Yun Sung-bin faced public backlash after making comments about the “kangaroo tribe” on his YouTube channel.
During a conversation, a staff member mentioned being part of the kangaroo tribe, to which Yun responded, “Why is that? Why don’t you become independent?” The term “kangaroo tribe” refers to adults who continue to live with and rely financially on their parents.
When the staff member explained that high rent and living expenses left little money to spare, Yun questioned, “Isn’t it because you spend too much? If you’re working, why don’t you have money? Is it because of inflation? Can’t you just save on living expenses?”
The staff member clarified that, based on the minimum wage, their monthly salary was 2.3 million KRW (approximately 1,585 USD), and after paying rent, maintenance fees, and other expenses, about 1 million KRW (689 USD) was immediately deducted. With food and transportation costs, little remained. Yun then acknowledged that newcomers to the workforce might be part of the kangaroo tribe.
Netizens criticized him for being out of touch with reality, pointing out that someone who has always been successful may not understand the struggles of an average 30-year-old office worker.
As controversy grew, Yun deleted the video.
The issue of the kangaroo tribe is becoming increasingly significant in South Korea. Rising youth unemployment and high housing prices have made financial independence more difficult. Additionally, the growing number of people choosing not to marry has led to extended cohabitation with parents.
Yun’s statement that adults should become independent is not entirely wrong, but not being independent does not necessarily mean a person is wrong either. Some may have felt offended by his lack of understanding of the realities faced by people in their 30s. However, the tendency of the majority to harshly attack individuals over such remarks is something that South Korean society should reflect on. (Additionally, the media’s tendency to exaggerate incidents plays a significant role.)
The fact that Yun felt compelled to delete the video highlights the current social atmosphere in South Korea.
Yun Sung-bin is a former South Korean skeleton racer who won the gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian athlete to win a gold medal in a sledding event. He also earned one silver and one bronze medal at the World Championships and won the overall World Cup title once. He is currently active as a YouTuber and television personality.
