인기 게시판 TOP 50
[All]
The response to the allegations of unauthorized use of Chikawa is a threat of legal action? The Yongsan Hoshigacha copyright controversy
2026.11.11 11:06
Controversy is escalating as Yongsan gacha shop Hoshi Gacha threatened legal action instead of clarifying the situation when asked if the 'Chikawa Cafe' event was an official collaboration. We have summarized the developments and key issues so far.
This story has been circulating among Chiikawa (Monjakgwi) fans lately 😭
It all started when a fan cautiously left a question after an announcement was posted about a cafe event featuring toast served in a cute Chikawa cup.
Is this an official collaboration?
It was a question that could have been settled in a single line, but what I got in return was a threat of legal action 🔥 I’ll explain below, in order, why this has escalated this much and how far it has progressed!
1. Hoshigacha Chikawa Cafe Copyright Controversy: The Key Issue is 'Official Collaboration Status'
There is only one thing fans are asking about in this controversy.
I'm asking if this is a collaboration officially agreed upon with 'Daewon Media,' known as the domestic rights holder. 💡
Fans' demand: Please clarify whether this event was coordinated with Daewon Media.
Company's first response: "This is a special event for small business owners."
Subsequent Response: Warning of criminal and civil lawsuits against the authors of critical posts
It would have been a problem resolved immediately if they had just shown that they had an official license, but instead, talk of a lawsuit came up, making the fans' reaction much colder.
However, at this point, it has not been confirmed as unauthorized use. Since the company has not issued an official statement and the copyright holder's response has not yet been made public, you should be aware that this is currently at the 'suspicion' stage.
2. What was the 'Chikawa Cafe' event in question like?
The announcement image featured the phrase 'Hoshigacha X Teahouse Lemon' along with an introduction to the 'Chiikawa Cafe' event ✨
Menu: CHIIKAWA Breakfast Set (Toast and Iced Coffee)
Contents: 3 types of fruit-themed cups featuring characters and toast with Chikawa's face printed on it (labeled as 'sample image' in the notice)
Schedule: 14th (Sat), 15th (Sun), 21st (Sat), 22nd (Sun), limited to 30 minutes per day
How to purchase
Step 01. Draw a 'Chikawa Cafe' gacha coupon from Hoshi Gacha.
Step 02. Go to Tea House Lemon, show the coupon, and receive the set.
It was pointed out that the structure requires you to spin the gacha to receive the cafe set, which amounts to selling products using characters.
3. Summary of the events leading up to the notice of legal action
What started as a question in the comments has escalated into talk of a lawsuit in just a few days.
A fan wrote a comment on an Instagram announcement asking about copyright and whether it was an official collaboration.
The company left only a brief response stating it was a "special event for small business owners."
Around November 6: Posts raising suspicions began spreading on X (Twitter).
Afterwards, a post was uploaded to the Hoshigacha account stating, "Preparing civil and criminal charges" and "If you do not delete this, you could become a target of legal action."
November 9, 7:59 PM: A post was uploaded stating, "Excluding the person who deleted their post out of the 3 confirmed ones, I will go to the police station tomorrow to file a complaint," and "Either delete it today or I will see you at the police station—one of the two."
The notice of impending lawsuit had the following list of charges attached.
Defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act
Defamation by stating false facts
Obstruction of business
contempt
Civil damages
There are also rumors circulating in the community that the company mentioned "monthly sales of 200 million won" while bringing up the burden of legal costs. Since the original screenshot has not been released, further verification is needed to confirm the exact context.
4. Fans' Response and Reactions
The fans who didn't take down the post despite threats of legal action set out to verify it themselves 👏
The fan account that raised the allegations sent an email requesting confirmation from Daewon Media that the collaboration was agreed upon.
Sharing information that dozens of confirmation emails were sent to various places, including Daewon Media and the Japanese side.
Pointing out that the company framed criticism as 'anti-' and mentioned 'leniency'
Claims have also emerged that the company has threatened to file another lawsuit, taking issue with the leak of content from an open chat involving hundreds of people.
An account appearing to be a lawyer pointed out that to determine whether defamation has occurred, one must first distinguish between 'facts' and 'opinions.' The perspective is that it needs to be examined whether even legitimate questioning constitutes a punishable offense.
The reactions from netizens were generally like this.
All it takes is a single line to confirm if it is a collaboration, so why is the first thing being said about a lawsuit? 😭
"This is the first time I've seen someone threaten to sue the person who asked the question."
Does that mean I can use the character if it's a small business event?
I wonder what the copyright holder's reaction will be.
5. What kind of character is Chikawa and why is she sensitive?
Chiikawa is a character drawn by Japanese illustrator Nagano, and is called by the nickname "Something Small and Cute" (Monjakgwi) 💖
It is so popular in Korea that merchandise, pop-up stores, and official collaborations sell out whenever they are released, so fans are quite sensitive about distinguishing between official and unofficial products.
Using characters commercially without an official license can infringe on the original creator's rights, so fans often take the initiative to verify the facts. It seems this controversy will ultimately only be resolved once Daewon Media and the company release their official statements.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q. Is the Hoshigacha Chikawa Cafe an official collaboration?
A. It has not been confirmed yet. The company only responded that it was "an event-based promotion for small business owners," and the official response from Daewon Media, known as the rights holder, has not been disclosed either.
Q. When is the Chiikawa Cafe event scheduled?
A. According to the announcement, it will be held for a limited time of 30 minutes per day on the 14th (Sat), 15th (Sun), 21st (Sat), and 22nd (Sun). The schedule may change due to controversy, so please check the official account.
Q. Will I be punished for defamation if I post a message asking about copyright?
A. It varies from case to case. Generally, factors such as whether facts were stated, whether an opinion was expressed, and whether there was a public interest are considered together, so it is difficult to conclude that punishment will apply merely to the point of asking a question or raising an issue. If you are concerned, it is advisable to consult a legal expert.
Q. How can I check if it is official Chikawa merchandise?
A. The most reliable way is to check the announcements from the domestic rights holder, Daewon Media, or the collaboration lists posted on official sales channels.
Go to Real-time Best Popular Posts 👇
Is a Pickle AI invitation essential? How to sign up, invitation link, usage tips, and pricing!
Comments3
Popular in Free Board
Ranked by comments, likes, and saves from the last 24 hours
Ranked by comments, likes, and saves from the last 7 days
Ranked by comments, likes, and saves from the last 30 days
- 01CommentsSo that's the backstory. The fans must be getting emotional.350026.11.10
- 02CommentsWow, so you released an album to celebrate your 10th debut anniversary! Even the song titles are touching and lovely.490026.11.07
- 03CommentsHe really came out holding a huge pink hammer! It’s fun because he looks just like a game character.670026.11.06
- 01CommentsIt's been a while since Yook Sungjae had a fan meeting. He seems to be having fun with the fans.980026.11.04
- 02CommentsFilming six music videos in just two days must have been tough. When things like this happen, honestly, the only thing that remains in my memory is how hard it was. If I get some time, I should watch them back-to-back.1160026.11.04
- 03CommentsI didn't know there was a show called Dive to You. It's the first time I've heard of it. Since everyone in it is so handsome and beautiful, it seems like it will be fun.1090026.11.03
- 01CommentsI look forward to seeing the trainees take on the challenge of pursuing their dreams again! I am rooting for them to achieve great results and debut this time!1690026.10.17
- 02CommentsI don't think it's quite right for me yet. I can't really trust things that have no substance.1390026.10.16
- 03CommentsSo they didn't deliver in plastic containers back then. I've never ordered sundaeguk, so I wouldn't know.1210026.10.16
- 04
Dramas recommended by people watching Diploma… jpg[2]
600026.11.06
- 05
The idol who reportedly did a school attack in Mexico[2]
420026.11.06
- 06
Idol groups where all members will be adults next year...jpg[2]
430026.11.06
- 07
- 08
- 09
- 10
A rookie virtual male idol who is now 17 days into his debut[2]
590026.11.05
- 04
The trainee who finally made it onto the official member list[23]
1270026.11.03
- 05
Eric Nam to appear on 'Cultwo Show' today (4th)[17]
840026.11.04
- 06
The song Roy Kim reportedly wrote to play for his future wife… jpg[22]
1390026.11.03
- 08
- 09
- 10
- 04
Ryu Hye-young, who filmed her first horror movie.jpg[30]
1290026.10.16
- 05
Songs that will still be listened to in 2026, more than expected[30]
1030026.10.16
- 06
- 07
- 08
It's surprising to hear that Kim Jong-min is becoming a dad.[28]
1020026.10.15 - 09
A cover stage by a female idol who is a perfect fit for every genre[27]
1260026.10.20
- 10
Eric Nam's new music video that gathers all the psychos from movies[27]
1940026.10.16
