Jang Woo-hyuk under investigation for unauthorized use of H.O.T. trademark

Sep 5, 2019

Singer Jang Woo-hyuk was under investigation Thursday

Prosecutors questioned Jang Woo-hyuk ― a member of 1990s K-pop boy band H.O.T. ― Thursday for alleged unauthorized use of the H.O.T. trademark.

Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office summoned him.

In December, former SM Entertainment CEO Kim Kyung-wook sued Jang, claiming Jang illegally used the H.O.T. trademark at the "2018 Forever High-five of Teenagers" gig last October.

The group gained fame in SM when Kim, reportedly the owner of the trademark, led the agency. He registered the trademark in 1998 and his right to it expires in 2028.

Kim also filed a lawsuit against Jang and the production agency Salt Innovation, seeking compensation.

Jang debuted as a H.O.T. member in 1996. The group rose to stardom with a string of hit songs including "Candy" (2006). It disbanded in 2001, but reunited in 2018. H.O.T. will stage the "2019 High-five of Teenagers" concert on Sept. 20-22 at Gocheok Sky Dome, Seoul.

Tags: #K-pop;