ENTERTAINMENT
Korean Entertainment Producers Association Addresses Light Stick Controversy Between QWER and The Boyz
On September 29, KEPA warned in a statement that "if the parties involved only confront each other legally, it could lead to a decline in creativity across K-pop, intensify the exclusivity and isolation of fan culture, and ultimately decrease trust in both domestic and international markets."
The association emphasized the urgent need for industry agreements and system improvements to protect intellectual property rights and creativity. They urged for the establishment of standard guidelines to ensure that meaningful creative assets of agencies, artists, and fandoms are clearly protected. KEPA also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of mutual understanding and respect among fandoms, stating that while collective actions like hashtag campaigns and protests are part of a healthy fandom culture, baseless slander, hate, and cyberbullying against other fandoms and artists are unacceptable.
Furthermore, KEPA promised to maintain a neutral stance and do their utmost to mediate and arbitrate between the parties involved, as well as to devise effective measures to prevent recurrence. They committed to launching various efforts, including the establishment of an official dispute resolution platform, industry-wide joint statements, and campaigns.
The association highlighted the need for industry agreements and system improvements to protect intellectual property rights and creativity, the establishment of a culture of mutual understanding and respect among fandoms, and the importance of pre-registration, public review, and industry consultation procedures for official merchandise designs.
Meanwhile, the controversy over the similarity of light sticks between The Boyz and QWER has emerged.
The full statement reads:
The foundation of creativity, identity, and sustainable growth in the K-POP industry lies in the respect for intellectual property and mutual trust among artists, fandoms, companies, and the entire cultural industry. The controversy over the similarity of official light stick designs between The Boyz and QWER is not just a matter of imitation or dispute; it is a significant moment that impacts the future of K-POP merchandise culture, the sense of community among fandoms, and the global competitiveness of the Hallyu wave.
The agencies of both parties have conflicting opinions, but it is time to consider the legal issues with strict judgment and objective fact-finding, the scope of public design practices, and the social importance of fandom identity in a balanced manner.
If the parties involved only confront each other legally, it could lead to a decline in creativity across K-pop, intensify the exclusivity and isolation of fan culture, and ultimately decrease trust in both domestic and international markets.
KEPA presents its position as follows:
1. There is an urgent need for industry agreements and system improvements to protect intellectual property rights and creativity. We actively urge the establishment of standard guidelines to ensure that meaningful creative assets of agencies, artists, and fandoms are clearly protected.
2. A culture of mutual understanding and respect among fandoms must be established. While collective actions like hashtag campaigns and protests are part of a healthy fandom culture, baseless slander, hate, and cyberbullying against other fandoms and artists are unacceptable.
3. KEPA will maintain a neutral stance and do their utmost to mediate and arbitrate between the parties involved, as well as to devise effective measures to prevent recurrence. We promise to launch various efforts, including the establishment of an official dispute resolution platform, industry-wide joint statements, and campaigns.
4. In the future, we will emphasize the importance of pre-registration, public review, and industry consultation procedures for official merchandise designs.
5. The cultural power of K-POP lies in the coexistence of diverse creativity and the virtuous cycle of the ecosystem. We urge all stakeholders to take responsible actions to create an "industry environment that preserves identity and fosters creativity."
The current controversy facing the K-POP industry is not merely a conflict arising from a single item design, but a significant issue that raises concerns about the sustainability of the future Hallyu ecosystem, global market competitiveness, and the health of K-pop fandom culture. KEPA will faithfully fulfill its role as a driving force to ensure that the entire industry works together to resolve the issue.
Thank you.
September 29, 2025
Korean Entertainment Producers Association
Reporter Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
