SOUTH KOREA—Samsung halted production of its beleaguered Galaxy Note 7 on Tuesday. Known as the Ford Pinto of smartphones, the Note 7 and its replacement model sometimes burst into flames.
Although many would see this stoppage and the ensuing massive losses in stocks and profits as a bad thing, Samsung saw opportunity. Marketing consultants and spin doctors created a new product, just ahead of the holiday season.
Samsung Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee hosted a news conference to announce that the company would rise from the ashes, and then immediately return to them. “We are turning this small stumble into a great gain,” said Lee. “I’m pleased to say that Samsung is expanding its stake in the energy industry with the Note 7 Yule Log!”
A digital campaign was released as part of the event, with Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington as pitchman. “Winter is coming,” Harington warns in a promo as he throws another Note 7 on the fire. Warming her hands by the blaze is Ibiza DJ, Paris Hilton, who offers, “It’s hot.”