The group S.E.S.'s Bada directly apologized as allegations of false advertising emerged, and the agency also bowed their heads.
Bada recently mentioned during a grant on a beauty content on YouTube that she first saw the product in Australia. However, it was alleged that the product was not Australian-made but was being advertised with an Australian concept, leading to criticism of Bada.
As the controversy continued, Bada posted on the 5th on her SNS, "I sincerely apologize for disappointing you regarding the product introduced through a YouTube channel recently."
She explained, "I should have reviewed and judged more carefully before participating in the content, but I feel very embarrassed that I did not. I mentioned, 'I first saw this product when I went to Australia, right? Miracle Sydney is quite famous among them,' which caused confusion for those watching the channel with a statement that was different from the truth."
She added, "I deeply reflect on and sincerely apologize for the confusion and distrust this has caused many consumers. I will take this incident as an opportunity to examine the content and responsibility of any form of content more thoroughly and will be more cautious to ensure that my words and actions do not convey hurt or misunderstanding to anyone."
Afterward, Bada's agency, Wave Nine, also stated, "As the artist's reputation and trust can impact the public, we once again apologize for not sufficiently performing a more thorough review before appearing in the content."
The agency said, "We feel a deep responsibility and reflection for the fact that we did not sufficiently review and verify the distribution routes or quality of the product, and hence caused this incident by allowing the artist to appear. The content was filmed according to a scenario provided by an external production company, and Ms. Bada did not receive any prior information regarding the actual distribution conditions or any false or exaggerated claims."
They also added, "While there was no intention to intentionally convey false facts or deceive consumers, we sincerely apologize for ultimately causing confusion and distrust for consumers, and we are accepting this matter with a heavy sense of responsibility. Accordingly, Wave Nine has notified the termination of collaboration with the channel, and has requested the suspension and deletion of all content featuring Ms. Bada."
Additionally, the agency stated, "We plan to suspend all collaborations with the related companies, and will strengthen pre-due diligence procedures, including legal advice, for all content involving the artist in the future, and fully overhaul the internal review system to take practical measures to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, in relation to this matter, circumstances indicating the falsity of the information provided by the production companies and cosmetic companies, and their evasion of verification responsibility have been confirmed, so Wave Nine is currently preparing legal responses in civil and criminal matters in consultation with our legal representatives."
"We will take firm measures against any instances where the artist was used as a tool for false advertising or where their honor was damaged," they stated, "Wave Nine deeply reflects on this matter and will continue to operate with greater caution and transparency between the dual responsibilities of consumer protection and artist protection."
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]