SK Telecom will collaborate with the popular fashion platform ‘Musinsa,’ beloved by the 2030 generation, to host a youth exhibition. During this event, customers who purchase an SKT iPhone 15 through the Musinsa channel will be eligible for discount tickets and exclusive Musinsa exhibition items valued at up to KRW 300,000. (Image provided by SKT)
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) –As the popularity of Apple’s iPhone among young Koreans continues to rise, South Korean celebrity singer and YouTuber Sung Si-kyung recently shared an interesting anecdote about his experience using a Samsung Galaxy phone.
Sung recounted a conversation with a younger person who asked him, “Do you use ‘Gal-regi’?” The term ‘Gal-regi’ is a playful fusion of Samsung’s Galaxy phone and the word ‘regi,’ which carries a derogatory connotation. In this context, the -regi suffix is used to refer disparagingly to a specific group or product. The term ‘regi’ itself derives from a Korean suffix associated with something of lower quality.
Sung noted that there seems to be a prevailing perception that the Galaxy is considered an older generation’s choice, while younger individuals lean towards the iPhone. He mentioned his own switch from an iPhone to a Galaxy phone, finding it more comfortable personally, but acknowledged that younger users are accustomed to the Mac ecosystem, which makes the iPhone more appealing to them.
Often referred to as the prince of Korean ballads, Sung also expressed his personal preference for Galaxy phone photos, describing them as having a warmer quality compared to iPhones.
The iPhone craze among teenagers and young adults has grown to such an extent that the humorous saying, “If you use a Samsung phone, you’ll be teased,” has turned into a reality. A Gallup Korea survey revealed that over 70 percent of teenagers and young adults prefer iPhones.
Many celebrities also favor iPhones and frequently share selfies taken with their Apple devices on social media. Some analysts believe that these celebrity endorsements are influencing younger generations to opt for iPhones.
Prominent broadcaster Yoo Jae Suk, one of South Korea’s most influential celebrities, shared in a YouTube broadcast that he personally prefers Samsung phones, even though he’s not an official Samsung spokesperson.
Interestingly, some idols and celebrities are known to use the products they endorse. For instance, BTS’ Suga, who endorses Samsung Electronics, has publicly expressed his preference for Galaxy phones over iPhones. During an event where he took selfies with fans’ phones, he quipped, “I want a Galaxy phone, not an iPhone.”
Prominent broadcaster Yoo Jae Suk, one of South Korea’s most influential celebrities, shared in a YouTube broadcast that he personally prefers Samsung phones, even though he’s not an official Samsung spokesperson. He has exclusively used Samsung smartphones for an extended period and is currently using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
Meanwhile, Apple is set to release the new iPhone 15 series in Korea on October 13, generating anticipation among younger consumers who are passionate about iPhones. However, the iPhone 15 is more expensive in South Korea compared to the United States and Japan, leading to criticism that Apple is employing discriminatory pricing.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
I think Samsung is better than iPhone. What do you say?