Shocking turn in the 'Butter Beer' labeling controversy: Urban Zakapa member Park Yong-in broke his silence after the legal proceedings wrapped, issuing a public apology as the years-long case officially ended.
On the 2nd, Park posted a lengthy message on his social media. Opening with, "The lawsuit over 'Butter Beer' that had gone on for over three years has finally concluded," he added, "I’m sorry to everyone who felt uncomfortable because of my shortcomings," bowing his head. He also expressed both regret and gratitude to the people who stayed by his side through a difficult time. "To my fellow members who worried with me, the fans who kept cheering me on anyway, and my family who cried with me day after day—I truly want to say I’m sorry and thankful from the bottom of my heart," he wrote.
Park also laid bare emotions that had weighed on him for a long time. He shared a glimpse of his current life, saying, "It’s a little sad to realize I’m turning 40 and becoming a dad to a soon-to-be 10-year-old, but these days I’m trying to live each day with a grateful heart." He continued, "I don’t know why tears are falling as I write this—maybe it’s because of the lingering guilt and the gratitude I couldn’t put fully into words that have stayed with me for so long."
The date also marked Urban Zakapa’s 17th debut anniversary. Park thanked those who have stood by the group for years, saying it’s been "a miraculous time made possible by beloved members and our supportive fans."
Previously, Park Yong-in and Virture Company, where he served as CEO, were brought to trial for using phrases like "Butter Beer" and "butter base" while distributing and selling four beer products at convenience stores and other retailers from May 2022 to January 2023—even though the actual ingredients did not contain butter. Prosecutors argued consumers could be misled into believing the products included butter.
In the first trial, Park received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years, while Virture Company was fined 10 million KRW. Prosecutors appealed, claiming the penalties were too light, but the appellate court dismissed the appeal on the 26th of last month, upholding the original ruling.