NewJeans, a leading K-pop girl group, is currently under scrutiny for using a non-Korean brand phone in their latest Korean Tourism advertisement. The use of an Apple iPhone in the promotion has led to a formal complaint and stirred significant debate among netizens.

Complaint Filed Over Foreign Brand Phone

On September 18, 2024, a civilian lodged a formal complaint with the National Petition Service against NewJeans. The complaint highlights that the advertisement, which promotes Korean tourism, features an Apple iPhone rather than a Korean-made phone. The complainant argues that the promotion of foreign products in a tourism ad intended to highlight Korean culture and attractions is inappropriate.

Response from Korea Tourism Organization

In response to the complaint, the ESG Management team at the Korea Tourism Organization stated that NewJeans is not only an ambassador for Korean tourism but also for Apple. This dual role is why the iPhone appeared in the advertisement. According to the organization, the inclusion of the foreign brand aligns with NewJeans’ broader promotional activities and does not detract from the tourism message.

Public Reaction and Criticism

The complaint has sparked a wide range of reactions online. Many netizens have criticized the complainant, suggesting that the objection is excessive. The criticism highlights a divide in public opinion on the issue, with some expressing support for NewJeans and their promotional efforts.

NewJeans’ Achievements and Activities

NewJeans, formed by ADOR, debuted on July 22, 2022, with their single “Attention,” which quickly gained popularity. The group has achieved considerable success since then, including their first single album, “OMG,” released in January 2023. The album’s singles, “Ditto” and “OMG,” received significant acclaim, with “Ditto” becoming the longest-running number-one song on the Circle Digital Chart.

Their recent comeback on May 24, 2024, included a double single release featuring “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum,” along with instrumental versions of the tracks. Additionally, NewJeans made their Japanese debut this year with another double single release, including “Supernatural” and “Right Now,” and held their first Japanese fan meeting, “Bunnys Camp,” at Tokyo Dome.

The controversy surrounding the advertisement reflects broader discussions on national pride and global brand influence. As NewJeans continues to balance their roles as cultural ambassadors and global celebrities, their promotional choices will likely remain a point of debate.

For more updates on NewJeans and their activities, tune in to Vviptimes.

Source: Pinkvilla