Kang Dong-won and Uhm Tae-goo Receive Music-Related Neighboring Rights by Joining the Wild Thing Team’s Union

The stars of the film 'Wild Thing' have stepped beyond being mere performers, emerging as rightful holders of legitimate rights in the sound-source ecosystem. The explosive energy of the fictional mixed group 'Triangle' has finally translated into the real-world legal acquisition of rights.

From actor to live performer, presenting a new paradigm for 'music neighboring rights'

On the 11th, 'Korea Music Performers Rights Association' (hereafter, Eumsilryeon) announced that four leading stars behind the film 'Wild Thing'—'Kang Dong-won', 'Uhm Tae-goo', 'Park Ji-hyun', and 'Oh Jung-sei'—have joined as new members in a full-fledged move. It is a pivotal moment when performances on screen are recognized not just as acting, but as independent musical art.

A comeback after 20 years, 'Triangle' puts down a weighty challenge to the real music industry

In the work, 'Triangle' is a three-member mixed group seeking a comeback 20 years after moving past its past glory. 'Kang Dong-won', 'Uhm Tae-goo', and 'Park Ji-hyun' seized the stage with performances in perfect harmony, while 'Oh Jung-sei' maximized the drama’s three-dimensional feel by breaking down into an in-depth ballad singer. Their sweat-soaked melodies are now set to be compensated not just on screen, but with a firm standing as live performers.

In the global 'OTT' era, expanding entertainers’ rights is not optional but required

In a media environment where boundaries are breaking down, the 'Eumsilryeon' membership push by actors is tracing a steep upward curve. Along with singing in 'drama OST', the spread of musical performances in films and the expansion of global 'OTT' platforms have broadened actors’ working scope to an unlimited extent. Eumsilryeon said, "Actors who sing within a work or contribute to producing sound sources should rightfully become key subjects for 'music neighboring rights' protection related to broadcasting, transmission, and reproduction."

Already, top-tier broadcasters such as 'Yoo Jae-suk', 'Kim Jun-hyun', and 'Kim Sook' are enjoying their legitimate rights within 'Eumsilryeon' as well. From 'Shin Hyun-joon', 'Byeon Woo-seok', and 'Jung Hae-in'—to trending actors who have joined the same umbrella—'Eumsilryeon' extends its protections across the industry. The latest move by the leading stars of 'Wild Thing' sets a clear milestone for what artists should do in the coming era of converged content.