Her agency Starship stated that the trademark registration is a protective measure for the artist.
They explained that the broad scope of the application is to prevent brand misuse.
Jang Wonyoung of IVE has firmly denied the recent allegations regarding her personal brand launch. On January 28, her agency Starship Entertainment issued an official statement clarifying that 'FOREVER CHERRY' is a brand collaboration project, not a personal business. This counters the speculation sparked by news of her trademark registration, which led some to assume she was starting an independent venture.Starship emphasized that the trademark application is a precautionary measure to protect the artist, asserting, "Our aim is to preserve the unique image and identity of the artist." They added that preventing potential third-party commercial exploitation post-project completion is also a goal. The agency further explained the broad scope of the trademark application, stating it is a measure to prevent misuse of the artist's image, promising to continue efforts to protect the rights of their artists in the future.
Jang Wonyoung's swift denial of the allegations surrounding her brand reflects her proactive approach to managing her public image. By clarifying that 'FOREVER CHERRY' is a collaborative project and not a personal enterprise, her agency Starship demonstrates its commitment to protect the artist's uniqueness and identity. This proactive stance could signal an important aspect of public image management, heightening fan expectations of how she will maintain her popularity.Starship's emphasis on the rights of the artist further suggests a maturation of the K-Pop industry. The ability for artists to safeguard their image while collaboratively utilizing trademarks with their agencies hints at a growing trend where similar situations could arise in the future. Ultimately, Jang Wonyoung's situation serves as a case in point that could empower young artists to take charge of their own management. The trend of individual K-Pop artists creating their own brands and exploring diverse business opportunities could signify an important shift in the industry landscape.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
