As BTS’s Gwanghwamun comeback performance draws global attention, accusations have surfaced that illegal merchandise is being sold on Chinese online marketplaces.
On the 24th, Prof. Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University said on social media, "After reviewing tips from netizens, we confirmed that platforms like Taobao and AliExpress are selling T-shirts and accessories that use the 'Arirang' logo without authorization."
Seo singled out the unauthorized use of BTS members’ likenesses as the most serious issue. He criticized, "Even if the platforms didn’t produce them directly, there is clear responsibility for allowing these counterfeit items to be displayed and sold."
The issue also echoes past controversies over content piracy. When the Netflix series Squid Game became a global hit, related items were also mass-produced and distributed without permission in China, causing problems. At the time, Hong Kong outlet the South China Morning Post reported that some popular products were being made and sold by companies in China’s Guangdong and Anhui provinces.
Seo warned, "From illegal viewing to producing bootleg merch for profit — this is extremely serious," adding, "This behavior must stop." He emphasized, "The practice of exploiting another country’s content without permission can no longer be tolerated."
As BTS’s activities continue to captivate the global fandom, protecting related intellectual property has emerged as a critical task.