Seo Kyungduck: "The Act of Stealing Must Stop Now"
Profiteering Was Also Widespread During Season 1
As Netflix's "Squid Game" Season 3 garners global attention, it has been reported that illegal merchandise is being sold on major Chinese online shopping platforms.
Recently, on the shopping site AliExpress, a variety of unauthorized "Squid Game" merchandise, including T-shirts and artwork, has been available for sale.
Previously, during the releases of both Season 1 and Season 2 of "Squid Game," the distribution of illegal copies and unauthorized viewing in China sparked significant controversy. In particular, after the release of Season 1, vendors selling counterfeit merchandise on major Chinese online shopping platforms enjoyed a surge in business.
At the time, international media outlets such as the South China Morning Post reported, "Some of the most popular 'Squid Game' products on Korean online shopping sites are being sold by companies based in Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, and in Anhui Province, China."
Above all, the unauthorized use of the likenesses of actors such as Lee Jungjae, who appeared in "Squid Game," to create and sell merchandise is a serious issue.
Professor Seo Kyungduck of Sungshin Women's University criticized this behavior, calling it "truly pathetic," and stated, "Not only is illegal viewing a problem, but creating illegal merchandise for their own profit is something that should never happen."
He further emphasized, "This must stop now," and pointed out, "The act of 'stealing' content from other countries must come to an end."
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