“Single’s Inferno” Contestant Song Ji A Under Fire For Allegedly Wearing Fake Designer Clothes

After Netflix started airing their newest Korean reality show Single’s Inferno, the contestants on the series have seen unprecedented popularity. Yet, one person who was already well-known in Korea is social media influencer Song Ji A, known as Free Zia.

When she appeared in the series, she gained attention for not only her stunning looks and visuals, which resembled IVE‘s Wonyoung and BLACKPINK‘s Jennie, but also her designer wardrobe. She instantly made an impact dressed in big names such as Chanel and Dior on the show.

However, netizens have recently noticed that the outfits she wore were not, in fact, from the designer brands but “knockoffs” that resembled the original items. In particular, netizens found the original items and compared them to Ji A’s clothes during the show.

For example, when Ji A first entered the villa, she wore a knit top with a Chanel logo.

However, after looking at the original design on the label’s website, they noticed the distinct differences between the two. It included the color, design of the logo, and pattern.

Another Chanel item that netizens noticed was a cute cardigan familiar to fans as it is a favorite of BLACKPINK’s Jennie. In Ji A’s photo, she was posing with a Barbie doll and easily looked like she was wearing designer goods…

But many pointed out that many design factors, from the buttons to the pockets, seemed different compared to Jennie’s cardigan.

One user went a step further and saw a dress from Ji A’s time on the island that appeared to be by a brand called Marine Serre. Yet, after trying to find the dress, they noticed that it was actually on a Chinese website and sold for ₩28,900 KRW (about $24.30 USD).

Although knock-off fashion goods may be used by many consumers, many netizens pointed out that the problem lies where it went against Ji A’s self-promoted image and lifestyle.

• “How could she wear imitation products on the show? That’s so dumb.“
• “This is seriously fascinating. How can she wear fakes on broadcast?? She’s a bit ignorant.”

Yet, many others, including Western netizens, shared that it wasn’t a huge issue and explained that many people buy clothes that imitate huge fashion brands because the costs are very high. However, they did say it’s a shame that she felt the need to fake her lifestyle.

• “Nothing to throw a fit about, but I do think it’s a shame that people have to fake an entire rich persona and wear brand knockoffs to be considered marketable. It’s both sad and bizarre.”
• “It’s embarrassing, though, because why not be honest. It seems like she is embarrassed about her upbringing. She could’ve made videos about affordable good dupes, but she didn’t, which says something about her too.”

Many netizens want Ji A to address the issue because although it is her choice about what she wears, many think it creates a false identity and infringes the hard work designers have put into their garments.

Update: Ji A released a hand-written apology.