Japanese YouTuber video of Seoul Station homeless sparks Korea‑Japan online debate

A Japanese YouTuber from the channel “Shizuka‑chan’s Asia Walk” posted a video filmed at Seoul Station showing numerous homeless people in the station plaza and underground passages. The creator described the scene as the “hard reality” and the “face of the Korean economy,” contrasting it with expectations of a bustling, affluent capital.

The video quickly surpassed 210,000 views and triggered polarized reactions online. Japanese net users praised the footage as a view of a side of South Korea that domestic media supposedly ignore, while some Korean users accused the creator of sensationalism and seeking clicks. Korean commenters were divided, with some questioning the motives and others noting the difficulty of condemning the portrayal.

The controversy highlights the sensitivities surrounding cross‑national media depictions and public perceptions of social issues in both countries.