Controversy surrounds “Single Inferno” contestant Song Ji-ah, or FreeZia on YouTube after she was seen wearing a fake luxury fashion outfit, The Korea Herald reported.
A community of users online has first criticized Song. They said that Netflix’s reality dating show’s contestants wear items similar to famous luxury brands Chanel and Dior, but are partially counterfeited.
Song became a beauty content creator on YouTube where she joined in 2019, before her participation in “Single Inferno.” She used her channel to show the products she brought as she made a review of each.
Several fans were dismayed at what she was seen wearing on the reality show as she was known for her high-end lifestyle on YouTube. It is an embarrassment for her to fake her lifestyle, some said, while others are not looking at something to be of concern on what she chooses to wear.
But Song apologized to settle the controversy once and for all. She posted her message online on Tuesday, saying that the issue is “partially true.” All of the posts that revealed the fake products were also removed by the YouTuber from the platform.
“I would like to apologize to the brands who have suffered damage from the issue. I extend my sincere apology to my fans and subscribers as well,” she 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.”
The sale and importation of fake products are illegal based on South Korea’s law.
The law also illegalizes possession of those products with the aim of reproduction and making registered trademarks of others.