Baek Ja’s version featured his own satirical lyrics superimposed over the original material, with words like “impeachment” and “special prosecutor” replacing the original lyrics. (Image from a screenshot of singer Baekja’s YouTube channel)
SEOUL, July 12 (Korea Bizwire) – The Korea TV Broadcasting System (KTV), a state-run broadcaster under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has filed a lawsuit against a singer who released a satirical video of President Yoon Suk Yeol and his staff performing a choral piece, police sources confirmed on July 11.
The Mapo Police Station in Seoul is currently investigating singer Baek Ja for alleged copyright infringement. Baek Ja announced via the community section of his YouTube channel that he received a summons from the Mapo Police Station and agreed to appear for questioning on July 26.
The case stems from a video Baek Ja posted in February, which was a modified version of a video produced by KTV showing President Yoon and his staff singing “What We Need Is Love.” Baek Ja’s version included his own satirical lyrics superimposed over the original footage, with words like “impeachment” and “special prosecutor” replacing the original lyrics.
KTV claims that Baek Ja’s actions constituted a violation of both his proprietary rights and his moral rights under copyright law because he reproduced and modified his original production without permission.
The broadcaster initially filed the complaint with the Sejong Nambu Police Station in April. The case was then transferred to the Mapo Police Station, which has jurisdiction over Baek Ja’s residence.
MH Lee ([email protected])
