"Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook" To Come To An End After 13 Years
KBS2’s long-running program “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” will be coming to a close.
On July 18, Star Today reported that “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” will be filming its final episode on July 19. Previously, Yoo Hee Yeol was swept up in plagiarism allegations, and the singer-songwriter later acknowledged that he unintentionally plagiarized Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Aqua.” Yoo Hee Yeol stated, “As he is a musician I respect and have been influenced by the most over a long period of time, I wrote the song in a similar way it subconsciously remained in my memory. At the time of the [song’s] reveal, I thought it was my pure creation, but I have to admit the similarity between the two songs.” Afterwards, several more allegations spread on online communities, and Star Today reported that it is Yoo Hee Yeol’s personal intention to step down from his program.
In response to the report, a source from KBS stated, “Regarding MC Yoo Hee Yeol stepping down from the program, the production team of ‘Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook’ will release a statement soon.”
Soon afterwards, Yoo Hee Yeol’s agency Antenna released the following official statement:
Hello, this is Yoo Hee Yeol.
First of all, I want to convey my sincerely apologies once again for causing people to be tired for a long time due to the controversy surrounding me.
We ask for your generous understanding that the decision regarding my broadcast activity was delayed since many people, including the production team I work together with, needed time to prepare.
After seeing the numerous cases pouring in, I looked back on myself for the first time. I think what was the most heartbreaking to hear was that the time that has passed felt like it was being denied. It is to the extent that I cannot dare to imagine how great the sense of loss is.
There is a part of the current plagiarism allegations that I have difficulty agreeing with. Many of the allegations may be individual views and interpretations, but they are difficult for me to accept. I will look after myself more strictly so that a controversy such as this does not arise again.
We plan to wrap up “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” after the end of episode 600. I sincerely express my gratitude to the many people who have treasured [the program] for the long period of 13 years and three months. I’m sincerely grateful to the production team and to all related personnel for working hard until the end.
In order to minimize the harm to the program and the production team, we plan to carry out the final recording by this week. I will do my best [to fulfill] my remaining responsibilities so that no further damage is done.
I will take the time to reflect on where I am now and what is left for me to do without turning away. I apologize once more for causing concern to all the people who value music. Finally, I bow my head in gratitude to everyone who has trusted in me and treasured me, who is lacking, for a long time.
Thank you.
Yoo Hee Yeol.
The production team also shared the following statement on the program’s website:
MC Yoo Hee Yeol has revealed his official statement that he will be stepping down from the program. KBS will be accepting his intent to step down. The broadcast for July 22, 2022, for which casting and the applications for attending the show have been completed, will air normally, and afterwards, “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” will stop broadcasting.
We determined that Yoo Hee Yeol’s intent to step down from the program was a decision made after sincerely and carefully considering what choice is right for KBS, the production team, and the viewers, so we have decided to respect his intentions.
For the past 13 years, “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” worked hard to deliver enjoyment and always be a source of strength for people who dream of doing music and for people who love music.
We deliver our deep words of gratitude for all the viewers who have loved “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” until now. “We will not forget the unchanging love of 13 years. Thank you.”
“Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” first aired in April 24, 2009.
Watch “Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook” below:
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