Girl group (G)I-DLE's latest stage costume for track "Klaxon" is under fire for featuring a Red Cross emblem. The use of the emblem is restricted to those associated with the national Red Cross, Red Crescent societies, or medical services provided by the armed forces. Use of the symbol requires permission from those outside the groups.

The girl group appeared on KBS2's music show "Music Bank" on July 19 donning a lifeguard-themed costume that has a Red Cross emblem. Viewers began raising the issue regarding the girl group's use of the emblem on the costume, which violates the Organization of the Republic of Korea National Red Cross Act.

The law states that any person who is not representing the Red Cross, or has not obtained approval from a military medical institution or the Red Cross, shall not use the Red Cross emblem or any emblem similar to it for business or advertising purposes.

When violated, the individual can be fined up to 10 million won ($7,200). The International Committee of the Red Cross also states that “the use or misuse of the red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems are clearly set out in the law."

“We have not received any contact from its agency to use the mark,” an official from the Korean Red Cross said. “We assume that it was done unintentionally without knowing such clause.”

“A penalty will be given by the Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Health and Welfare when such an act is done intentionally or regularly,” the official added. “We will contact the agency regarding the issue and request measures to prevent any reocurrence.”

Following the controversy, Cube Entertainment, the group’s agency, released a statement apologizing for its mistake.

“We recognized that the stage costume had an issue and have been in contact with the Korean Red Cross,” Cube Entertainment said. “We have apologized and are actively discussing follow-up measures to prevent reocurrences.”

“We would like to sincerely apologize once again regarding the issue and to those related,” the agency added.

(G)I-DLE released its seventh EP "I Sway" with lead track "Klaxon" on July 8.


BY LEE JI-YOUNG [kijdculture@joongang.co.kr]