LG’s disaster “dropping the phone under the balloon” turned 10 years ago: 20 people were injured, 7 people went to the emergency room due to being trampled and hit by an airsoft gun

People participating in the event not only jostled and trampled each other, but also brought a series of “weapons” to hunt for balloons: knives, homemade spears and even airsoft guns. LG and the phone war

In 2013, the battle between the iPhone and a series of Android phones was still in the climax. Many competitors have chosen a different direction, using Windows Phone operating systems such as BlackBerry and Nokia Lumia, but they have not been successful.

Not only that, emerging brands like Huawei and Xiaomi gradually appear with many “cheap but high-configuration” phone models, turning smartphones into a fiercely competitive market, with new products constantly appearing. currently, with configurations, operating systems, and designs changing from month to month.

One of the brands that stirred the market at the time was LG, with a series of low-cost mid-range phones that offered high value for money.

After a period of “hiding” with good-priced products, LG began to raise ambitions to expand market share and compete with other leading brands such as Samsung and Apple through the LG G2 flagship model.

Launched in 2013, the LG G2 was a premium device at the time of its release, notable for its large 5.2-inch display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, delivering high performance and low power consumption. low capacity. In addition, LG G2 has many other strong points such as high capacity battery, unique rear-mounted power and volume buttons, etc.

In terms of operating system, the LG G2 runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and is the first smartphone to feature LG’s custom skins, providing additional features and improvements over the stock Android experience. The LG G2 was also equipped with a 13-megapixel lens, the highest resolution in its segment at the time.

A daring event

On a sunny day in Seoul, LG Corporation held a promotional event to launch LG G2 to the public. As mentioned, LG has put a lot of expectations on this event and product, with the program specifically designed to stimulate customer interest and stir public opinion as much as possible.

During the main act, hundreds of balloons will be released into the air, with many containing LG G2 smartphone vouchers worth around $850. In other words, the lucky person will get a completely free phone.

LG intends for these balls to hover above the city, creating a visually stunning display and dividing the winnings equally among participating customers.

The event soon raised concerns when LG did not provide specific regulations on how to “win” the bubbles, the organizers probably thought that users would calmly watch until the balls fell.

And people do not count, within minutes after the balloons were released, strong winds swept them away, dragging dozens of free phones away. Customers eagerly waiting for their opportunity couldn’t help but get angry as they watched the balloons fly away uncontrollably.

But that is only part of the story, the situation becomes more serious as the few remaining balloons are gradually released, the frustrated crowd quickly rushes into the area before they take off. Dozens of people were pushed and trampled in the midst of the chaos.

And the climax was when the “weapons collection” appeared, many people brought knives, homemade spears and even airsoft guns, to shoot down LG’s gifts.

According to media estimates, at least 20 people were injured after the event, of which 7 had to go to the emergency room. LG Group stepped in and reassured the public: “We will support the full cost of treatment because we are responsible for this event.” Several similar LG G2 launch events were quickly canceled across Korea.

The LG G2 promotional event in Seoul has become a “stain” for the corporation, but fortunately it did not prevent LG from achieving its goals. The LG G2 flagship model was a huge hit, helping the company continue to grow in the years to come.

Despite its communications setbacks, LG maintained a strong position in the smartphone market in the 2010s, and the LG G2 continues to be remembered as a breakthrough device. However, this event was also an unfortunate lesson that left 20 people injured.