There is never a quiet day regarding celebrities' group purchases (collective buying). Controversies over group buys continue with various issues from authenticity to product condition, price and promotion.
Kim Ji-hye, formerly of the group Cats, was embroiled in controversy over authenticity, quantity and price. Eventually, on the 17th she said, Hello. I am providing guidance regarding the group purchase. First, my shortcomings caused confusion by not being able to explain the group purchase process in sufficient detail, and I sincerely apologize for that.
She went on to explain, "When the baby was born, the first gift received was ㅇㅇㅇㅇㅇ, and I wanted to share the emotion I felt then, so I think I focused solely on making the group purchase happen to introduce it at a good price."
She added, "I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the early-morning waiting for product purchases, quick sellouts, limited quantities and slow responses."
Actor Hwang Bo-ra recently came under fire for a group purchase promotional video that used a staged traffic accident. It was a macadamia group purchase promotion video, and the video opened with a scene staged as if a traffic accident occurred while driving at night. Hwang Bo-ra, who was expressing a tense situation by screaming, then broke into a bright smile and said, "Do you want to eat macadamia?" transitioning to product promotion. Critics poured in over the traffic accident setup, which was unrelated to the product, saying it "used a life-threatening situation as promotional material."
Furthermore, the controversy grew as Hwang Bo-ra's past drunken driving history was reexamined. Eventually Hwang Bo-ra said, "I apologize for showing an unthoughtful side regarding the previously posted group purchase video," adding, "I apologize to the many people who felt uncomfortable, and I will reflect and work to ensure this does not happen again."
There was also negative sentiment about singer Lee Ji Hye doing group purchases. She previously started a fashion partnership in the apparel field with shop member Jang Seok-hyun and expanded a clothing brand.
When a fan left a comment saying, "I loved Unni's happy daily life, but now that you're starting to sell things like other Instagrams, it's disappointing," Lee Ji Hye replied, "I worried a lot because I thought you might feel that way. My job always requires taking on challenges (it's not a regular job), so I tried to be brave and I don't expect support. Could you just watch over me?" expressing her honest feelings.
Comedian Park Mi-sun, who is battling breast cancer, was treated the same. Holding a surprise group purchase while undergoing treatment baffled many and some netizens criticized her. Park Mi-sun posted a video of herself consuming concentrated blueberry extract and announced the group purchase. She explained, "While sick, the most important thing was eating well. It was not easy to choose good products," but some netizens who saw this expressed concern, saying, "Please focus only on treatment."
Park Mi-sun later explained the reason she started the group purchase, saying, "My chemotherapy has ended and I am currently in a rest period," and urged, "Patients must consult with their attending physicians before deciding." However, criticism grew that promoting products using her own face while publicly disclosing her cancer battle could potentially confuse other patients, and the controversy escalated.
Ultimately Park Mi-sun released a handwritten apology on her social media and said, "I unintentionally made people feel uncomfortable over this matter. I was very thoughtless," adding, "I will study more and be more careful in the future."
Broadcaster Hyunyoung was previously embroiled in controversy for reselling luxury brand promotional gifts during a group purchase. She sold a gift pouch that a department store Dior boutique gives to purchasing customers for 85,000 won. Some netizens raised suspicions, asking, "Isn't this illegal?", and the controversy arose.
In response, Hyunyoung apologized, saying, "This was an event product introduced by Hyunyoung Choice through a formal purchasing agency that charges an introduction fee for purchasing agency services to introduce products that customers might prefer," adding, "Hyunyoung Choice is a site operated to make our brand known to more customers. From now on, all our staff will work even harder so customers can enjoy a shopping experience with high satisfaction."
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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