The trademark for FANOMENON, a government-led global K-pop festival, has been filed under JYP Entertainment’s name in Mexico, following similar applications in the United States and Japan. This has sparked controversy over potential preferential treatment, as singer Park Jin Young, JYP’s chief producer, co-chairs the Presidential Committee on Cultural Exchange, which is spearheading the event.
News1 reported on Wednesday that Park filed for 11 FANOMENON trademarks in Mexico last March. Five have already been registered, while six are still pending. JYP Entertainment is listed as the rights holder for all registered trademarks.
Additionally, 11 trademark applications for FANDEMONIUM, the festival’s grand prize, were filed solely under JYP Entertainment’s name. Four of these have been successfully registered.
These applications cover a wide range of products and services, including cosmetics, stationery, decorative items, music videos, CDs, records, online publications, and streaming services.
The controversy stems from FANOMENON being a government-led mega K-pop project, not a private event. Park’s dual role as both JYP’s representative and co-chair of the committee overseeing the project has raised eyebrows.
Earlier revelations about JYP Entertainment’s sole trademark applications in the U.S. and Japan sparked accusations of trademark monopolization and conflict of interest, particularly from opposition parties.
Park defended his actions, stating he initiated the registration process at his own expense to swiftly protect the FANOMENON name, with plans to transfer the rights once the responsible parties are determined.
He emphasized that the project requires collaboration among the Big 4 entertainment companies – HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG. Park expressed frustration at having his sincerity questioned, asking rhetorically if other agencies would cooperate if one company attempted to monopolize the trademark.
With JYP’s trademark applications now confirmed in Mexico, this issue is expected to be a hot topic at today’s National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee audit. Park is anticipated to attend in person to address these concerns.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, Park stated his willingness to testify under oath, facing potential perjury charges, to prove his genuine intent to serve the public interest.
President Lee Jae Myung publicly expressed regret and gratitude towards Park, acknowledging his uncompensated efforts and personal expenditures for South Korea’s cultural exports. The President added that South Korea’s cultural history will remember the dedication and hard work, conveying thanks on behalf of the nation.