On February 11, Hwang Bo Ra uploaded a short clip to her social media account. In the video, she is seen driving late at night when she suddenly reacts as if struck by an unexpected impact. Startled, she screams and buries her face in the steering wheel, creating a scene that strongly resembles a real traffic accident.
However, the mood abruptly shifts as the screen transitions to Hwang smiling brightly at the camera. Holding up a product, she cheerfully asks, “Want some macadamia?” revealing that the dramatic sequence was part of a promotional skit for a group-buy sale.
Given that Hwang has more than 390,000 followers on social media, the clip quickly spread online after being posted. Many viewers questioned the concept, with comments such as, “What does selling a product have to do with a car accident?” and “This kind of promotion feels inappropriate.”
The criticism has been amplified by Hwang’s past record. In 2007, she was charged with driving under the influence in Seoul’s Gangnam district, with a reported blood alcohol level of 0.135%, resulting in the revocation of her driver’s license. Although the incident occurred 19 years ago, some netizens argue that referencing a car crash even in a staged format is insensitive, particularly given her history.
Even without her prior DUI case, many believe that using imagery associated with traffic accidents situations directly tied to life-and-death consequences was in poor taste for commercial promotion.
Despite the controversy, Hwang has continued to post updates, announcing that the promoted products have sold out and sharing additional promotional content.
Born in 1983, Hwang Bo Ra married actor and producer Cha Hyun Woo (Kim Young Hoon), the younger brother of actor Ha Jung Woo and son of veteran actor Kim Yong Gun, in 2022 after a decade-long relationship. The couple welcomed their son, Woo In, in May 2024.
Sources: Nate
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