South Korean beauty content creator Song Ji-a, a contestant on Netflix’s latest hit reality dating show Single’s Inferno, has apologised for wearing counterfeit luxury fashion items.
Netizens had previously criticised her, claiming that her jewellery and outfits in the show and YouTube clips resembled high-priced brands like Chanel and Dior, but were actually fake.
Song, 25, also known as FreeZia launched her YouTube channel in 2019 Through the channel, the YouTuber has introduced and reviewed different products, from beauty to fashion, as well as her own series of vlogs.
The counterfeit luxury goods controversy has disappointed fans of the dating show and Song’s YouTube channel.
Some people thought it was a shame that the YouTuber had faked her lifestyle. Others said it was not.
On Monday (Jan 17), Song posted an apology on her Instagram account, admitting the criticism is “partly true”.
She also deleted all posts featuring fake products.
“I would like to apologise to the brands which have suffered damage from the issue. I extend my sincere apology to my fans and subscribers as well,” Song said.
“As a person with a dream of launching my own brand, I’ll reflect deeply on the latest controversy. I’ll have a greater sense of responsibility.”
South Korean law prohibits the import and sale of counterfeit goods. It is also against the law to possess the goods for the purpose of duplicating and fabricating others’ registered trademarks.
Buyers who do not recognize the items are fake are not considered to have violated the law.
Kim Hyun Joong unfollows Song Ji-a Instagram
Koreaboo, a Kpop news outlet, also reported that Kim Hyun Joong (her partner in the season finale) had unfollowed Jia’s Instagram account.
Kim Hyun Joong, however, is still following the rest of the contestants on the show.
After fans got to know about Kim Hyun Joong’s caught wind about what he did, many have turned against him and have repeatedly labelled him as “pathetic” and a “loser”.
As of now, Song Ji-a’s controversy remains unresolved by the other contestants.
What’s next for Ji-a?
Song Ji-a is attempting to keep things low after her apology. She hasn’t posted any Instagram stories since then.
Meanwhile, she also just finished recording an episode for broadcaster JTBC’s hit talk show, Knowing Bros, as well as fellow broadcaster MBC’s variety show, Omniscient Interfering View. It is not yet known if the episodes of Knowing Bros will air on the small screen, given the controversy.
This article was published first in The Straits Times. Additional reporting by Shazrina Shamsudin/Her world
Source: Her World
