Gyeongju, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, has been drawing significant attention from tourists worldwide. Among the popular attractions in Gyeongju is the iconic '십원빵' (Ten-Won Bread), which mimics the design of the ten-won coin issued by the Bank of Korea in 1996. However, recent controversies have emerged regarding the unauthorized use of the currency design by manufacturers, leading to ongoing discussions between the producers and the Bank of Korea regarding potential design changes.
On June 21, the Bank of Korea addressed the issue through a press release, stating that they are currently in discussions with the '십원빵' manufacturers to explore design modifications within legal boundaries, allowing them to continue their business ventures related to tourism. The bank further emphasized that, at present, they do not have any plans for legal actions such as lawsuits in response to the unauthorized use of the currency design.
The concept of '십원빵' originated in 2019 when various manufacturers started creating and selling bread in the shape of the ten-won coin. Some of these manufacturers even established franchise stores in the Seoul metropolitan area and other regions.
However, the problematic aspect arose when the design of '십원빵' was being exploited for commercial purposes without proper authorization.
According to the Bank of Korea's guidelines on the use of currency designs, if certain criteria are met, individuals or organizations can utilize currency designs without the bank's separate approval. In cases where the guidelines do not specify the criteria, prior approval from the Bank of Korea is required to use currency designs.
The indiscriminate misuse of currency designs for profit-driven motives can lead to detrimental consequences for the nation's currency circulation system. It can encourage counterfeiting tendencies, compromise the integrity and reliability of the currency, and disrupt the overall stability of the monetary system.
Considering these factors, the Bank of Korea took action in May of last year by sending official letters addressing the issue of copyright infringement to the manufacturers of '십원빵.' While most manufacturers engaged in discussions and reached a consensus, there were some who failed to reach an agreement with the bank.
Mr. Ahn Tae-ryeon, the Head of the Banknote Issuance Policy Team at the Bank of Korea, expressed the bank's stance on the matter, stating, "We have actively responded to unauthorized use of currency designs by providing guidance to those manufacturers who were not aware of the guidelines. The majority of manufacturers have acknowledged the bank's intentions and made necessary adjustments to their business operations." He further emphasized the bank's commitment to ensuring that citizens can utilize currency designs in a responsible and desirable manner.
In conclusion, the unauthorized use of the '십원빵' currency design has raised concerns and prompted discussions between the Bank of Korea and the manufacturers involved. While the bank has taken proactive measures to address the issue, it aims to guide the use of currency designs in a manner that aligns with the nation's best interests and promotes responsible practices. By establishing a balanced approach, the Bank of Korea strives to uphold the integrity of the currency circulation system while ensuring that the public can enjoy the benefits of creative and culturally significant products.
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