th, Kim posted a lengthy message on his social networking service (SNS) account and apologized for the recent bankruptcy controversy surrounding Medipresso and the damage suffered by investors.

He said, "I started my career at SK hynix and later challenged myself to start a business, running the company for the past eight years." He added, "The company went through repeated crises and periods of growth, but last year it was hit by a series of internal and external setbacks and faced serious difficulties." He continued, "I even put in my personal assets and tried to save the company, but in the end it entered court receivership in June this year," and added, "Not only the company's assets, but most of my own property was also lost." He then bowed his head and said, "I sincerely apologize for causing damage to shareholders."

Kim also addressed recent claims that he had become unreachable.

He explained, "I changed my mobile phone number, and I think that caused some misunderstandings because people could not reach me." He added, "I did not avoid contact or disappear on purpose. I have consistently tried to communicate through group chats and SNS." He also said, "In the end, everything happened because of my shortcomings," and added, "All responsibility lies with me. I am sorry to those around me, and I have no face to show them." He went on to say, "I do not think one failure means a lifetime of failure," and added, "I will use this experience as a stepping stone to grow more, do my best with the life I have been given, and live with greater effort."

Medipresso had previously come under fire after it was reported in May that the company had filed for bankruptcy with the Court. Investors later protested, arguing that the bankruptcy filing had been disclosed too late, and some shareholders were reportedly considering legal action. The controversy grew further after reports said that at a shareholders' meeting held earlier this month, Kim explained plans to normalize management and then again informed attendees of the bankruptcy filing.

Founded in 2016, Medipresso drew attention for products that turned traditional herbal tea into capsule form and successfully attracted multiple rounds of investment. However, as its performance worsened and management difficulties continued, the company eventually entered court receivership.

Meanwhile, Kim Ha-seop appeared on Season 28 of 'I Am Solo' last year as Young-soo, drawing attention as a participant who had previously served as a company CEO.

The following is Kim Ha-seop's full statement.

Hello. I am Kim Ha-seop, who appeared on I Am Solo as Young-soo in Season 28. I have never once posted a message online to organize my thoughts, but this time I gathered the courage to write a few imperfect lines for the first time.

I started my first job at SK hynix in my 20s, and when I entered my 30s, I felt that I could not wait any longer. So I started a company called Medipresso with a small but sincere dream, and I ran it for nearly eight years. Then, in my 40s, I happened to appear on a program called I Am Solo. Seeing viewers who liked my awkward and imperfect side on the show made me truly grateful. SK hynix in my 20s, Medipresso in my 30s, and I Am Solo in my 40s are the most precious memories of my life, memories that I can never replace with anything else.

My company went through various crises and periods of growth over the past eight years, but last year it was hit all at once by a series of internal and external setbacks. Unable to overcome them, it ran into a cash crunch starting at the end of last year. I did everything I could to get through the crisis, even pouring in my personal wealth as an emergency measure, but in the end the company entered court receivership in June this year. We are now in the process of winding down the company under the Court's direction. I am also selling off the little personal property I have left in order to fulfill my responsibility until the very end. Even if I end up with nothing, I am trying to minimize the harm to those around me as much as possible, but I can only feel sorry and ashamed toward those who were unintentionally affected.

It seems that there have also been claims that I became unreachable because of my shortcomings. I recently changed my mobile phone number, and that seems to have caused a misunderstanding at an unfortunate time. I am not very outgoing, so rather than engaging in outside activities, I have kept in touch with people around me through SNS, and perhaps because of that, I did not actively share my new phone number. Even so, I have continued to stay in touch with those around me through group chats and SNS. When people contact me on Instagram, I reply whenever I can.

I think all of this happened because I was lacking in many ways and did not have enough ability. It is all my responsibility, and I can only feel deeply sorry and ashamed toward those around me. Still, I believe that one failure should not become a lifelong failure. I will use this experience as a foundation to become more mature, take better care of those around me, and work even harder to become someone who can contribute to society in some small way. I will keep this sense of regret in my heart as I live on, and if I am ever able to make a comeback, I will spend the rest of my life repaying the kindness I have received. Thank you for reading this imperfect message.

Jo Min-jeong, mj.cho@sportschosun.com