Baek Ja’s version included his own satirical lyrics overlaid on the original footage, with words like “impeachment” and “special prosecutor” replacing the original lyrics. (Image from a screenshot of the singer Baekja YouTube channel)
SEOUL, July 12 (Korea Bizwire) – The Korea TV Broadcasting System (KTV), a government-affiliated broadcaster operating under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has filed a lawsuit against a singer who posted 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 through his YouTube channel’s community section that he had received a summons from the Mapo Police Station and agreed to appear for questioning on July 26.
The case stems from a video posted by Baek Ja in February, which featured a modified version of a KTV-produced video showing President Yoon and his staff singing “What We Need Is Love.” Baek Ja’s version included his own satirical lyrics overlaid on the original footage, with words like “impeachment” and “special prosecutor” replacing the original lyrics.
KTV contends that Baek Ja’s actions constitute a violation of both their property rights and moral rights under copyright law, as he reproduced and altered their original production without permission.
The broadcaster initially filed the complaint with the Sejong Nambu Police Station in April. The case was subsequently transferred to the Mapo Police Station, which has jurisdiction over Baek Ja’s residence.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
