The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) is launching a comprehensive crackdown on counterfeit K-pop merchandise sold online and offline, timed to coincide with the BTS world tour. The agency plans to combine on-site enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and online monitoring during the period of surging concert attendance by fans from Korea and abroad.
KIPO's trademark police announced Wednesday that they will conduct an intensive counterfeit goods crackdown and an intellectual property awareness campaign around the BTS concert venue at Goyang General Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Thursday. The operation aims to promote a culture of purchasing authentic goods and eradicate counterfeit products targeting domestic and international fans visiting K-pop concert venues.
On Thursday, enforcement will focus on commercial areas surrounding the venue. Officers will closely inspect the sale of counterfeit K-pop merchandise and check for trademark infringement. Authorities plan to take strict action against any violations under applicable laws. The agency will intensify enforcement on the day of the concert and in the days before and after to maximize the impact during peak fan demand.
Ahead of the concert, the trademark police designated a concentrated online counterfeit K-pop goods enforcement period from May 19 to June 9. During this period, the agency deployed an online counterfeit goods monitoring team working remotely to block sales postings for counterfeit products on major platforms including e-commerce sites, social media, and portal services. The goal is to fundamentally block the distribution of counterfeit goods through a comprehensive response system spanning both online and offline channels.
Fan participation campaigns will also take place on site. Organizers plan to display comparisons of authentic and counterfeit products and run interactive programs including verification events. Through these activities, the agency aims to deliver the message that "buying authentic goods is an act of supporting the artists."
"Purchasing authentic products is the most direct way to protect artists' creative work," said Kim Yong-hun, Director General of the Intellectual Property Protection and Cooperation Bureau at KIPO. "We will continue to expand concert-linked enforcement and campaigns to protect the K-content industry and establish a sound consumer culture."