"Betrayal Felt" vs "Mistakes Can Happen": Hansumin and Others' 'Influencer' False Advertising Controversy

MFDS cracks down on 15 influencers and others for false advertising
Han Sumin: "I will act cautiously to prevent reckless incidents"
Netizens: "Clear fraud"

Comedian Park Myung-soo's wife, Han Soo-min, apologized after being caught by health authorities for allegedly making false and exaggerated advertisements on social networking services (SNS).
Photo by Han Soo-min Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Suwan] Comedian Park Myungsoo's wife, Han Sumin, apologized after being caught by health authorities for false and exaggerated advertising on social networking services (SNS).

Among netizens, opinions are divided between claims that she committed fraud by posting false advertisements targeting SNS subscribers and views that it could have been an honest mistake.

On the 9th, Han Sumin posted an apology statement on her Instagram. She stated, "Recently, I received a correction request from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for using pumpkin ampoule trial group reviews to promote product sales and for indicating the efficacy and effects of raw material ingredients."

She continued, "I feel ashamed for acting clumsily without thoroughly understanding the details. I sincerely apologize for conveying my subjective opinions to consumers without moderation, which caused misunderstandings, and I deeply reflect on this."

Finally, Han Sumin added, "I will act more cautiously in the future to prevent such careless incidents from happening again. Once again, I sincerely apologize."

Earlier, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on the 9th that it had identified 15 SNS influencers and 8 specialized distribution sales companies who posted false and exaggerated advertising posts, including fake trial reports.

The MFDS stated, "The identified companies will face administrative sanctions and criminal charges, and 153 false and exaggerated advertising posts have been requested to be blocked by the Korea Communications Standards Commission. The influencers used their fame mainly by posting before-and-after comparison photos of product consumption in the form of trial reports or by editing photos to falsely emphasize slim figures, thereby misleading consumers."

They added, "We will continuously monitor unfair advertising practices that deceive consumers through influencers and will strongly sanction companies that repeatedly violate regulations intentionally. Even if products are not directly sold, anyone including influencers, YouTubers, bloggers, and advertising agencies who post or use photos or videos containing false or exaggerated advertisements or trial reports for promotion can face criminal penalties."

Photo by Hansumin Instagram capture

This investigation identified famous YouTubers including Han Sumin, Kim Junhee, Bottah, BJ Edge-nim, Doa TV, Enjoy Couple, Narum TV, Edmer, and Ina Jjang.

Kim Junhee also posted an apology on her Instagram. She first explained, "It was not false or deceptive advertising but a correction was requested for using phrases that did not comply with advertising review regulations."

Kim Junhee stated, "Eva Juni sells products certified as health functional foods, so there is no problem with the products. However, we received a correction request from the MFDS for content that did not comply with advertising review regulations."

She emphasized, "I want to assure you that there is nothing to worry about when consuming the products. Since these are certified health functional foods, there is absolutely no problem with the products, and the correction was due to 'using phrases that differ from advertising review regulations,' not false or deceptive advertising."

Finally, Kim Junhee apologized, "However, from now on, we will use clearer expressions and operate sales more cautiously. I apologize for causing concern."

Netizens who heard the news criticized, saying, "Using their popularity to scam people by promoting ineffective products is really infuriating," and "I trusted them, but now I feel betrayed." Some said, "They act like experts on TV, but promoting products like this is ridiculous," calling it "a clear scam."

An office worker A (26) said, "Many people bought the products trusting them because of their good image. Although they posted an apology, I don't think the feelings of those who were deceived will be eased."

He added, "Previously, a famous Instagram star ran a shopping mall and deceived consumers, causing controversy. I think this applies to most influencers."

Another netizen pointed out, "When they were praised as celebrities, where were the criticisms? Now they come and leave malicious comments and hurt people. Posting malicious comments like this in groups is also a crime."

He continued, "Of course, I understand the feelings of those who bought the promoted products, but I hope people refrain from harsh words."

An apology statement posted last year on Instagram by Lim Ji-hyun, Executive Director of Bugeon FNC. Photo by Lim Ji-hyun

Criticism of influencers' false advertising and exaggerated promotions has been ongoing. In particular, controversies have continued over their responses.

Previously, influencer Imvely also faced backlash from netizens over the 'pumpkin juice' incident last year. In that case, foreign substances presumed to be mold were detected in pumpkin juice sold by Imvely, and controversy arose over Imvely's attitude in handling consumer complaints.

At the time, a customer informed Imvely that mold had formed in the pumpkin juice, but Imvely responded, "Refunds are difficult, and since we cannot verify what has been consumed so far, we will only exchange the remaining quantity and one discarded bottle," which led to criticism of Imvely's irresponsible response on SNS.

Subsequently, some dissatisfied consumers launched a class-action lawsuit through 'Imvely Anti' SNS accounts, raising issues such as product defects in clothing and cosmetics, suspicions of copying luxury brands, and allegations of threats against other companies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.