View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Networks
August 13, 2013

20 people injured as LG smartphone giveaway goes wrong

A promotional stunt involving balloons went awry in Korea after people brandished BB guns and spears.

By Claire Vanner

LG’s "G in the Cloud" promotional event in Seoul on Friday resulted did not get LG the press coverage it wanted as the event ended in 20 being injured.

Twenty people were injured when a promotional stunt in Seoul for LG’s new G2 smartphone went wrong, according to the Korea Times newspaper.

Hundreds of helium balloons were launched at the event, with 100 of them containing vouchers for a free G2 handset.

But in a clamor to get their hands on the free phone vouchers, people tried to grab the balloons by bursting them with BB guns and spears.

Reportedly, 20 people were injured in the incident, some as a result of being shot with BB guns.

Some of those hurt in Seoul on Friday were hospitalised, and LG has said it will cover related medical costs.

In a statement, the company said that other planned events had been called off because of safety concerns.

Content from our partners
Scan and deliver
GenAI cybersecurity: "A super-human analyst, with a brain the size of a planet."
Cloud, AI, and cyber security – highlights from DTX Manchester

One regional TV channel has dubbed the scrum "World War G" in comparison to the film World War Z.

In South Korea the new G2 phone, which was unveiled last week, retails at $850.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU