Singer Jeon So Mi faces a probe over unauthorised use of the Red Cross Emblem, her beauty brand GLYF issues apology

Jeon So Mi landed in legal controversy

Popular K-pop singer Jeon So Mi has recently landed in legal trouble after she allegedly used the Red Cross emblem without permission. The police are currently investigating the case.

Jeon So Mi's beauty brand, GLYF, which was co-launched with Beaubble Korea, came under fire for its new product packaging, which looked like a first-aid kit and featured a red cross on a white background.

According to AllKpop, a police complaint has been filed against Beaubble Korea CEO A and Jeon So Mi for violating the Korean Red Cross Organisation Act. The case was filed at Seoul's Seongdong Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway.

The complaint alleges that CEO A violated Article 25 of the Red Cross Organisation Act, which forbids unauthorised individuals or organisations from using the emblem or any similar symbol, by using the Red Cross logo on a beauty brand that Jeon So Mi had launched.  A fine of up to 10 million KRW (roughly $6,855 USD) is imposed for breaking this law.

The complainant read, “The Red Cross emblem is a public humanitarian symbol designed to protect medical and relief workers during emergencies such as wars, disasters, or outbreaks. Repeated use of similar marks for commercial purposes could dilute their original meaning, undermine public trust, and threaten the neutrality and safety of humanitarian missions.”

Following the controversy and legal complaint, GLYF has issued an official apology. The company took to its Instagram account and released an official statement addressing the issue.

The statement reads, “We have suspended the use of all related content and are taking steps to prevent recurrence. The special kit was designed with the concept of ‘providing emotional comfort as if offering an emergency prescription,’ and has no connection to actual medical or relief activities.”

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According to the law, the Red Cross emblem can only be used with the Korean Red Cross's (for indicative use) or military authorities' (for protective use) formal approval. Misuse of the symbol could weaken the crucial defence that it provides against attacks on its users or facilities during times of war.

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The Korean Red Cross has recently revealed that using the emblem without permission can lead to an administrative penalty of up to 5 million KRW (roughly $3,427 USD) or a fine of up to 10 million KRW (roughly $6,855 USD). Offenders risk a fine of up to 100 million KRW (roughly $6,855 USD) or seven years in prison if the mark is registered as a trademark in violation of the Trademark Act.