In a seismic development within South Korea’s pop culture landscape, the scenic coastal city of Samcheok has taken the decision to dismantle a widely celebrated BTS-themed sculpture and related installations at Maengbang Beach, reports Koreaboo. The move reportedly follows an escalating dispute over intellectual property rights, ignited by HYBE, the entertainment powerhouse responsible for managing the globally acclaimed K-Pop sensation, BTS.
The crux of the matter revolves around HYBE’s recent exertions, as the company has apparently initiated formal requests to various local governments, urging the removal of BTS-related structures. These appeals hinge on concerns related to potential infringement of intellectual property rights, thrusting the legality of these beloved fan-centric landmarks into question. Responding to HYBE’s overtures, Samcheok City, renowned for its iconic BTS photo zone sculpture and accompanying signage, made the consequential decision on January 5 to dismantle these cherished installations, stated the report.
Beyond their physical presence, these structures hold profound cultural significance. Numerous locations across South Korea, spanning beaches, bus stops, and breakwaters, have evolved into pilgrimage sites for BTS fans globally. Fondly referred to as ‘holy sites’, these spots gained popularity due to their association with BTS’ music video shoots or album jacket photos and have become emblematic landmarks for the devoted fan community. Maengbang Beach in Samcheok, for example, achieved prominence owing to its link with the BTS chart-topper ‘Butter’.
However, HYBE’s stance emanates from a perceived necessity to safeguard the intellectual property of the mega-popular K-Pop group. The company contends that the various sculptures and murals scattered across the country infringe upon BTS’s trademark and portrait rights, opening up possibilities of legal complications, as reported by Ten Asia.
Conversely, a representative from HYBE has elucidated their standpoint, underscoring the paramount importance of protecting the artists’ intellectual property rights. They also emphasized the challenges associated with the continuous management of such installations and the potential negative impact on the artists’ image.
The crux of the matter revolves around HYBE’s recent exertions, as the company has apparently initiated formal requests to various local governments, urging the removal of BTS-related structures. These appeals hinge on concerns related to potential infringement of intellectual property rights, thrusting the legality of these beloved fan-centric landmarks into question. Responding to HYBE’s overtures, Samcheok City, renowned for its iconic BTS photo zone sculpture and accompanying signage, made the consequential decision on January 5 to dismantle these cherished installations, stated the report.
Beyond their physical presence, these structures hold profound cultural significance. Numerous locations across South Korea, spanning beaches, bus stops, and breakwaters, have evolved into pilgrimage sites for BTS fans globally. Fondly referred to as ‘holy sites’, these spots gained popularity due to their association with BTS’ music video shoots or album jacket photos and have become emblematic landmarks for the devoted fan community. Maengbang Beach in Samcheok, for example, achieved prominence owing to its link with the BTS chart-topper ‘Butter’.
However, HYBE’s stance emanates from a perceived necessity to safeguard the intellectual property of the mega-popular K-Pop group. The company contends that the various sculptures and murals scattered across the country infringe upon BTS’s trademark and portrait rights, opening up possibilities of legal complications, as reported by Ten Asia.
Conversely, a representative from HYBE has elucidated their standpoint, underscoring the paramount importance of protecting the artists’ intellectual property rights. They also emphasized the challenges associated with the continuous management of such installations and the potential negative impact on the artists’ image.