Broadcaster Yoo Sang-moo has personally addressed some of the negative reactions following his first attempt at the KPGA professional qualifying tournament and announced his plans for a second attempt.
According to the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) on the 23rd, Yoo Sang-moo competed in Group B of the 2026 1st KPGA Professional Qualifying Tournament. He recorded 86 strokes in both the first and second rounds, finishing with a total of 172 strokes (+28). His final ranking was tied for 48th.
In a live broadcast after the match, Yoo confessed, "I couldn't handle the pressure because so many people were interested. It was a shameful performance as a player." Regarding the second KPGA professional qualifying tournament scheduled for late June, he stated, "I will prepare as if my life depends on it and challenge myself again."
After Yoo began promoting 'overseas golf travel package products,' some raised suspicions, asking, "Isn't this challenge for business purposes?"
In response, Yoo explained through his YouTube channel, "As I traveled for overseas golf trips, I was able to keep costs low, so I wanted to provide that opportunity to acquaintances and fans. It started with people close to me, but it just gradually expanded." He emphasized, "It is not for the purpose of making money. I am covering most of the airfare and local stay costs myself. I am doing this because I want to meet the viewers."
He also expressed his feelings, saying, "Some people see it as a business, but for me, business is about meeting people. It is unfortunate that I am being misunderstood like this." He added, "There is also a view that I am not preparing seriously, but I am doing this because I love it. It is sad in itself to have to film an explanation video because of these misunderstandings."
Previously, Yoo has focused on golf, dedicating more time to practice, golf-related content, and his online market rather than broadcast activities. Although he recorded a score far from the passing range in this professional qualifying tournament, attention is focused on his future steps now that he has declared a rematch.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)