Kim Song apologizes over product controversy, promises full refunds

Kim Song, wife of Clon's Kang Won-rae, has issued a formal apology regarding issues involving products she sold and announced a policy for full refunds. This response comes at a time when product quality control and seller accountability are becoming increasingly critical as influencers with personal brands and online sales channels connect directly with consumers.

On the 16th, Kim shared a notice from 'Song Song Market,' the online sales channel she operates, via her social media (SNS) to convey her apologies to customers.

The notice stated, "We would like to express our apologies to the Song Song Market customers who purchased the Grandmother's Restaurant products. Due to insufficient preparation by the manufacturer, problems have occurred, and we have decided with Grandmother's Restaurant to issue refunds to those who purchased them."

She continued, "We plan to contact the customers who ordered individually," adding that "the manufacturer's position will be conveyed through a separate post."

Kim also directly shared the notice to convey her apologies to customers who experienced inconvenience during the sales process.

This move is seen as an example of how vital consumer trust is in the rapidly expanding 'personal brand commerce' environment. While corporations and manufacturers were traditionally responsible for quality and after-sales service, celebrities and creators selling products under their own names now make the individual seller's credibility and sense of responsibility key competitive factors.

In online-based sales, consumers often purchase products based on the seller's image and values rather than just the product itself. Consequently, the speed and transparency of a response to unexpected problems serve as a primary benchmark for brand maintenance.

Kim's decision to publicly announce the matter and the refund policy is interpreted as a measure to prevent the controversy from spreading while simultaneously restoring trust with her consumers.

Kim married Kang Won-rae in 2003. Since being diagnosed with lower-body paralysis following a traffic accident in 2000, Kang has continued his rehabilitation and social activities, while Kim has remained by her husband's side to support their family.

Since then, Kim has communicated with the public through broadcasting and by sharing news of her family, daily life, and business via SNS. This recent product controversy is drawing attention as an instance where she is attempting to resolve business-related issues through direct communication with her consumers.