[Culture&] "Seventeen and Aespa Photo Theft" Illegal Goods Company Receives First Correction Order

Companies selling "unofficial goods" that illegally used the photos and names of popular idol groups like Seventeen and Aespa are facing strong government sanctions. The Intellectual Property Office announced on the 5th that it has issued the first-ever correction order against four companies that violated publicity rights.

An investigator from the Intellectual Property Office's unfair competition investigation team conducted a planned investigation targeting online and offline sales channels since November last year. The investigation revealed that Seventeen, Boy Next Door, Tomorrow X Together (TXT), Aespa, Ive, and Rise were among the six groups and 41 artists whose likenesses were used without permission.

In particular, the companies caught showed malicious behavior by continuing to sell secretly despite promising to stop the infringement in April last year. The illegally distributed products included five types of items such as photo cards, student ID cards, and stickers, which are in high demand among fans.

This action is the first administrative measure taken by the government against violations of "publicity rights", which protect the economic value of celebrities. The companies must immediately cease sales and destroy all inventory, and failure to comply will result in a fine of up to 20 million won.

Kim Yong-hoon, Director of the Intellectual Property Protection Cooperation Bureau, emphasized that "Protecting artists' intellectual property rights is essential for the growth of the K-Culture industry" and stated, "We will continue to crack down on illegal activities that damage the reputation of idol groups."