EN brief: “갤럭시로 날 찍어? 너무 짜증…만져본 적도 없는 폰” 프리지아 발언 논란 (it-life) + 1 glossary term.
Summary
Popular influencer Freezia (Song Ji-ah) has sparked a heated debate online following her recent comments regarding Samsung Galaxy smartphones. During a live broadcast or video interaction, she expressed strong distaste for being photographed with a Galaxy device, leading to accusations of being elitist or dismissive of the brand.
According to reports, she remarked that it was "annoying" (짜증) when people used Galaxy phones to take photos of her. She further claimed that she had never even touched a Galaxy phone in her life, emphasizing her exclusive use of iPhones.
The comments quickly went viral across Korean community boards and social media. While some fans defended her right to have a personal preference, many others criticized the tone of her remarks, calling them unnecessary and potentially hurtful to the brand's image and its users.
This incident adds to the ongoing "smartphone divide" in Korea, where brand loyalty—particularly among Gen Z and influencers—often becomes a point of social contention and status signaling.
In the headline, Freezia uses the word 짜증 (jja-jeung) to describe her feelings toward the Galaxy phone. While often translated as "annoyance" or "irritation," in this context, it conveys a sense of being bothered by something that doesn't fit one's standards or vibe.
The controversy began when Freezia was asked about her smartphone preferences or seen reacting to a Galaxy phone. She reportedly said, "Taking a picture of me with a Galaxy? That's so annoying... I've never even touched a phone like that." This specific phrasing, particularly the use of the word "annoying" (짜증), suggested a level of revulsion that many netizens found excessive.
Critics pointed out that as a high-profile influencer who often works with various brands, making such disparaging remarks about a major Korean tech product like Samsung's Galaxy series was unprofessional. Some users on platforms like FM Korea and TheQoo noted that her "never touched one" claim felt like an attempt to maintain a certain "luxury" image associated with Apple products.
On the other hand, some supporters argued that she was simply being honest about her personal aesthetic and that the reaction was being blown out of proportion. They suggested that her use of "annoying" might have been directed at the specific camera quality or filter style of the phone rather than the users themselves.
As of March 11, 2026, the story continues to trend in the 'IT-Life' and 'Culture' sections of major news outlets like Chosun Ilbo. There has been no official follow-up statement from Freezia's agency regarding whether these comments will affect her future brand partnerships or public appearances.
Context
The iPhone vs. Galaxy Divide: In South Korea, there is a significant cultural divide among younger generations regarding smartphone brands, with iPhones often viewed as a fashion statement.
Freezia's Image: Known for her appearance on 'Single's Inferno,' Freezia has previously faced controversies regarding luxury goods, making the public particularly sensitive to her comments on status symbols.
Brand Sensitivity: Samsung is a source of national pride for many Koreans, so public figures criticizing the brand can often face swifter backlash than they would elsewhere.
jjajeung
그 소리 진짜 짜증 나.geu sori jinjja jjajeung na. — That sound is really annoying.
갤럭시로 찍으면 짜증 난대요.gaelreoksiro jjigeumyeon jjajeung nandaeyo. — She says she gets annoyed if [someone] takes photos with a Galaxy.
