Viral Apple Employee Sam Sung Reveals Why He Changed His Famous Name

A former Apple employee named Sam Sung has spoken out about his experience. His name went viral over a decade ago due to its similarity to the tech giant Samsung. In a new interview, he explained the intense fallout and his ultimate decision to change his name.

According to Business Insider, the situation began in 2012. Someone posted a picture of his Apple business card on Reddit. The post spread across the internet almost instantly.

Apple’s Internal Response to the Viral Joke

Sung described the fear he felt when Apple contacted him. The company asked if he was aware of the viral post. He became deeply paranoid about losing his job over the unintended attention.

“I was so scared, and I just wanted to keep my head down and stay employed,” he said. Apple management took direct action to shield him. They pulled him from the store floor after a reporter approached him at work.

His colleagues were instructed not to identify him to curious customers. The company also confiscated his business cards. Sung even pretended to be someone else when directly asked about the viral story.

The Lasting Personal Impact and a New Identity

Sung eventually left Apple in 2013 to move beyond retail work. His decision to change his name came after his departure. He stated he “didn’t want to be known for being an internet joke.”

He chose the last name Struan, inspired by a favorite place in Scotland. While he does not regret the change, he has gained perspective. He now wishes he could tell his younger self to see the humor in the situation.

The episode highlights the strange personal cost of internet fame. What was a joke for millions was a source of real-world stress for one employee. The story of Sam Sung serves as a cautionary tale about viral identity, showing how a simple name can unexpectedly upend a person’s life.

Thought you’d like to know-

How did Sam Sung’s name first go viral?

Someone posted a photo of his Apple business card on Reddit in 2012. The image spread rapidly online because his name, Sam Sung, sounds like the company Samsung.

How did Apple handle the situation internally?

Apple pulled him from the sales floor and told employees not to identify him. The company also took away his business cards to help stop the attention from customers and media.

Did Sam Sung get fired from Apple?

No, he was not fired. He left the company on his own terms in 2013. He decided to pursue a career path outside of retail.

What did he do with his old Apple belongings?

After leaving Apple, he auctioned his old business cards and pieces of his uniform. He did this for charity in 2014.

Why did he ultimately change his name?

He changed his name to distance himself from the viral joke. He did not want his identity to be defined by an internet meme.