Subway Ad Featuring Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon Halted Due to Complaints

An advertisement featuring actors Byun Woo-seok (변우석) and Kim Hye-yoon (김혜윤) in the Seoul subway has been suspended following numerous complaints. The two gained significant popularity from their roles in the tvN drama 'Sungjae Up Go Tiu' (선재 업고 튀어), which aired in the first half of last year. They topped the 'Drama Couples We Want to See Again' poll conducted by Giftree in November 2024. The ad was scheduled to run from January 13 to January 27 at the Konkuk University Station on Line 7 of the Seoul subway but was abruptly halted.

On January 22, Giftree explained that over 40 complaints were received by the Seoul Transportation Corporation questioning why the two actors were featured together. Due to internal policies, any advertisement that receives even a single complaint must be suspended, leading to the immediate halt of the ad.

Giftree attempted to resume the advertisement but faced ongoing complaints, making it impossible to proceed. They sought permission to modify the design and submitted it for review at all subway stations, but it was rejected for the same reasons. They proposed a new version featuring each actor for 10 seconds, but continued complaints have rendered any advertising efforts unfeasible. Giftree has been warned that ongoing complaints could jeopardize future advertising through their platform.

They urged fans to be understanding and to refrain from filing further complaints, as this could affect not only Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon's ads but all subway advertising.

The Seoul Transportation Corporation clarified that they recorded five complaints regarding the ad, primarily concerning issues of portrait rights. They noted that while their policy requires the suspension of ads upon receiving complaints, this typically applies to cases of significant social controversy. The corporation informs the advertising agency of any complaints, but the decision to post or suspend ads lies with the agency.