Broadcaster Jang Young-ran bowed her head and apologized immediately after her brand was accused of deceiving viewers in connection with home shopping placement.
On the 24th, Jang Young-ran posted an apology on her personal social media saying, "I want to first say that I am truly sorry for causing worry and concern to many people as a recent YouTube video dealt with matters related to the brand I am responsible for."
Jang Young-ran's apology stemmed from a video posted on the YouTube channel 'Samangyeowoo TV' on the 23rd, in which the YouTuber mentioned signs of "linked programming" in which the diet product of the brand represented by Jang Young-ran, broadcasting and home shopping scheduling coincided, raising the possibility of consumer deception.
Linked programming refers to a case in which a terrestrial information program introduces someone who achieved large weight loss by taking a specific ingredient, and around the same time a home shopping channel sells a product with a similar ingredient. The core of the allegation is that Jang Young-ran's brand sold products using home shopping linked programming.
In response, Jang Young-ran's side said, "We agree that linked programming is a problem and we reflect on it, but structurally it cannot be helped."
As the controversy grew, Jang Young-ran posted an apology on social media and said, "As far as we have confirmed so far, we have proceeded in compliance with related regulations and guidelines, and we believe there were no violations or oversights in that process. Also, we were not involved in the production process or the casting of performers for home shopping or broadcasting."
She added, "Nevertheless, we accept seriously that our product was introduced through inappropriate guests, causing discomfort and disappointment to many people, and we sincerely apologize," and showed remorse, saying, "I myself reconsidered the issue of linked programming through this video."
Jang Young-ran said, "I will use this incident as an opportunity to more carefully review, from the consumers' perspective, which parts felt lacking and what led to misunderstandings or discomfort," and added, "I will take seriously the criticism sent through content created after long reporting and investigation. I apologize once again."
Netizens who saw this reacted with comments such as, "Not only Jang Young-ran but all broadcasts have that structure. Don't dismiss it as industry practice—everyone should reflect," "Don't make money by exploiting health scares," and "I wish they would act with more responsibility."
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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