ADOR Released Statement On Online Protest Against Korea Tourism Organization Using NewJeans’ Goods Made By Japanese Artist
ADOR said the use of the goods has not been agreed between the two sides.
ADOR expressed its position regarding Korean netizens’ malicious complaint that Korea Tourism Organization is using NewJeans’ goods that were made by a Japanese artist. An official from ADOR said on July 16th, “We have not consulted with the Korea Tourism Organization in advance, and we have never received their plan (of using the goods).”
Previously, the Korea Tourism Organization held a comment event for “Korea’s Day Trip” and offered NewJeans’ (their honorary ambassadors) goods to 20 winners. Goods presented as free gifts are “Right Now,” an album in which NewJeans collaborated with world-renowned Japanese contemporary art master Takashi Murakami, with a string bag included in the album. The string bag is decorated with the characters inspired by NewJeans as well as Superflat Flower, a popular character made by Takashi Murakami.
In the meantime, in a gallery on the Korean online community DC Inside, netizens have made many posts complaining why the Korea Tourism Organization use a Japanese artist’s products as gifts for an event, and some organized online protests were made to the Korea Tourism Organization. In fact, it was confirmed that the event was closed due to a flurry of complaints. The Korea Tourism Organization will discuss countermeasures soon.
The gallery in question turned out to be operated as an anti NewJeans gallery. Netizens also claim that Takashi Murakami is a right-winged Japanese, but this is also an unconfirmed claim. Takashi Murakami not only claims to be a fan of NewJeans, but also is allegedly a pro-Korea artist as he frequently visits Korea, holds special exhibitions here, and gives praise to Korean culture.
Meanwhile, in June, ADOR warns of legal action against the spread of unconfirmed rumors related to NewJeans systematically within the aforementioned gallery.
