Comedian Jeong Ju-ri and former S.E.S member Bada apologized together as the controversy over false and exaggerated advertising regarding the 'A Cream' advertisement promoted as 'Australian cosmetics' arose.
Jeong said on the 8th via social media, "I sincerely apologize to those who have been hurt concerning the cream brand I recently appeared in ads for," and noted, "After the ad was released, there were negative reports about the brand."
She stated, "I have expressed multiple times my intention not to participate in advertisements that contain contents that are not true, like the phrase 'famous in Australia.' I requested the deletion of the posted advertisement, and it has been reflected as per the request," and added, "However, I want to convey my sincere apologies since there are people who trusted me enough to purchase the product and I feel a great sense of responsibility."
She continued, "I sincerely thank those who left many suggestions and apologize as I have not been able to check all the texts, emails, and DMs. From now on, I will approach everything more cautiously and strive to become a comedian Jeong Ju-ri who only brings happy smiles," bowing her head.
The controversial product was promoted as 'Australian cosmetics,' but it is known that the actual manufacturer is located in Korea. Claims that it is 'famous in Australia' are also pointed out to be untrue, raising suspicions of false and exaggerated advertising.
Earlier, Bada also apologized after the promotional content for the same product revealed misleading information. He introduced it in a recent YouTube content by saying, "I first saw it in Australia," but it was revealed that the product was actually manufactured domestically and promoted under the 'Australian concept.'
Bada conveyed in his handwritten apology on the 5th, "I should have considered and judged more carefully before participating in the content, and I feel very ashamed that I did not." He added, "I sincerely apologize for causing confusion and distrust among many consumers. Going forward, I will look more deeply into the content and responsibilities of any form of content, making sure that my words and actions do not convey hurt or misunderstanding to anyone."
Bada's agency, Wave Nine, also apologized, noting, "We failed to thoroughly review the distribution route or quality of the product before participating in the content." They added, "We have ended our collaboration with the channel, requested the suspension and deletion of all related content, and will strengthen the pre-verification process, including legal advice, for all future content," and stated that they are preparing legal actions against the false information provided by the cosmetics company and production company.
Consumers have reacted with calls for 'pre-verification before advertising' due to the issue, which has been confirmed to be domestically produced, contrary to the 'Australian' concept. Amid successive apologies from celebrities, discussions surrounding advertising ethics and responsibilities have once again received attention.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]