[iNews24 reporter Seo-yoon Gu] Pelicana, a national chicken franchise, apologized after an AI-generated commercial sparked backlash. Critics said the spot was unsuitable for a food brand because it depicted a seasoned (sauced) chicken infant born to a fried-chicken couple and included scenes suggesting infidelity.
On the 10th, Pelicana posted to its official Instagram account: “We sincerely apologize for the discomfort and disappointment caused by the recently uploaded content.”
The company said it failed to fully consider the content’s appropriateness and its broader social implications, and acknowledged that the post had caused discomfort and concern for many people.
Pelicana said it has removed the post and is treating the matter seriously.
The company also pledged to strengthen its content planning and review processes, saying it will more closely scrutinize planning and approval steps and tighten internal standards to prevent similar incidents.
The controversial video opens with the premise that a seasoned (sauced) chicken child is born to a fried-chicken couple. The husband grows suspicious of his wife’s fidelity; the ad then shows the wife kissing a sauced-chicken man. Later, a female pelican doctor appears and, telling the grieving husband “Let’s get revenge,” attempts to seduce him while he drinks.
Online critics argued the ad trivialized infidelity and sensationalized family relationships. Many said the theme and execution were inappropriate for a food brand.
The spot is a parody of a trending AI video known as “Strawberry Girl,” which also drew controversy for repeatedly portraying relationships with multiple men and cycles of pregnancy and childbirth.
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