South Korean music label Cube Entertainment has issued an apology, following the controversy surrounding a recent performance by K-pop group (G)I-dle which it manages. On Friday (Jul 19), the quintet appeared on the South Korean music show Music Bank to perform the group’s latest song Klaxon.
However, the lifeguard-themed outfits worn by the members of (G)I-dle during the performance drew negative comments as they bore the Red Cross emblem.
Under Article 25 of South Korea’s National Red Cross Act, “any person who is not the Red Cross, or who has not obtained approval from a military medical institution or the Red Cross, shall not use the Red Cross emblem or any emblem similar thereto for business or advertising purposes”.
Any violation of the article is punishable by a fine not exceeding 10 million won (US$7,200).
Following (G)I-dle’s performance, an official from the Republic of Korea National Red Cross confirmed to media outlets that the agency did not receive a request from Cube Entertainment to use the emblem. However, it added that it would not impose any fines on Cube as it “determined that (the act) was done unintentionally”.
“We will contact the agency regarding the issue and request measures to prevent any recurrence.”
On Jul 22, Cube Entertainment issued an apology on social media platform X where it revealed that it had contacted the Republic of Korea National Red Cross “to apologise and actively discuss preventive and follow-up measures”.
“We would like to once again apologise to everyone who was inconvenienced. We sincerely thank all the fans who always show much interest and support for (G)I-dle.”
(G)I-dle released its newest extended play I Sway on Jul 8.
