20 injured as Korean LG G2 publicity stunt backfires

In a less than ideal start to LG's marketing efforts for its new G2 smartphone, 20 people were injured at a recent promotional event in South Korea. According to the Korea Times, the event in Seoul saw balloons filled with coupons redeemable for a free LG G2 released into the air. But LG's plans backfired when some individuals brandishing BB guns attempted to shoot down the balloons, leading to a reported 20 attendees being inadvertently shot.

The newspaper quotes a Korean blogger who criticizes LG's security arrangements for the "G in the Cloud" event, saying only 20 security guards were present for the heavily-promoted function.

According to the report, LG has apologized to the injured and said it'll cover their medical costs. Similar events planned around Korea have since been canceled "due to safety concerns."

Source: The Korea Times; via: Engadget; Video via: Android Beat

Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.