"Personal Business NO"... Jang Wonyoung's 'Forever: Cherry' Trademark Application Clarified by Agency

Jang Wonyoung of the group IVE has drawn a line regarding the rumors of her 'personal business venture' sparked by her trademark application.

◆ What is 'Forever: Cherry'? According to the patent information search service KIPRIS on the 28th, a trademark application for the name 'FOREVER:CHERRY' and a cherry-shaped logo has been filed under Jang Wonyoung's name. It has been confirmed that the designated products include a total of 30 items such as cosmetics, essential oils, electric toothbrushes, and massage gels.

Previously, on the 12th, Jang Wonyoung posted a video on her personal SNS with a pink ribbon and cherry emoji, tagging a mysterious account, which piqued fans' curiosity. This led to speculation that Jang Wonyoung might be launching her own beauty brand and entering into personal business.

◆ Agency: "It's for prevention of appropriation... not a personal business" As the controversy spread, her agency Starship Entertainment quickly moved to clarify. The agency stated in an official position, "'Forever Cherry' is just a brand collaboration project, not Jang Wonyoung's personal business."

They further explained the background of the trademark application, saying, "The name deeply reflects the artist's unique identity and image," and added, "We agreed to file the application under Jang Wonyoung's name to prevent indiscriminate commercial appropriation and brand misuse by third parties after the project ends." They also mentioned that the extensive application area is a proactive measure to prevent misuse of the artist's image.

Meanwhile, IVE, to which Jang Wonyoung belongs, is ramping up preparations for their comeback ahead of the release of their second full album 'REVIVE+' on February 23. Below is the full official statement from Starship Entertainment.

Hello, this is Starship Entertainment.

We would like to convey our position regarding the recent mentions of 'Forever Cherry (FOREVER CHERRY)' related to our artist Jang Wonyoung, for the sake of factual clarity and artist protection.

'Forever Cherry' is a brand collaboration project and not Jang Wonyoung's personal business.

Regarding the recent trademark registration, the name deeply reflects the artist's unique identity and image. Therefore, to prevent indiscriminate commercial appropriation and brand misuse by third parties after the project ends, we have agreed with the brand side to proceed with the application under Jang Wonyoung's name. The reason for the extensive application area is also part of a proactive response to defend against the misuse of the artist's image in various business sectors.

This is a measure taken to fully preserve the unique value of the artist, considering the protection of the artist's rights as a top priority. We will continue to make our best efforts to protect the rights of our artists.

Thank you.