The Emblem That Got (G)I-DLE in Trouble—Misuse Could Cost 100 Million KRW Fine(+Why)

From April 2025, unauthorized use of the red cross (+) emblem in pharmacies, hospitals, and other settings in Korea may result in severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million KRW (approximately $69,896 USD). This change follows the inclusion of the internationally recognized Red Cross emblem under trademark protection laws.

The Korean Red Cross announced on January 23 that it received a “Notice of Application Disclosure” from the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on January 9 regarding the trademark registration of the Red Cross emblem. This notice indicates that KIPO found no grounds to reject the trademark application, initiating a two-month public objection period. If no objections are raised during this period, the emblem will officially be registered as a trademark.

KIPO has already approved application disclosures for the use of the emblem on products and services related to hospitals, pharmacies, and medical devices, with an application for pharmaceuticals currently under review. Once the trademark registration is finalized, unauthorized use of the emblem will be punishable under trademark law.

The move aims to strengthen the legal framework protecting the Red Cross emblem, which symbolizes humanitarian activities and serves as a protective marker during armed conflicts and disasters. Its use is strictly limited by both domestic and international law to humanitarian purposes only.

Previously, under the Korean Red Cross Act, unauthorized use of the emblem without approval from the Korean Red Cross or military medical institutions was subject to fines of up to 10 million KRW (approximately $6,990 USD). However, due to relatively weak enforcement, misuse of the emblem by hospitals, pharmacies, and manufacturers of medical products and devices had been common.

In response, the Korean Red Cross filed trademark applications last year to secure stronger legal grounds for protecting the emblem. A spokesperson stated that, while the organization does not plan to immediately take legal action against businesses violating trademark laws, it will use strengthened legal protections to promote proper usage through educational campaigns and public guidance.

The misuse of the Red Cross emblem has previously sparked controversies, including a notable incident involving K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE. In 2022, the group performed on KBS2’s Music Bank wearing outfits featuring the Red Cross emblem, which drew criticism. Their agency later acknowledged the issue, apologized to the Korean Red Cross, and donated 50 million KRW ($34,948 USD) as part of a resolution.

The trademark registration of the Red Cross emblem represents a significant step beyond symbolic protection, providing a legal framework to deter unauthorized commercial activities and safeguard its humanitarian purpose. This change is expected to reduce the misuse of the emblem in the commercial sphere and emphasize its significance as a symbol of humanitarian values.