Facing major backlash, comedian-turned-broadcaster Ahn Sun-young apologized over the controversy about being late to an English proficiency exam.
On the 10th, Ahn wrote on her Instagram Story, starting with, "It was entirely my fault that I arrived late to the test site without fully reviewing the regulations." She continued, "I apologize to the test administrators who responded strictly according to the rules," adding, "I also sincerely apologize to the test takers who followed the set regulations while preparing for the same exam," and bowed her head.
Ahn said, "At the time, I posted out of frustration and emotion, and I later judged it was a rash act and deleted the post," adding, "Thanks to the many comments and feedback, I reflected on my shortcomings. I will be more careful going forward so this does not happen again."
Previously, on the 9th, Ahn went to take the internationally recognized English proficiency test IELTS but was unable to sit for it because she missed the check-in cut-off time. At the time, she wrote on social media, "I couldn’t find the parking lot, had to circle one-way streets several times, and finally parked—yet even though the test was at 9 a.m., they said I couldn’t take it because it was past 8:50 a.m."
She added, "My actual arrival time was 8:51 a.m. The test fee is 300,000 won. I asked if it was really not possible even though I was there, and they said, 'That’s why you should get here early.'" She also wrote, "I cleared my entire day for this test. At the very least, they should provide parking information," tagging the organizer’s account to voice her frustration.
However, according to official IELTS guidance, morning test takers must complete candidate number and ID verification between 8:15 a.m. and 8:50 a.m., and entry is restricted after 8:50 a.m. Some test centers also state that parking is not provided or recommend using public transportation.
Under the post, some netizens criticized Ahn, commenting, "Rules apply equally to all candidates" and "It’s inappropriate to blame the test center for your own tardiness."
Meanwhile, Ahn Sun-young debuted in 2000 as part of MBC’s 11th class of comedians and has continued her broadcasting and business activities. She married a businessman in 2013 and has a son.