PARK YONG IN
PARK YONG IN, member of the group URBAN ZAKAPA, shared his feelings after the conclusion of the long legal soap opera concerning the “butter beer”.
On July 2, PARK YONG IN stated on his personal social media: “The trial concerning the butter beer, which had been going on for more than three years, recently ended.” He added: “I am sincerely sorry and I want to apologize to the many people who may have felt discomfort because of my shortcomings, to the members of the group who worried with me, to the fans who supported me despite everything, and to my family who cried by my side every day.”
Giving news of himself, he continued: “It makes me a little sad to think that I will soon be a 40-year-old man with a 10-year-old child, but lately, I am trying to spend each day with a happy mind.” He also confided: “If tears come to my eyes while writing this text, it is probably because of the regrets that remained engraved in my heart for a long time and a gratitude that I could not fully express with words.”
He concluded his message by saying: “Half of the year 2026 has already passed. I will return soon to greet you in a more settled and honest light. I am sorry, and really thank you.”
This day also marked the 17th anniversary of the debut of URBAN ZAKAPA. On this occasion, PARK YONG IN expressed his gratitude: “These moments are akin to a miracle that was only possible thanks to the presence of my beloved members and our fans.”
Previously, PARK YONG IN and the company VIRTUE COMPANY had been sued for misleading consumers about the base ingredients during the sale of a beer in convenience stores between 2022 and early 2023. They were accused of having used the terms “butter beer” or “butter base” on social media and advertising materials when the product did not contain real butter.
The court of first instance, having judged that it was false and exaggerated advertising, had sentenced PARK YONG IN to 8 months in prison with a suspended sentence of 2 years, and the legal entity to a fine of 10 million won (about 5800 euros).
The prosecution had then appealed, citing an unfairly lenient sentence. However, on June 26, the appeal court of the Seoul Eastern District Court dismissed the appeal and maintained the first judgment, explaining: “Considering that this is not a case related to food safety itself, it is difficult to consider the decision of the first court to be excessively light.”
◆ Full text of PARK YONG IN‘s publication on his social media
“Hello. This is PARK YONG IN.
It has really been a very long time since I greeted you. I hope you are all doing well and that you are in good health.
Today is July 2. Today is the day of the 17th anniversary of the debut of our group Urban Zakapa. It is a moment similar to a miracle that was only possible because my beloved members and you, our precious fans, were there. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The trial concerning the butter beer, which had been going on for more than three years, recently ended. Above all, I absolutely want to express my sincere regrets and my apologies to the many people who may have felt discomfort because of my shortcomings, to the members who worried with me, to the fans who continue despite everything to support me, and to my family who cried by my side every day._
It makes me a little sad to think that I will soon be a 40-year-old man with a 10-year-old child, but lately, I am trying to spend each day with a happy mind. I do not know why tears flow while writing these words, but it is probably because of the regrets that remained engraved in my heart for a long time and a gratitude that I could not fully express with words.
Half of the year 2026 has already passed. I will return soon to greet you in a more settled and honest light.
I am sorry, and really thank you.”
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS PARK YONG IN
