Controversy Erupts Over Unauthorized Use of IU and Park Bo-gum's Images in China

The popular Netflix series, My Name is Ahsung (폭싹 속았수다), starring IU (아이유) and Park Bo-gum (박보검), is facing controversy in China not only for being illegally streamed but also for the unauthorized use of the actors' likenesses. The drama, which follows the adventurous lives of Ahsung (아이유) and Gwan-sik (박보검) through the seasons, premiered on March 7 and concluded its run on March 28, releasing four episodes weekly.

Despite Netflix not being officially available in China, the show has gained immense popularity, resonating with audiences through its relatable themes of family and parental love. Chinese viewers have resorted to various means, including VPNs and illegal downloads, to access the series, which has also been uploaded on multiple OTT platforms, garnering significant media attention.

Currently, My Name is Ahsung holds a high rating of 9.4 on Douban, China's largest rating site. However, the situation escalated when Professor Seo Kyung-duk (서경덕) from Sungshin Women's University revealed that images of the characters Gwan-sik and Ahsung were being used without permission in advertisements at a supermarket in Hebei Province. The ads featured a scene where Gwan-sik sells cabbage next to Ahsung, with captions like 'Cabbage for Sale,' exploiting their likenesses without consent.

Professor Seo criticized this as a clear example of how illegal viewership leads to the unauthorized use of actors' images. He pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, as Chinese companies have previously misused the likenesses of K-pop stars from popular shows like Squid Game (오징어게임) and The Glory (더 글로리), often creating counterfeit products for profit.

He emphasized that the ongoing illegal streaming and image exploitation reflect a blatant acknowledgment of these activities in China. Professor Seo called for the Chinese authorities to take action against such illegal practices to prevent further occurrences.