Popular South Korean convenience store chain GS25 has canceled their latest product amid accusations from fans that the company copied an idea originally shared by BTS‘s Jungkook.
The controversy erupted after GS25 launched a new menu item, perilla oil buckwheat noodles, which bore striking resemblance to a recipe that Jungkook had previously shared with fans. The packaged product was predominantly purple — a color often associated with BTS — and featured the word “idol” on its packaging, leading many to speculate that the company intentionally borrowed the idea from the popular idol.
During a fan community live broadcast in April, Jungkook shared his recipe for “Spicy Bulmayo Perilla Oil Makguksu.” In response to fans’ enthusiasm, the singer later organized the recipe and posted it on the community page. When GS25’s similar product hit the shelves, it didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots and call out the perceived plagiarism.
Following the growing controversy, GS25 has since issued a statement in response to the allegations of copying Jungkook’s recipe. In the statement, they apologize for the concern caused and promise to listen to their customers more carefully in the future. The company also announced that they decided to review the release of the product.
We apologize for causing concern to customers regarding the ‘Bulmayo perilla oil makguksu’ product, which was scheduled to be a new release. After collecting customers’ opinions, we have decided to review the product’s release. We will strive to become a GS25 that listens to the voice of customers and is more prudent in production operations in the future.
— GS25
Netizens expressed their disapproval, with comments such as “What’s the point of stealing a recipe and making a product that doesn’t even contain the name of Jungkook?” and “[GS25] is a recipe thief.”
But what about the legal side of things? Well, under current South Korean law, recipes are considered ideas rather than creative work, meaning they are not typically eligible for copyright protection. However, it is possible to file for a patent if the recipe can demonstrate “industrial applicability” and “novelty.”
It may be because of this legal ambiguity that famous recipes often get exploited by major corporations. For example, a similar thing happened with the infamous “Inkigayo Sandwich” and the “Ex-boyfriend Toast” — both of them were released as products without the consent of the original creators.
This incident follows a similar controversy that occurred earlier this year involving instant noodle giant Nongshim. In March 2023, Jungkook shared a unique ramyeon recipe on Weverse, which he named “bulgeuri.” However, it was later revealed that Nongshim filed copyrights for the terms “Bulgeuri” and “Bulguri” on the same day the recipe was posted, triggering outrage among BTS fans.
[WEVERSE] JK? post!
jungkook shared a recipe of the ramen he just ate and said armys should try it. ? pic.twitter.com/vZie7Tsaes
— jk updates ★ (slow) (@jjklve_) March 15, 2023
In the meantime, BTS fans continue to rally in support of Jungkook, highlighting the importance of respecting originality and creativity. As the situation unfolds, fans and industry insiders alike will be waiting to see if any further measures are taken to protect artists’ ideas in the future.
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