[All] The problem of celebrities stealing their images through false means is still serious.

Reading the article, I was really shocked... I wonder if there are people who believe this and ask for casting...

I think he was actually an acquaintance of Huh Gak from a long time ago, but we don't even keep in touch anymore.

After putting Huh Gak's name forward, they were promoting him by hosting wedding songs and events...

Moreover, the stars whose images were actually used don't even know the content...

Heo Gak also didn't know the content.......;;

 

Well, it's not like I'm searching the internet every day.

How many issues do celebrities have with their portrait rights?

There seem to be so many people without a conscience.

 

 

Promoting celebrity congratulatory song singing with Huh Gak at the forefront
Singer's side claims "we didn't know" and concerns over portrait rights violations

Group Red Velvet, singer Sung Si-kyung, and Young Tak (from left). Courtesy of their respective agencies and Newsis.

A company has been identified for using the portrait rights of famous singers without permission. The shocking revelations reveal that they misled consumers with phrases like "Guaranteed by Huh Gak" and exploited their trust.
 
If you search for the problematic company name or the keyword "chukga" on a portal site, an advertisement titled "Singer Huh Gak's Top Match" will appear.

Singer Huh Gak. Photo provided by Newsis.

Related search results include celebrity wedding songs, social events, and more. The company's homepage highlights phrases like "We guarantee wedding songs and events with singer Huh Gak" and "We'll send you a list of truly affordable options."

Capture of the event company's homepage.

Banner advertisement for the event company found on a portal site.

When World Biz & Sports World began its investigation, the company's website featured a "Celebrity Congratulatory Songs" section featuring profile photos and names of dozens of singers. The group Red Velvet was the first to catch the eye.
 
While it's not common for a top-tier celebrity singer to sing a congratulatory song, it's not entirely unheard of. They typically attend the weddings of family members or acquaintances and offer their congratulations with a congratulatory song.
 
This company placed Red Velvet's photo at the top of the congratulatory song corner. Is it possible for Red Velvet, who are currently active under different agencies, to receive a casting fee and sing a congratulatory song?
 
When we contacted SM Entertainment, Red Velvet's agency, regarding this matter, the agency responded, "Red Velvet does not send congratulatory songs through companies. The agency also directly coordinates events."
 
When the agency contacted the company to protest, Red Velvet's photos were taken down. The company explained that it was "an error that occurred during the website renewal process."

A list of singers currently on the company's website. Website capture.

The situation was similar for some of the singers listed on the site. The response they received was, "Even if I do attend events, I'll only appear at events for which I've signed a contract through my agency."
 
The reporter contacted the company directly to inquire about pricing. When inquiring about travel expenses for singer Sung Si-kyung, whose face and name are listed on the website's congratulatory song/event section, the company responded, "Sung Si-kyung doesn't sing congratulatory songs." However, the company quickly responded, "He does host events (though he doesn't sing congratulatory songs)." When asked again about the event booking fee, the company responded, "How much are you considering?" Upon hearing this, Sung Si-kyung's agency expressed bewilderment.

Profile photos of Red Velvet, Kim Bum-soo, and Na Yoon-kwon, singers eligible for the congratulatory song, provided on the website before the agency's protest. Screenshot from the website.

Profile photos of famous singers like Sung Si-kyung, Kim Bum-soo, Min Kyung-hoon, and Davichi were deleted. However, the problem is that the photos were removed after protests. There was no compensation for the affected celebrities or an explanation for customers who trusted the photos. Some agencies of celebrities still on the list, such as Song Ga-in and Young Tak, also expressed bewilderment, claiming they were "unknown companies."
 
It appears that the artist's portrait rights were used for a specific business without permission. This raises significant concerns, as the public may perceive this as a strategic partnership with an active artist and his agency.
 
However, Heo Gak, the face of the company, was unaware that his name and photo were being stolen.
 
On the 11th, a representative from Huh Gak's agency expressed anger, saying, "Huh Gak attended many wedding ceremonies, and a childhood friend made him a business proposal. They had collaborated several years ago, but they ended their relationship due to financial issues. They haven't even been in contact."
 
Attorney Lee In-cheol of Lee Law Firm emphasized, "If a celebrity's photo is used for commercial purposes without their consent, they can claim infringement of their portrait rights. Since their name has been misappropriated, this also constitutes infringement of their name rights. They can pursue civil damages for tortious acts." He added, "If their name and photo continue to be used without permission, they can file an injunction demanding the photos be taken down."
 
Regarding this, the company stated, "We received permission to use the photos 4-5 years ago. Some people asked us to list them. However, we have revised the photos for those who recently contacted us to take them down, among those who changed agencies in the meantime." They added, "We wanted to share this information when the event came up. We will call you today to confirm and take action."
 
Regarding the use of Heo Gak's face and name in terms of the company's credibility, he was cautious about his comments after hearing the agency's response.
 
As the demand for celebrity congratulatory songs grows, the event industry is actively promoting its own strengths to attract clients. This process creates a new role for intermediaries. Clients inquire about bookings, and the companies secure the singers and collect a commission.
 
Celebrities and their agencies who are unaware that their portrait rights are being used without permission, as well as the public who trust and request such services, must be vigilant.