Calls to boycott JM Solution have spread online since Sunday, following renewed attention to its alleged ties to former BigBang member Seungri.
An online post pointing out Seungri's alleged ties to the K-beauty brand sparked criticism, with some users questioning the appropriateness of a figure convicted of sexual crimes being associated with a business targeting women.
Daiso, South Korea's budget-friendly retail chain, serves as one of JM Solution's major offline retail channels. Its skincare products are also available at Olive Young.
According to a 2019 report by a local media outlet, Seungri was the corepresentative of JM Town, alongside Kim Jung-woong, the CEO of JM Solution. The report said the former BigBang member had close ties with Kim and later handed his position to his friend Yoo In-suk, following the Burning Sun scandal.
JM Town reportedly had prepared to expand its business through a franchise model and applied for trademarks for names including "Seungtsby," a combination of "Seungri" and "Gatsby," from The Great Gatsby.
The same post also pointed to an event held by the company at Burning Sun, a club in Seoul where Seungri invested and served as an executive director.
Seungri completed his 18-month jail term in 2023, after he was convicted of multiple charges related to the Burning Sun scandal. The scandal involved allegations of sexual exploitation, drug-facilitated sexual assault, illegal filming and distribution of sexual content, and collusion.
mjcha@heraldcorp.com
