Lee Gi-chan's camp re-rebuts 'Pharmaceutical Affairs Act' violation controversy: "No illegal acts, no accomplice liability" [Official]

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The camp of singer Lee Gi-chan has once again issued a rebuttal amid the controversy over alleged violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act after he performed his hit song "Cold" at a pharmacy.

Lee Gi-chan's agency, IP Studio, stated in an official position on the 22nd: "We clearly state that the performance in question was conducted as part of a purely cultural project and promotion, and does not constitute improper solicitation or patient inducement, nor a violation of management duties under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act."

The agency explained that it does not fall under "improper solicitation or patient inducement" as defined by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, stating: "There was absolutely no instance in which this performance recommended the purchase or dispensing of pharmaceuticals to audiences or patients. Furthermore, there were no discount benefits, prize-linked promotions, or any financial or reciprocal agreements with the pharmacy."

They continued: "The Ministry of Health and Welfare's interpretive guidance also does not consider the free provision of non-pharmaceutical items such as beverages or customary opening gifts at a pharmacy to be a violation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. There is no legal basis to view a purely cultural performance by a third party (singer, planning company) who did not bear any costs as an improper inducement for the sale of pharmaceuticals."

Additionally, they stated: "Performances within a pharmacy are not prohibited in themselves, and we adhered to the management and operational duties of the pharmacy. There is no provision in the current Pharmaceutical Affairs Act that prohibits performances or cultural events within a pharmacy." They added: "During the performance, neither the singer nor the audience entered the dispensing room or pharmaceutical storage areas at all."

The agency noted: "The audio equipment brought in was items that posed no risk of harm to public health and hygiene. There was absolutely no interference such as the interruption or delay of patient dispensing or pharmacists' medication guidance."

In particular, the agency emphasized: "Accomplice liability for the singer and the agency does not hold either." They stated: "The subject of obligation under the relevant provision of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act is the 'pharmacy operator.' According to a review by a law firm, since the illegal act of the pharmacy operator itself does not hold, accomplice liability toward the singer and the agency cannot be established at all."

Previously, Lee Gi-chan released a remake of his hit song "Cold" (2002) last month and has continued performances around pharmacies nationwide, inspired by the song's title. This sparked controversy, with some pointing out that it might violate the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which prohibits solicitation activities.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original