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  • Korean Air’s Primitive Blooper
    Posted by Rupa Haria 2:42 AM on Jun 19, 2012

    When launching a service to a new destination, labelling the citizens of that country as “primitive” probably isn’t the best marketing tactic. Korean Air has learned this the hard way following massive backlash from Kenyans after the airline described them as “indigenous people full of primitive energy.”

    The advert, launched by Korean Air to promote its forthcoming Incheon-Nairobi route, touted the wonders of Kenya including “the grand African Savanna, the safari tour, and the indigenous people full of primitive energy.” 

    The offending advert was pulled yesterday following angry reaction from Kenyans. The airline posted on its website: "Regarding our recent promotional notice of Nairobi, we are checking on this issue accordingly. We sincerely apologize for this situation."

    On the other hand, if Korean’s aim was to create a social media frenzy surrounding the Nairobi route, they’ve certainly achieved it. Just take a look at how #PrimitiveEnergy has gone viral on Twitter. And if Kenyan’s didn’t previously know Korean Air will be flying an A330 to Nairobi from Thursday (21 June), they do now.


    Tags: tw99, korean air, strange

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