Singer Jeon So-mi has been accused of unauthorized use of the Korean Red Cross logo on products from "GLYF," the beauty brand she launched.
According to Yonhap News on the 7th, the Seongdong Police Station in Seoul said it received a complaint accusing Jeon So-mi and "Viewble Korea" CEO A of violating the Korean Red Cross Organization Act.
The complainant, whose identity is unknown, was said to have argued that when the Red Cross emblem—used for medical and relief activities—is used in a commercial context, its meaning is diluted and trust and neutrality in relief settings can be harmed.
GLYF, the beauty brand launched by Viewble Korea and Jeon So-mi, recently faced criticism during the promotion of a new product release for attaching a red cross symbol to a white first-aid kit background, which was seen as similar to the Red Cross emblem.
Under Article 25 of the Korean Red Cross Organization Act, anyone who has not received approval from the Red Cross for use may not use the Red Cross emblem—a red cross on a white background—for business or promotional purposes.
As the controversy grew, GLYF said, "We deeply apologize that production proceeded without recognizing the historical and humanitarian meaning of the Red Cross emblem and the importance of its legal protection," adding, "We have halted all postings of related designs and content and are taking measures to prevent recurrence."