The stage costume worn by (G)I-DLE for the song 'Klaxon' on the KBS2 music show 'Music Bank' on July 19, 2024 has come under fire for featuring the Red Cross symbol. The use of this emblem is restricted to those associated with a national Red Cross, Red Crescent society, or medical services provided by the armed forces.
Use of the symbol requires permission from a party outside the group. During their performance, (G)I-DLE wore lifeguard-themed costumes that featured the Red Cross symbol. Viewers began raising issues regarding the use of the symbol on their costumes, which violates the Republic of Korea National Red Cross Organization Act.
The law states that anyone who does not represent the Red Cross, or has not obtained approval from a military medical institution or the Red Cross, may not use the Red Cross emblem or similar emblems for business or advertising purposes.
If violated, the individual can be fined up to 10 million won. The International Committee of the Red Cross also stated that “the use or misuse of the red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems is clearly regulated by law.”
A Korean Red Cross official said, "We have not received any contact from the agency to use the emblem. We assume it was done accidentally without knowing the clause." They added, "Punishment will be given by the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry of Health and Welfare if such acts are done intentionally or routinely.
We will contact the agency regarding this matter and request action to prevent a recurrence." Following the controversy, (G)I-DLE's agency Cube Entertainment released a statement apologizing for their mistake.
"We are aware that the stage costumes are problematic and have contacted the Korean Red Cross," the agency said. "We have apologized and are actively discussing follow-up measures to prevent a recurrence. We would once again like to sincerely apologize regarding this issue and the parties involved," the agency added.
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