Counterfeit K-Pop Merchandise Crackdown at BTS’s J-Hope Concert
K-Pop Stars and Government Join Forces to Promote Genuine Products
Introduction
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) is teaming up with Hybe and the Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency to combat counterfeit K-Pop merchandise. With a special focus on BTS’s J-Hope’s concert, this initiative is a significant step in curbing the illegal use of K-Pop artists’ trademarks and promoting the culture of respecting intellectual property.
Key Initiatives at the Concert
On the 13th, at the Goyang Sports Complex, the Trademark Special Judicial Police of KIPO will conduct a campaign alongside the final world tour concert of BTS member J-Hope. This campaign, titled ‘Fake OUT, Genuine OK!’, involves showcasing real and counterfeit products side-by-side and hosting social media photo events to engage concert-goers.
– Display and Comparison: Attendees can compare real and fake merchandise, learning to distinguish between them.
– Social Media Events: Fans can participate in online activities to share their support for genuine products.
Collaborative Effort
This joint effort between the public and private sectors is a model for addressing counterfeit issues proactively. A Hybe official commented: “The creations and brands of our artists are more than just products; they are built on trust with fans. Genuine product consumption is the most direct way to respect artists and protect intellectual property.”
Previous Efforts to Combat Counterfeits
In April, KIPO successfully confiscated over 29,000 counterfeit K-Pop goods, including 6,759 BTS-related items, from photocard to mugs. The efforts have been ongoing with an ‘Online Counterfeit Monitoring Team’ that recently blocked 6,710 online listings of fake K-Pop merchandise.
Future Plans
KIPO plans to continue monitoring major online platforms for habitual and multi-channel sellers, aiming for prosecution and arrest where necessary. Song Ho-mok, Deputy Commissioner of KIPO, emphasized the high value of K-Pop as intellectual property and the continuous threat posed by counterfeits to both the industry and consumer safety.
“Performances, festivals, and events gathering large crowds will continue to be monitored to enforce intellectual property laws and promote respect for genuine products,” added Song.
To learn more about the fight against counterfeit K-Pop products and how you can support artists by choosing genuine goods, visit KIPO’s official website.
