Kolmar Korea chairman quits over 'controversial' video
Kolmar Korea Chairman Yoon Dong-han bows at the firm's R&D center in Seoul, Sunday, to make a formal apology for sharing far-right, socially divisive YouTube content with employees. / Yonhap
By Jun Ji-hye
Kolmar Korea Chairman Yoon Dong-han stepped down on Sunday, taking responsibility for sharing an inappropriate YouTube video with employees.
“I feel deep regret and bear all responsibility. I resign from management from this time forth,” he said during a media conference in Seoul on Sunday during which he issued a formal apology to the public.
The apology comes amid growing criticism over Yoon's decision to play far-right, socially divisive YouTube content at a monthly meeting attended by about 700 employees, Wednesday.
The video disparages President Moon Jae-in amid a deepening diplomatic and trade row between Korea and Japan, saying: “The fact that Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe didn't punch President Moon in his face by now proves that Abe is a great leader.”
Yoon shared the video while discussing how Korea should cope with Japan's export regulations, which could harm the nation's exports, according to the cosmetics and biopharmaceutical firm.
But the content, which many claimed to be over the line, has provoked criticism against the chairman and the company at a time when an increasing number of people here have participated in a “Boycott Japan” campaign amid intensifying anti-Abe administration sentiment.
Yoon said, “I apologize to partner companies that are damaged by my wrongdoing. I also apologize to consumers who trust and love the products of Kolmar Korea.”
He also apologized to his employees.
Kolmar Korea Chairman Yoon Dong-han after his news conference at the firm's R&D center in Seoul, Sunday. / Yonhap
The company holds a monthly meeting to check the firm's performance for the past month and share information about volunteer activities and upcoming events, according to the company.
On Friday, the company issued an official statement, explaining that Yoon shared the video with employees to help them better understand current negative external conditions so staff could better cope with the situation.
The firm added that the video was intended as a call for proper knowledge and consciousness of history, and to help overcome the present situation through technological prowess, rather than reacting emotionally.
The company stressed that the chairman did not intend to support the content of the video.
But the firm's explanation failed to settle the controversy, with online communities starting to boycott Kolmar Korea products.
Some even took issue with the company's history, claiming that Kolmar Korea was established in 1990 as a joint venture company with Nihon (Japan) Kolmar.
Politicians also criticized Yoon.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea said in a statement on Saturday, “Yoon should beg for forgiveness on bended knees.”
On Sunday, Rep. Kim Jong-hoon from the progressive Minjung Party called on the National Pension Service to consider selling stocks in Kolmar Korea and its holding company, Kolmar Korea Holdings.