In 2012, a seemingly innocuous Reddit post catapulted a young Apple Store employee into the limelight, leading to unforeseen personal and professional challenges. This is the story of Sam Sung, now known as Sam Struan, and how a viral moment reshaped his life.
Early Life and Career
Born as Sam Sung, the Glasgow native led a relatively ordinary life. He began his career at the Apple Store in Glasgow, where his name occasionally sparked lighthearted comments due to its phonetic resemblance to Apple’s competitor, Samsung. These remarks were typically in jest and did not significantly impact his daily life.
The Viral Moment
The turning point came when Sung relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia, and continued his tenure with Apple. One day, while engaged in a part-time job, his phone was inundated with calls and messages. Unbeknownst to him, a customer had shared a photo of his Apple business card on Reddit. The card, bearing the name Sam Sung, quickly gained traction, turning into a viral sensation.
Initially dismissing the influx of notifications as spam, Sung soon realized the gravity of the situation when he received multiple calls from his Apple Store colleagues. The store was overwhelmed with inquiries from individuals curious about the authenticity of an employee named Sam Sung working at Apple. To manage the situation, Apple temporarily removed him from the sales floor and revoked his business cards.
Professional Repercussions
The viral post transformed Sung into an internet meme, leading to a surge of attention that disrupted his professional environment. The constant scrutiny and unsolicited attention made it challenging for him to perform his duties effectively. Reflecting on this period, Sung expressed his apprehension about job security and the overwhelming nature of the attention.
Transition and Philanthropy
In 2013, seeking a fresh start, Sung left Apple to pursue a career in recruitment. The following year, he decided to turn his unexpected fame into a positive force. He auctioned one of his infamous business cards, along with parts of his Apple uniform, raising over $2,500 for the Children’s Wish Foundation. This act of philanthropy allowed him to reclaim some control over the narrative surrounding his name.
The Decision to Change His Name
Despite his efforts to move forward, the association with the viral incident persisted. As he endeavored to build his personal brand in the recruitment industry, the unique combination of his name and its internet notoriety posed challenges. Online searches for Sam Sung predominantly yielded results related to the viral post, overshadowing his professional achievements.
After careful consideration, he chose to adopt the surname Struan, inspired by a cherished village on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. This change was not only a nod to his heritage but also a strategic move to distance himself from the unintended fame. Additionally, he recognized that an anglicized surname could potentially open more doors in his professional journey.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Looking back, Struan acknowledges the stress and anxiety that accompanied his viral fame. He wishes he had approached the situation with a more relaxed perspective, embracing the humor and uniqueness of the experience. His story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of internet virality and its profound impact on personal and professional identities.
