Kim Tae Ri officially apologized for the controversy regarding the foreign language subtitles in her Youtube videos.
The actress posted two long apology posts on her official Instagram account, both in Korean and English.
Kim Tae Ri was recently involved in a controversy after she requested for International fans voluntarily contribute to the subtitles of her Youtube videos. Netizens were criticizing the actress for this move for asking fans for talent donations over her videos when these subtitles should be done and paid to professionals.
The actress then addressed the controversy and sincerely apologized.
Kim Tae Ri stated, "I'd like to apologize to everyone uncomfortable with the trouble I have caused. I was worried that this may cause more discomfort to others, so I became cautious and delayed in addressing the issue. I am writing this post to express my apologies to all who got disappointed in me."
The actress also addressed the talent donation for the international subtitles, Kim Tae Ri stated, "After the video was released, fans from other countries especially the non-English speaking ones, asked for subtitles in their languages. After seeing these requests, it made me think about how great it would be if they can also enjoy my video with their languages as subtitles. But because I was so focused on the idea of collaborating with my fans, I failed to see the most important issue with caution."
Kim Tae Ri expressed her regret and shared, "I should not have asked my fans as if I'm taking advantage of their talent for free. It was a clear mistake and I'm deeply reflecting as I was not aware of it myself."
Here's the full apology post of Kim Tae Ri:
Hello, this is Kim Taeri.
Above all, I’m sorry for the trouble I have caused. I'd like to express my apologies to everyone I made feel uncomfortable. As I was worried that this might cause further discomfort to many people, I was cautious and delayed in addressing this issue. I am writing this to convey my apologies to those who may be disappointed in me.
I planned my vlog as a way to repay the love I have received from my fans, and I have been involved in every step of the process, from filming to editing to, at present, the English subtitles. I thought that this might be a more complete way to repay my fans.
Since the video was released, fans from various countries, not just English-speaking ones, have requested subtitles in their own languages. Seeing the different languages under the video made me think about how great it would be if they could enjoy the video with subtitles in their own language. But because I was so focused on the idea of completing something meaningful with my fans, I failed to approach the most important issue with caution. Clearly, I fell short.
I should not have approached my fans as if I was asking for talent donations. It was a clear mistake, and I deeply reflect on the fact that I was not aware of it myself. I apologize to everyone who may have felt uncomfortable due to my short-sighted thoughts and actions.
I realize that a sincere apology is more important than anything else. I sent an apology email to everyone who so kindly offered to help with the translation work.
Once again, I sincerely apologize.