최근 80~90년대의 향수를 불러일으켜 화제가 된 ‘색종이 아저씨’ 김영만 (종이문화재단 평생교육원장, 64) 원장의 고급 외제차가 논란의 중심에 섰다. MBC <마이리틀텔레비전>에 노출된 국내 판매가 2억원의 재규어XJ가 그것.

일부 네티즌들은 이에 동심과 옛 추억으로 화제몰이를 한 그가 고급 외제차를 소유했다는 것이 심리적인 위화감을 조성한다고 주장한 것이다.

하지만 이에 김영만 원장은 곧 “살다 보면 오해가 있을 수 있다. 다 이해한다”며 여유로운 모습을 보였다. 또한 “급히 미국으로 이민을 가게 된 친구에게 3,000만원에 저렴하게 산 것”이라고 해명하며 논란을 일축시켰다.

<관련 영문기사>

‘Uncle Origami’ Kim Young-man talks about his luxury car

Kim Young-man, best known as “Uncle Origami,” is embroiled in acrid debates after he was spotted in his luxurious Jaguar XJ worth 200 million won ($171,400).

　“I understand there can be misunderstandings,” said Kim at the interview with a local media outlet. The driveway prize had actually been bought from his friend at a bargain price. Kim insisted that he purchased the car for 30 million won ($25,800) from his friend who had to sell it urgently before he immigrated to the U.S. 　 　

Kim previously hosted a kid’s program in the 1990s and is still remembered as a childhood hero to many young people in Korea. The 65-year-old recently rose to stardom following an appearance on MBC reality show “My Little Television,” since he dredges up childhood memories of those now in their 20s and 30s. 　

By Ko Ji-seon ()