'Seemingly Accidental' GwakTube, Was There a Separate Reason for Traveling with Lee Na-eun... Suspicion of Undisclosed Advertising

"Staged to Look Accidental... Alleged Violation of the Labeling and Advertising Act"
"Suspected Planned Concept, Must Be Thoroughly Investigated"

Travel YouTuber KwakTube's Italy travel video with actress Lee Na-eun has been embroiled in a covert advertising controversy. [Source=YouTube channel 'KwakTube' screenshot]

It has been revealed that a video of YouTuber GwakTube (real name Gwak Junbin) and actress Lee Naeun traveling together in Italy was reported to the Fair Trade Commission over suspicions of so-called 'undisclosed advertising.'

Netizen A recently filed a complaint against GwakTube on the National Petition System for violating the Act on Fair Labeling and Advertising. He stated, "GwakTube seems to say in the problematic video that the footage was captured by chance," adding, "However, if Lee Naeun traveled to Rome with permission from her agency Namoo Actors, it effectively means an 'implied contract' was made with GwakTube. If they traveled together to create a positive public opinion about Lee Naeun, it could be considered false or exaggerated labeling and advertising."

A pointed out, "During a dinner with Lee Naeun, GwakTube expressed sympathy by saying, '(As a victim of school violence) I talked a lot, but I felt like I was causing harm to the person who was actually misunderstood,'" and criticized, "If Lee Naeun's past had not been re-examined, GwakTube's remarks could have served as a driving force to further enhance 'the brand value of the actress Lee Naeun.' Therefore, this is judged as a 'recommendation or endorsement act' under the guidelines for labeling and advertising related to recommendations and endorsements."

He also added, "Celebrities, athletes, webtoon artists, and other 'personal service providers' may be subject to this law," urging, "The Fair Trade Commission should thoroughly investigate the 'planned concept suspicion' case involving GwakTube and Lee Naeun and impose strict penalties such as fines if illegal activities are found."

The complaint is currently assigned to the Consumer Division of the Seoul Regional Fair Trade Office of the Fair Trade Commission. A Fair Trade Commission official told a media outlet, "If the National Petition System shows that a complaint related to GwakTube has been assigned, it is likely true as it is a system-generated message," but added, "We cannot provide specific details about individual cases."

Meanwhile, on the 16th, GwakTube uploaded a video on his YouTube channel showing his trip to Rome, Italy with Lee Naeun, which sparked controversy. Having revealed multiple times that he was a victim of school violence, he defended Lee Naeun, who had been accused of bullying a group member, leading to a wave of criticism. Eventually, GwakTube took down the video and apologized twice.