Single's Inferno's Kim Hyun Joong unfollows Song Ji-a after her counterfeit luxury goods controversy

By now, you're probably familiar with South Korean beauty content creator Song Ji-a. Best known as one of the most popular (and sought after) contestants on Netflix's latest reality dating show, Single's Inferno, the YouTuber was recently under fire for wearing counterfeit luxury fashion items on social media, as well as on the show itself.

Criticisms flew in by online netizens who mentioned that some of her outfits and jewellery pieces that she was wearing in the show (and on her YouTube videos), resembled popular pieces from luxury brands including Chanel and Dior, of which many are fake.

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The 25-year-old, who is also known as FreeZia, first made her debut on her YouTube channel in 2019 of which she has garnered about 1.91 million subscribers. Some of the videos that she posts regularly on her channel include vlogs, her beauty routine, and other interesting clips like her closet reveal. The video of the latter (posted in 2019) has obviously attracted lots of attention, as many viewers have started to doubt the authenticity of the pieces that were featured.

But that's not all. Online netizens were also really quick to sleuth out the exact building that Song Ji-A was staying in, based on the layout of her apartment in her house tour video that was uploaded to her YouTube channel. According to Koreaboo, the prestigious Trimage apartment that she was living in, located in Seongsu, costs approximately 780 million won which is about $883,162. However, it still remains uncertain if she bought the apartment or is renting it under the jeonse (deposit) system, or even paying her monthly rent. Nevertheless, doing so would still cost more than how much most people in their twenties in South Korea would make in a month.

Many have also expressed mixed opinions about the controversy. For some, they mentioned that it is a shame for a YouTuber like her would have to fake her lifestyle, while others said it is not a big deal.

On Monday (Jan 17), Song Ji-A took to Instagram to post an apology, admitting the criticism is "partly true". On top of that, she also deleted all the posts that were featuring fake products. In her statement she mentioned, "I would like to apologise to the brands which have suffered damage from the issue. I extend my sincere apology to my fans and subscribers as well."

"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," she added.

According to South Korean law, selling and importing counterfeit goods is illegal. Additionally, it is also against the law to possess the goods for the purpose of duplicating and fabricating others' registered trademarks. However, buyers who do not recognise the items as fake are not considered to have broken the law.

Kim Hyun Joong unfollows Song Ji-a on Instagram

After news broke about the controversy, K-pop news outlet Koreaboo also mentioned that her fellow contestant, Kim Hyun Joong, who was also her partner in the season finale, was reported to have unfollowed Ji-a on Instagram.

But more interestingly, Kim Hyun Joong is still following all the other contestants in the show.

After fans got to know about Kim Hyun Joong's caught wind about what he did, many have turned against him and have repeatedly labelled him as "pathetic" and a "loser".

As of now, the other contestants have remained silent about the recent controversy with Song Ji-a.

What lies ahead for Ji-a?

For now, Song Ji-a is keeping things on the down-low after her apology and she has yet to post any Instagram stories since.

Meanwhile, she also just finished recording an episode for broadcaster JTBC's hit talk show, Knowing Bros, as well as fellow broadcaster MBC's variety show, Omniscient Interfering View. But it is not known if the episodes will air on the small screen amid the controversy.