[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] MBC has decided not to air a variety show featuring Song Jia (Freesia), who became famous after appearing on Netflix's "Solo Hell," following a controversy over counterfeit luxury goods.
On the 20th, the production team of MBC's variety program "The Manager" announced, "After mutual consultation with Song Jia, we have decided not to broadcast the episodes featuring her."
They added, "The January 29 broadcast will proceed normally with other cast members."
Song Jia, who gained popularity by appearing on the Netflix OTT entertainment variety show "Solo Hell" last month, is a YouTuber with over 1.99 million subscribers on her channel. Through her channel and social network service (SNS) accounts, she has showcased fashion accessories and clothing, mostly wearing luxury brand items.
She earned the nickname "geumsujeo" (gold spoon), referring to someone born into a wealthy family, and attracted attention with a luxurious image, including introducing a high-end residential complex apartment in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, where she currently resides.
However, suspicions arose that the clothes and bags Song Jia wore on the show were counterfeit luxury goods, commonly called "jjaktung" (fake products). As criticisms about some of the clothes and jewelry she wore being fake continued, her agency Hyowon CNC admitted, "They were simply purchased because they were pretty," and apologized, saying, "We did not think deeply about it."
Below is the full statement from MBC.
Hello, this is the production team of "The Manager."
After mutual consultation with Song Jia, we have decided not to air the episodes featuring her.
The January 29 broadcast will proceed normally with other cast members.
We will do our best to show better content to the viewers who support and love "The Manager."
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