One of K-pop’s most popular groups, NewJeans, recently came under fire after an allegation was made that they used “non-Korean” iPhones in a film meant to promote travel to Korea.
The group could have included a Korean-made product, like Samsung, in the film to further promote Korea, according to the complaint, which was submitted to the National Petition Service.
With reference to the usage of Apple’s iPhone, the viewer expressed worries with the “indirect exposure of a specific mobile phone brand” in the advertisement.
The Korea Tourism Organization’s ESG Management team responded to the issue by stating that NewJeans acts as an ambassador for both the Korean Tourism Organization and Apple’s iPhone.
They stated, “As NewJeans, the advertisement models, are global models for a particular mobile phone brand, contractual restrictions were preventing them from using competing products from the same industry.”
The complaint confused Korean internet users, many of whom criticized the petition and supported NewJeans.
“Leave NewJeans and Apple alone,” and “They have nothing better to do” were among the remarks. Others dismissed the criticism, pointing out that even though Samsung is a Korean brand, it is not a traditional cultural product.
In addition, the issue has highlighted NewJeans’ position as Apple’s worldwide brand ambassadors—a fact that many fans thought was “cool” and fascinating.
