“When Life Gives You Tangerines” Faces Illegal Streaming Surge in China

The Chinese content review platform Douban (豆瓣) has generated significant buzz for the series “When Life Gives You Tangerines“, amassing nearly 30, 000 reviews. Nevertheless, due to Netflix not being officially accessible in China, concerns about unauthorized viewing have emerged.

Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women’s University has voiced strong criticism regarding this trend. He pointed out that illegal streaming incidents surged during the release of ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, stating, “In China, illegal streaming has practically become the norm.” He expressed concern over the apparent lack of awareness among users, remarking, “What’s even more shocking is that they feel no shame about it.”

Concerns about the unauthorized use of Korean cultural content, often referred to as K-content, have been rampant in China. This includes instances of exploiting the likenesses of Hallyu stars without permission and the widespread production of counterfeit merchandise aimed at profit.

Globally, “When Life Gives You Tangerines“is making impressive strides, ranking in the top 10 across 41 countries, including South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Professor Seo further implored Chinese netizens to reflect critically on their behaviors instead of making unfounded accusations. He stated, “Instead of voicing absurd claims that Korea is stealing Chinese culture, they should first learn to respect the content of other countries.”

When Life Gives You Tangerines Park Bo-gum IU

The persistent issue of illegal streaming in China underscores wider challenges related to copyright infringement and equitable content distribution in today’s digital landscape. As K-content continues to thrive globally, safeguarding intellectual property rights is vital for sustaining industry growth. Professor Seo’s insights remind us that cultural exchanges should foster mutual respect rather than exploitation. Without stronger enforcement of copyright regulations, unauthorized access to foreign content may linger, leading to profound ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding digital piracy.

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