"This is Marketing?"... Japanese Girl Group Photoshops Coffin on Late Goo Hara's Picture

Japanese Girl Group Piiby Apologizes Amid Controversy
Also Claims, "We Usually Share Memes Created by Fans"

Photo of a coffin digitally edited with the late Goo Hara. Instagram of Professor Seok Kyung-duk

A Japanese girl group is facing controversy for maliciously using a photoshopped image of former Kara member Go (the late) Goo Hara as part of their marketing.

On the 15th, Professor Seokyung Deok from Sungshin Women's University stated, "I found out because many netizens reported it," and revealed that the Japanese girl group Piiby shared an image on their official social media (SNS) that photoshopped Goo Hara's photo with a coffin.

The post included the phrase 'IDGAF (I don't give a fxxx),' meaning they did not care at all. In response, Kara fans in both Korea and Japan criticized Piiby for exploiting Goo Hara as a marketing tool and defaming the late star's honor.

As the controversy intensified, Piiby removed the post and apologized, saying, "We were not aware of the context related to the late Goo Hara appearing in the image." They also appeared to shift responsibility by stating that they usually share 'memes' (internet viral content) created by fans.

Professor Seokyung Deok pointed out, "Above all, since Goo Hara was a top star who was greatly loved in Japan, the claim that they 'were not aware' is nothing but an excuse."

He also criticized, "No matter how globally successful K-pop is, using the photo of a deceased K-pop star alongside a coffin image for promotion is absolutely unforgivable."