[Exclusive] KARD Jeon Somin Responds to 'My Own Money' Undisclosed Advertising Allegations: "Content Not for Ads or Money... Sorry for Lack of Explanation"

KARD Jeon So-min Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Hee-eun Park] Jeon So-min, a member of the co-ed group KARD, has clarified allegations of 'undisclosed advertising' on YouTube.

On the 7th, Jeon So-min posted on the community board of her YouTube channel 'MINNY J Somin' stating, "Regarding the 'undisclosed advertising' issue related to 'self-purchased' content, I want to convey the accurate details."

She explained, "On May 14th, I introduced 10 favorite items in a 'self-purchased' content, among which I featured the product 'XXX.' After uploading the video, the company of the 'XXX' product requested to use a 'screenshot' of the scene showing the 'XXX' product for secondary use. I gave permission for this use and received a nominal fee for the secondary use."

She continued, "Although it was not a paid advertisement beforehand, since I received a secondary usage fee for the 'screenshot' later, I added wording including 'indirect advertisement' in the description box accordingly. I judged that the wording in the description might confuse subscribers, so I marked 'paid advertisement included in the video' and simultaneously removed 'self-purchased' from the title."

She added, "All of these events occurred between the upload on May 14th and before June 18th. However, there have been concerns raised that the labeling was added and the title changed after the 'undisclosed advertising' incident, so I am explaining this now."

Jeon So-min apologized, saying, "Of course, I accepted the advertisement that came after the video upload, and I am sorry for not properly explaining the process. The MINNY J Somin channel currently always marks and inserts paid advertisement wording when proceeding with paid ads, and even in videos without paid ads, it clearly states 'This video does not include paid advertisements.'"

She emphasized, "I am aware of the seriousness of the 'undisclosed advertising' issue on YouTube and am doing my best to create content so as not to disappoint subscribers and fans."

She continued, "As a member of KARD and a singer, I understand that fans expect various aspects of my daily life. The YouTube channel is just beginning to grow, and I have met like-minded producers to prioritize content related to 'beauty' that I have wanted to try. However, I want to make it clear that I have never created content solely for advertising or financial gain."

Finally, Jeon So-min said, "I sincerely apologize for the lack of explanation and any misunderstandings regarding this video. I will do my best to avoid causing confusion to fans and subscribers in the future."

Below is the full statement from Jeon So-min.

Hello, this is MINNY J Somin. Today, regarding the 'undisclosed advertising' issue, there was a concern raised about the 'self-purchased' content, so I want to provide accurate information.

On May 14th, I introduced 10 favorite items in a 'self-purchased' content, among which I featured the product 'Ni**.' After uploading the video, the company of the 'Ni**' product requested to use a 'screenshot' of the scene showing the 'Ni**' product for secondary use. I gave permission for this use and received a nominal fee for the secondary use.

Although it was not a paid advertisement beforehand, since I received a secondary usage fee for the 'screenshot' later, I added wording including 'indirect advertisement' in the description box accordingly. Judging that the wording in the description might confuse subscribers, I marked 'paid advertisement included in the video' and simultaneously removed 'self-purchased' from the title.

All of these events and processes occurred between the upload on May 14th and before June 18th. However, there have been concerns raised that the labeling was added and the title changed after the 'undisclosed advertising' incident, so I am explaining this now.

Of course, I accepted the advertisement that came after the video upload, and I am sorry for not properly explaining the process. The MINNY J Somin channel currently always marks and inserts paid advertisement wording when proceeding with paid ads, and even in videos without paid ads, it clearly states 'This video does not include paid advertisements.' Also, at the beginning of videos with paid ads, I directly mention that it is a paid advertisement with phrases like 'This video is in collaboration with 000.'

I am aware of the seriousness of the 'undisclosed advertising' issue on YouTube and am doing my best to create content so as not to disappoint subscribers and fans.

As a member of KARD and a singer, I understand that fans expect various aspects of my daily life. The YouTube channel is just beginning to grow, and I have met like-minded producers to prioritize content related to 'beauty' that I have wanted to try. However, I want to make it clear that I have never created content solely for advertising or financial gain. Many recent makeup contents were not advertisements but purely to show and share products and to present different images and sides of myself through makeup I wanted to try.

I sincerely apologize for the lack of explanation and any misunderstandings regarding this video. I will do my best to avoid causing confusion to fans and subscribers in the future.

Thank you.