In a statement posted on Renault Inside, the company said, “We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to our recent internal promotional content. We feel deep concern and responsibility regarding the related controversy.” (Photo: a screenshot from Renault Korea’s official website)
SEOUL, Jul. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In a recent incident that has ignited debate on social media, Renault Korea finds itself embroiled in controversy over a hand gesture made by an employee in a promotional video for their new vehicle.
The automotive company has launched an investigation and suspended the employee in question following the uproar.
According to industry sources on July 1, a promotional video for the Renault’s new hybrid SUV, the Grand Koleos, posted on Renault Korea’s official YouTube channel “Renault Inside” on June 29, became the center of contention.
The controversy stems from a brief moment in the video where a female manager, while introducing the new vehicle, makes a gesture by forming a “ㄷ” shape with her thumb and index finger.
Some netizens interpreted this as a gesture used to mock male anatomy, spreading screenshots of the scene across online communities and fueling the debate.
While some argue that an employee would not intentionally make such a gesture in a video showing her face, others criticize it as an unnecessary action that invited misunderstanding.
In response to the growing controversy, Renault Korea swiftly removed the video and initiated an investigation. The company has also suspended the employee from her duties pending the inquiry.
In a statement posted on Renault Inside, the company said, “We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to our recent internal promotional content. We feel deep concern and responsibility regarding the related controversy.”
The statement continued, “The investigation committee for this matter will include internal members from human resources and legal departments, and if necessary, external experts, to objectively and clearly ascertain the facts. We have suspended the individual from performing their duties until the investigation committee’s results are concluded.”
However, Renault Korea also expressed concern about the spread of unverified information, stating, “We are worried about the indiscriminate spread of unconfirmed facts. We will strive to verify the objective and clear facts through the investigation committee.”
This incident comes on the heels of Renault Korea’s recent unveiling of the Grand Koleos at the 2024 Busan Mobility Show.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
