Song Joong-ki "Sorry as Lead Actor for Vincenzo's 'Chinese Bibimbap' PPL"

On March 14th, in the broadcast of 'Vincenzo,' Vincenzo Cassano (played by Song Joong-ki) and lawyer Hong Cha-young (played by Jeon Yeo-been) were shown eating instant food labeled in Chinese at the office. Photo by tvN broadcast screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Actor Song Joong-ki (36), who starred in the drama 'Vincenzo,' has belatedly apologized for the controversy over the 'Chinese-made bibimbap sponsorship.'

On the 3rd, Song Joong-ki addressed the PPL (product placement) controversy regarding the 'Chinese bibimbap lunchbox' during a video interview marking the end of tvN's Vincenzo.

Song said, "At the time of the controversy, I was in the middle of filming, so I tried to focus on my main work and did not make any special remarks. Of course, I was not in a position to comment. However, if asked, I felt I must say this."

He apologized, saying, "It is true that there was controversy related to the drama, and since there are definitely people who felt uncomfortable, I think it is my duty as the lead actor to apologize."

Song added, "We also tried to faithfully handle the content internally within the drama. I only thought that I should work hard in my role to be loved by the viewers. I really devoted myself to the filming."

Earlier, in the episode of 'Vincenzo' aired on March 14, Vincenzo Cassano (played by Song Joong-ki) and lawyer Hong Cha-young (played by Jeon Yeo-bin) were shown eating instant food labeled in Chinese in their office.

This product is a bibimbap for the Chinese domestic market made by the famous Chinese instant food brand 'Zihai Guo (自??),' a product rarely encountered in Korea.

As the controversy spread, the Vincenzo team issued an official apology, deleted the problematic scene, and re-edited the episode.