K-pop Agency Cracks Down on Violations of Rights, Including Unauthorized Portrayals by Local Governments and Online Platforms

Courtesy of Goyang City

Hybe, the parent company of Big Hit Music, the agency representing the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, is intensifying its efforts to combat the illegal use of its intellectual property. The company has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized use of BTS' name, logo, and images.

One notable instance involves the Nam-gu district office in Busan, which has employed BTS' official logo for a photo zone near the Oryukdo port to promote the island. Oryukdo gained popularity among BTS fans after Jimin filmed an online video there. Hybe officials state that such usage violates their intellectual property rights and can potentially harm the image of the artists. 

▲ Courtesy of Goyang CityGoyang City in Gyeonggi Province also came under scrutiny for promoting city tourism with a mural portrait of BTS member RM on the walls of its tourist information center. Hybe emphasizes that government entities, local governments, and institutions are not permitted to use portraits and names of their artists for public displays without authorization.

Additionally, a sculpture of BTS' name on Maengbang Beach in Samcheok, Gangwon Province, is set to be removed this month following Hybe's request. The beach was a location for official photoshoots for BTS' album "Butter." Samcheok City had utilized the sculpture, featuring the official picture of the album, for tourism promotion without obtaining permission from the entertainment agency.

The issue extends to online platforms as well, with The Camp, an app facilitating letter-sending to soldiers, creating a separate space for BTS fans labeled as "official." Hybe promptly sent a warning letter, leading the app to remove the term "official" and clarify to users that its BTS fan community is not managed by Hybe but operates independently.

Hybe's decisive actions reflect its commitment to protecting the intellectual property rights of its artists and maintaining control over the use of their images and branding, both offline and online.

Sayart

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com