[12.12.20] Alcohol NO! Gambling OK? T-ara embroiled in new controversy in Japan
T-ara being hired as the models for the Japanese Umi Montogatari Pachinko machine has become a controversy.
In Japan, T-ara has been chosen to be the models of the new model of a pachinko machine called "CRA Deluxe Umi Montogatari".
On the 24th, T-ara would go abroad to Japan for the launch event of the pachinko model. On the homepage of Yahoo! Japan, T-ara's "BO PEEP BO PEEP" concept pictures and ads for the pachinko ad can be found. The ads pictures are with Hwayoung, before she left T-ara.
In Japan, pachinko machines are the most popular in the leisure product industry and are recognized as a source of gambling. Korean netizens have pointed out, "T-ara doesn't do ads for alcohol, but will do them for gambling?"
Just a day before, T-ara's agency Core Contents Media said, "We think it's inappropriate for T-ara to appear in ads for alcohol and to cater to the youth drinking culture. T-ara has young fans and want to keep an image of suitable for all ages and thus decided they will not appear in it."
T-ara's agency responded to the comments that the comments previously made are hypocritical and said, "It's true T-ara did ads for this product, but it's not a gambling product. Hallyu actors and KARA have also done advertisements for pachinko machines."
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Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20121220n14521
Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem