Illegal Distribution Of Stray Kids’ CLIO Photocards In Japan Recently Causes Problems
As of writing this article, on the 22nd of April, it was reported that Stray Kids' photocards under the brand CLIO were being sold at an expensive price in Japan. More specifically, the photocards are being sold illegally via "Mercari," a second-hand online store.
The online store, "Mercari," is a well-known online second-hand store in Japan that recently opened. In the online store, the Japanese sell multiple products, which include but are not limited to designer bags, shoes, and any fashion apparel.
Even Stray Kids member, Hyunjin, had his photocards, which are known to be excluded from the event after his bullying controversy, for sale on Mercari.
The person who is selling the items shared that they are in connection with a Korean friend which in turn sent files to a printing company to reproduce the photocards.
That is how they are receiving the illegal products.
Previously in February, JYP Entertainment's Stray Kids were chosen as the new model for CLIO, a Korean makeup brand. The 13th of April marked the day CLIO released a "Stray Kids Photocard Event" where fans who were interested in the photocards would get three free random photocards for as long as they also purchased CLIO makeup products.
The event garnered so much attention that it had to end early since the Stray Kids photocards were only limited. Expectedly, the photocards of Stray Kids became hard to find, thus began the illegal distribution, which caused the controversy.
Domestically in South Korea, it was hard to find and buy from online sites, so to combat this, the CLIO Stray Kids' photocards were distributed via a delivery company. This was confirmed from cafes and online communities.
Moreover, a legal official shared to a news outlet, "If the seller has handed out and sold the products made by a printing company without permission from the company or the brand, it is an illegal act."
In addition, the official also said since this is an illegal way to distribute the photo cards, the CLIO or JYP Entertainment, is able to ask for payment for the damage caused by the printing agency that released the Stray Kids' photocards.