Netflix Drama 'You Have Done Well' Faces Image Rights Controversy in China Amidst Global Popularity

The Netflix drama 'You Have Done Well' is gaining worldwide popularity, but it has recently faced an image rights controversy in China involving actors Park Bo-gum and IU.

Professor Seo Kyung-deok from Sungshin Women's University revealed on his Instagram account on the 14th that scenes from 'You Have Done Well' were being used without permission at a supermarket in Hebei Province, China.

The photos released showed a scene from the drama where Park Bo-gum is selling cabbages next to IU, being used in product advertisements. The supermarket added the phrase 'Sweet Cabbage' to promote Park Bo-gum's image. IU's image was also used in other sections of the store with phrases like 'Try Aesoon's Pea Rice' and 'Is This the Right Fish?' alongside unauthorized use of scenes from the drama.

Professor Seo stated, "This is an example of how 'You Have Done Well' is being illegally viewed in China, and the actors' image rights are being used without permission." He pointed out that since Netflix is not officially available in China, this also highlights the issue of illegal viewing.

Furthermore, Professor Seo criticized, "China has been using the image rights of Hallyu stars from Korean content like 'Squid Game' and 'The Glory' without permission. The production and sale of counterfeit goods for profit continue as well." He emphasized that "Chinese authorities should focus on cracking down on illegal activities by their citizens to prevent such cases from happening again."

Meanwhile, the response to 'You Have Done Well' in China is fervent. A scene where Kim Seon-ho clutches his heart and winks at IU in a wedding dress has sparked the 'Kim Seon-ho Challenge.' This trend has spread further as popular Chinese actors participate, and the 'Kim Seon-ho Challenge' has even made it to the trending challenge rankings on Douyin (China's TikTok).

By Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr