Christopher Yoo Issues Apology After Strike: 'Very Sad For What I Did'

17-year-old GM Christopher Yoo expresses deep remorse following his expulsion from the 2024 U.S Chess Championship where he struck a videographer.

Update October 21: In a new statement released by Christopher Yoo, he says:

I am really sorry for hitting the videographer. I was disappointed losing the game to Caruana and lost my temper. That's no excuse, I know.

I am really sorry for what I did. It was a serious mistake.  Every day I wish I could go back in time and undo it, but I can’t. I am very sad for what I did and I hope the videographer is OK.  I know that it’s not acceptable to do what I did. I accept the consequences for my actions.   

All I can do is to be better from now on. I promise that this won't happen again.

Best of luck to Caruana. I am sorry this happened after our game. And best of luck to the other players and best wishes to the St. Louis Chess Club.

The young grandmaster was charged with fourth-degree assault by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and taken into custody after he stormed out of the tournament hall and struck a female videographer from behind after his round-five loss against GM Fabiano Caruana. The minor was eventually released to the custody of his parents and his case will be handled by the juvenile justice system.

Yoo was found guilty of "gross violations" of the event's "Code of Conduct" and the "US Chess Safe Play Policy" and expelled from the event. US Chess has also announced that Yoo’s membership is suspended pending an investigation of the incident.

Chief Arbiter Chris Bird described the attack as a "completely unprovoked punch" from behind, "and in no way accidental," while GM Levon Aronian, who also saw video footage of the incident, called it "awful."

"Christopher offers no excuses for his behavior. He is just very sad and ashamed he behaved in that way," the initial statement by Yoo's father, published on uschess.org, reads. "If you saw him tearfully apologize to the Executive Director of the Club you’d understand he is genuinely remorseful."

His father confirmed Bird's account of the incident and expressed deep regret and concern for the videographer, offering his apology.

"Contrary to what some have suggested, the videographer did nothing to provoke Christopher. We heard she’s doing okay but we don’t have any details and we pray she is doing well both physically and emotionally. Her well-being is of deep concern to all of us."

Contrary to what some have suggested, the videographer did nothing to provoke Christopher. We heard she’s doing okay but we don’t have any details and we pray she is doing well both physically and emotionally.

In addition to the apology to the videographer, Yoo extended his regret to tournament officials, the Saint Louis Chess Club, fellow players, US Chess, and the broader chess community, accepting full responsibility for the incident.

"As his parents, we are still in shock at this turn of events and soul-searching as to how we could have prevented this. As his father and main 'chess parent' I feel a particular responsibility for how this has impacted an innocent videographer, my son, and everyone this incident has touched and I deeply apologize."

The 17-year-old has been regarded as one of US Chess' most promising stars ever since becoming the youngest American master at nine in 2016. He followed up by achieving the IM title at the age of 12 in 2019, the youngest-ever player to do so at the time.

The grandmaster title was achieved days before turning 15 at the end of 2021. He is currently 20th among the world's highest-ranked juniors.

In July, Yoo won the 2024 U.S Junior Championship, which earned him the spot in the U.S Chess Championship.

The statement also addressed growing concerns about his son's mental health. “As parents we more than share their concern. Something like this has never happened before and he will be getting therapy to help make sure his mental well-being is properly cared for and that something like this will not happen again."