Following Netflix’s unauthorized viewing… Chinese online shopping malls selling illegal “Squid Game” merchandise

Chinese Shopping Mall Controversy Over Illegal 'Squid Game' Merchandise

As anticipation builds for Season 3 of Netflix's popular series 'Squid Game,' controversy is spreading as illegal merchandise related to the show is being circulated on large online shopping platforms in China.

As of the 7th, platforms like 'AliExpress' in China are openly selling various illegal goods that infringe on copyrights, such as T-shirts and wall art featuring 'Squid Game' characters and logos.

Various illegal goods infringing on copyrights

This issue of illegal merchandise distribution is not new. Similar problems arose during the airing of Seasons 1 and 2 of 'Squid Game,' where sellers of counterfeit goods profited from distributing illegal replicas, leading to criticism from both domestic and international media.

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At that time, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post reported that some popular 'Squid Game' related items were being produced and sold without authorization by Chinese companies.

Invasion of Portrait Rights and Intellectual Property Issues

A particularly serious issue is the unauthorized use of portrait rights of actors, including Lee Jung-jae, to produce and sell merchandise.

This act goes beyond simple copyright infringement; it violates the personal rights of the actors and raises concerns from an international intellectual property protection perspective.

In this regard, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University strongly criticized the issue, calling it "a truly pitiful act."

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He pointed out, "It is unacceptable to go beyond illegal viewing and create illegal merchandise as a means of profit."

Professor Seo continued, "It must stop now. The act of 'stealing' content from other countries should come to an end."

Image source: instagram 'seokyoungduk'