Singer Bada has issued an apology through a handwritten letter after being embroiled in a controversy over endorsing a cosmetic brand accused of 'nationality laundering' in its advertising.
On the 5th, Bada posted an apology stating, "I failed to thoroughly review the content before participating in it" and "I deeply regret causing confusion with statements that differed from the truth. I am ashamed and sorry for the disappointment caused."
In her apology, Bada acknowledged that her statement, "I first saw this product when I was in Australia, and M brand was particularly famous," was not true, adding, "I will take this incident as a lesson to look more closely into any content in the future."
On the 4th, the YouTube channel 'Samang Fox' revealed that the cosmetic brand M, which uses Australia's name in its marketing, was advertised as a famous global cosmetic from Australia, but in reality, it is a Korean brand. The manufacturing and distribution are all done domestically, and a domestic corporation owns 100% of the shares.
During this process, Bada appeared on a show claiming she had seen M brand cosmetics firsthand during her trip to Australia, actively promoting the brand.
In response, M brand stated, "We are an independently operated corporation under a formal licensing agreement," claiming ignorance of the ownership structure. However, the advertisement's active use of phrases like 'Australian global company' and 'Australian cosmetics' led to controversy over 'nationality laundering' in advertising.
Bada's agency explained before Samang Fox posted its content that "the shooting was based on a script, and we participated in the content without proper verification."
Additionally, Oksoon from the 16th season of 'I Am Solo' was also portrayed as a frequent user and promoter of M brand cosmetics, but Oksoon clarified, "There is no truth to that."
According to Samang Fox, M brand has blamed the false advertising on the advertising agency, distancing itself from responsibility.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)