“Single’s Inferno” star Song Ji-a, also known as the influencer Free Zia, uploaded a video addressing the controversy surrounding the counterfeit luxury brands she wore on the popular Netflix series.
Song, who often wore high-end labels such as Chanel and Dior on the show, was heavily criticized after online sleuths pieced together that some of the items she wore were not authentic, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.
In her apology video uploaded to YouTube on Monday, Song admitted to using fake luxury goods and acknowledged that she was at fault.
“Hello, this is Song Ji Ah,” she opened in Korean, as translated by AllKPop. “I want to apologize for uploading this apology video so late. And I am sorry to cause concern to so many people. I admit to the controversy of using fake luxury goods, and I acknowledge that everything is all my fault.”
Song noted that she was apologizing because, as a YouTuber, she should have been “more careful and thoughtful” but now has “damaged the image of the brands and disappointed many people.”
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“At first, I just bought them because they were just so pretty and I received so much love from so many people,” she added. “I wasn’t able to wake up from that and became more absorbed in it. I am regretting it so much, and I feel that the past me is so pathetic.”
According to Song, she is now self-reflecting and regrets focusing only on herself rather than her loved ones who offered her criticism and advice in the past.
Song said her love for her fans is “genuine” and extended the apology to them as well as her family, who she says are now “suffering” because of the controversy. She also asked people to stop attacking her loved ones.
Song shared that she would set her channel to private and take some time off for further self-reflection.
On Jan. 18, Song also posted a handwritten apology letter on Instagram, expressing sadness for “disappointing and hurting” people. In the post, she said that she “will recognize the severity of the issue and reflect” on her actions and will “live more responsibly” moving forward.
Despite criticism in South Korea, Song has found support from international fans on Twitter.
Featured Image via free지아
