Hwang Bo Ra Faces Backlash and Issues Apology for Accident‑Themed Macadamia Promotion Video

Actress and content creator Hwang Bo Ra has issued a public apology after facing a wave of online backlash for a macadamia group‑purchase video that used a staged traffic accident scene as its opening.

On Feb. 11, 2026, Hwang Bo Ra posted a promotional video on her social media accounts to advertise a macadamia nut group‑buy campaign. The video begins with her appearing to drive at night, suddenly letting out a loud scream and reacting as if a serious car accident has just occurred, creating a tense and alarming atmosphere.

After a few seconds of this urgent scene, she abruptly shifts tone, smiles at the camera, and asks something like "Do you want some macadamia?" before introducing the product and highlighting discounts and delivery details, according to allkpop.

Many viewers called the concept inappropriate, arguing that car accidents involve real injuries and trauma and should not be used as a shock‑value or "clickbait" hook for a snack promotion.

Critics also pointed out that the accident scene had no clear connection to the product and seemed more like a provocative stunt than an effort to highlight the nuts' taste or quality. Some commenters described the video as "creepy" or "uncomfortable," with questions such as "Why link a traffic accident to a nut product?"

The backlash intensified because Hwang Bo Ra had previously been caught drunk driving in December 2007, with her blood alcohol level measured at 0.135% and her license later revoked.

Netizens cited this past incident, saying it made the accident‑themed advertisement look even more careless and inconsiderate, given that traffic injuries are often linked to impaired driving.

On Feb. 13, Hwang Bo Ra posted an apology on her social media, stating that she sincerely regretted her lack of judgment in using the accident‑related concept for the group‑buy video, SBS Star reported.

She wrote that she was sorry to anyone who felt uncomfortable or upset by the content and promised to reflect on her actions so that similar mistakes would not happen again. The video was also deleted from her accounts while the controversy continued in Korean media and entertainment outlets.

The incident has drawn broader attention to how celebrities and influencers market products on social media, especially when shock, fear, or sensitive topics are used to grab attention.

Public response in this case suggests that fans and viewers increasingly expect brands and personalities to be more socially aware in their advertising, particularly when real‑world issues such as traffic safety are involved, as per chosun.