Loona · BEAST, a name I can't call... The reason is 'money'

《Kim Jiwon's Hidden Track》
Ten Asia reporter Kim Ji-won takes a closer look at the hidden stories of the music industry. We will vividly convey the facts and truth of the music industry issues.

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In the classic 'The Tale of Hong Gil-dong', Hong Gil-dong has the sadness of not being able to call his father 'father' and his older brother 'older brother'. Even in the music industry, things happen that you can't call 'my name' as 'me'. Making a kind of 're-debut' under a different name because you can no longer work under the name of the group you debuted in. This is because of the interests surrounding trademark rights.

Recently, Loona members Kim Lip, Jinsol, and Choiri started their group activities under the name of 'Odd Eye Circle'. To examine the background of their activities as Odd Eye Circle, we first need to look at Loona's debut process. Loona's former agency, Blockberry Creative, has unveiled one member every month since October 2016, and debuted as a unit when a certain number of members are filled. The three units that debuted like that worked as a full group of Loona. In June of last June, the members of LOONA won a lawsuit against Blockberry Creative, their former agency, for an injunction to suspend the validity of their exclusive contract, and the contract was suspended. Odd Eye Circle members Kim Lip, Jinsol, and Choi Rieun resumed their activities after nesting in their new agency, Mode House.

Odd Eye Circle was the second unit of LOONA that appeared in August 2018. As such, Odd Eye Circle is the name they originally used when they were promoting as Loona. This is a different case than the former agency claiming 'trademark rights' and preventing the name from being used. However, the reason they were able to use the name Odd Eye Circle was not because of the 'consideration' of their former agency. Coincidentally, the former agency registered the trademark for Loona, but not for Odd Eye Circle. For this reason, they could not promote as Loona, but they could use the name Odd Eye Circle. This is the reason why fans called it a "miracle-like thing". At a recent showcase, member Kim Lip said, “I think I will continue to use the name Odd Eye Circle.”

There are many cases where they cannot use their original group name due to transfers or disputes from their former agency. BEAST, who debuted in 2009, left his former agency Cube Entertainment in October 2016 and established Aroundus Entertainment in December of that year. They are currently promoting under the group name Highlight, not BEAST. This is because the trademark rights for BEAST are owned by Cube Entertainment.

Among the members of GFRIEND, Eunha, SinB, and Umji use the group name Vivig. At the time of their activities as GFRIEND, the existing fandom name was BUDDY, but they announced in January of last year that they would use a new fandom name through VLIVE. The current fandom name is Na.V. It was easy to guess that it was because of a situation that could cause legal problems related to trademark rights.

Brave Girls, a 4-member group that gained popularity through the reverse run of 'Rolin', will make a comeback with 'B'V Girl' in August. As all four members transferred to Warner Music Korea, they found it difficult to use the Brave Girls name, which was owned by their former agency, Brave Entertainment. Accordingly, they decided on a new team name, Brave Girls, which was used as an abbreviation for Brave Girls. Warner Music Korea has applied for trademark rights for Bvgirl.

Considering the products that can be made using their names, such as goods, clothing, cosmetics, stationery, and food, as well as music production and concerts, the economic value that can be obtained from trademark rights is hundreds of millions to billions. That is why those who have already preoccupied trademark rights do not give up easily. Unauthorized use of a trademark can result in a fine of up to 100 million won and criminal punishment of up to 7 years.

An official from the music industry expressed regret, saying, "Artists want to continue communicating with fans who have cheered and supported them. That's why they're trying to promote even if they change their name." Another person in the music industry said, “It is difficult to reach an amicable agreement during the agency transfer process, so this problem is repeated.” “There is a tendency to taboo financial negotiations. It's one way to do it," he said.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr