The Seoul Secret

Seoul Secret is a beauty company based in Thailand.
'White makes you win' advert
The video highlights Thai entertainer and vocalist Chris Horwang whose skin was modified to go totally black as she discusses how she could lose her career along with her white skin in if she quits taking care of herself. “If I stopped taking care of myself, everything that I worked for, the whiteness I invested in, would be all gone,” she said.[1]
She proceeds to talk about the negative influence not keeping up her skin-brightening routine will have on her profession, turning black as opposed to her white, successful self. Towards the end the slogan shows up: "White makes you win".[2]
Controversy
The advert and ensuing controversy has stood out as international headlines while reignited an ongoing debate in Thailand about perspectives regarding skin tone. Any trip down a cosmetic store aisle will show a wealth of skin-brightening items.
In Thailand, darker skin is frequently connected with provincial lower-class Thais and considered ugly. CCosmetic retailers stock a wide assortment of skin-brightening items and facilities clinics offer cosmetic procedures to assist people emulate the white complexions related with that of the Bangkok elite.[3] Skin lightening has been a major trend in Asia.
Clarification
Seoul Secrets has apologized following an online media backlash against its advert for new skin-lightening pill Snowz, which has been slammed for bigotry. The company has deserted the advertising campaign over furious criticism globally.
“Seoul Secret, as the rightful owner of the video clip, would like to apologize for the mistake, and claim full responsibility for this incident. Our company did not have any intention to convey discriminatory or racist messages,” the statement said.[4]
References
- ↑ Seoul Secret apologizes for racist black face advert ‘White is winning’. Retrieved on December 29, 2020.
- ↑ Samadi, Faaez (2016). Thai beauty company issues "heartfelt apology" after causing outrage over racist ad for skin whitener. Retrieved on December 29, 2020.
- ↑ ‘Racist’ Ad for Seoul Secret Skin Whitening Pulled in Thailand. Retrieved on December 29, 2020.
- ↑ Seoul Secret apologizes for racist black face advert ‘White is winning’. Retrieved on December 29, 2020.