Ryu Dam Opens Up About The Ddakgun Controversy

On March 21, 2025, comedian Ryu Dam appeared on the popular YouTube show 'B Class Hearing 2', where he addressed the long-standing controversy regarding the 'ddakgun' culture within the KBS comedy scene. This culture centers on a militaristic bonding practice among comedians known for its harshness, which has drawn intense scrutiny in recent months.

During his candid discussion, Ryu Dam remarked that the heated debate over this culture originated from videos featuring fellow comedians Hwang Hyun-hee and Kim Dae-beom. He explained, "Originally, it was about Mr. L, but it turned out to be Mr. R, so it was revealed through me." This clarification came as many rumors surrounding him began to circulate, with some stating that he was the one primarily responsible for enforcing such practices within his comedic cohort.

Ryu Dam acknowledged that he had not been in contact with Kim Byung-man for some time before discussing the specific incident in question. He confirmed, "제가 팼습니다" (I hit him), when asked directly about his involvement during the gathering of junior comedians. This moment marked a significant turning point, as Ryu Dam tried to clarify the context and details surrounding his actions.

He continued describing the setting of that infamous gathering, recalling how it was orchestrated by senior comedian Yoo Sang-moo, who instructed him to convene the 19th batch of comedians due to issues he had with some members. Ryu Dam stated, "That was the first and last gathering I did individually," which emphasizes his limited involvement in such activities.

Typically, these gatherings would be held at designated locations like the comedians' office or the KBS research building rooftop. However, on that particular day, they ventured to a hof house near Ilsan to have their meeting. Upon arrival, the atmosphere turned raucous as the junior comedians demonstrated their solidarity through head-butting. Notably, Ryu revealed how his meeting involved younger comedians being asked, 'How many hits? Two hits. End.' He added, "But Hyun-hee said his head wasn't feeling well, so he said he wouldn't get hit, so I (hit him instead)." This admission illustrates both the practices invoked during these gatherings and the lighthearted, albeit complex, relationships among comedians.

While Ryu acknowledged the head-butting practice, he was quick to point out that the narrative surrounding it had become distorted over time. During the interview, he lamented, "As time passed, sensational reporters began to emerge, twisting the narrative of everything from my wedding to the claims that juniors were being hit by so-and-so." He expressed regret over the misinformation that had circulated, stating that his own wedding had also been misrepresented due to the ensuing rumors.

Ryu's frustration culminated when he reflected on how these rumors had impacted his life and career choices over the last couple of years, particularly while raising his twin children, taking a step away from the limelight. He admitted, "I've been focused on my kids for the past four years. They say I'm a 'retired comedian,' but I've never hinted at that." This statement not only clarifies his position but also humanizes his experience amidst the chaos of public scrutiny.

After recounting his experiences, Ryu Dam also had to confront a rumor that stated no comedians attended his wedding, which he explained by mentioning that many were performing in rural areas at the time.

As the interview continued, Ryu Dam addressed the growing concern over his future and potential retirement from the entertainment industry, emphasizing that he has no intention of stepping away from the stage. He noted, "It’s uncomfortable to talk about that wedding because it’s my first wedding. I'm remarried now and living well," thus shedding light on his personal life choices and current happiness.

In his concluding remarks, Ryu Dam expressed remorse for the way his past interaction with Hyun-hee had been sensationalized, stating, "I was told to talk about hitting him twice, and I didn't mean to. It wasn't my intention, and it wasn't a personal feeling. I apologize." These comments showcase his intent to clarify his stance amidst the turmoil of public perception, showing he cares about the lasting impressions of his actions.

In summary, Ryu Dam's transparent involvement in addressing the controversy surrounding the 'ddakgun' culture highlights not only the complexities within the comedic community but also reflects broader societal expectations on how we handle issues of accountability and misunderstanding in the age of social media and sensationalism.