Unauthorized merchandise related to BTS’ latest album Arirang has begun appearing on Chinese online shopping platforms, raising concerns among experts about intellectual property protection in the rapidly expanding global K-pop market.
According to a Korean professor specializing in intellectual property issues, various unofficial items featuring the Arirang logo including clothing and accessories — are already being sold through major Chinese e-commerce channels. The appearance of these products closely followed the group’s return from a four-year hiatus with their new album, highlighting how quickly demand for K-pop-related goods spreads internationally.
The professor warned that the circulation of unauthorized merchandise can create confusion among fans and weaken brand value for artists and entertainment companies. In the case of Arirang, the issue is particularly sensitive because the album marks a major milestone in BTS’s full-group comeback after members completed their mandatory military service and individual activities during the group’s break period.
Experts say that intellectual property protection remains a continuing challenge for the Korean entertainment industry as K-pop’s influence grows worldwide. While official merchandise is usually carefully managed through licensing systems, unauthorized products can appear quickly in overseas markets, especially when global anticipation around a major release increases.
The professor emphasized that stronger international cooperation and more effective monitoring systems are necessary to prevent similar cases in the future. As K-pop continues expanding its cultural and economic impact beyond Korea, protecting artists’ creative assets has become an increasingly important issue for both companies and policymakers.
With Arirang attracting significant global attention following BTS’s return as a complete group, industry observers expect discussions about copyright enforcement and overseas merchandise regulation to remain active in the coming months. The situation also reflects how rapidly fan demand can shape markets sometimes faster than official distribution systems can respond.