[2023 National Audit] Controversy Over Sipwonbbang Currency Design Regulation Violation... Lee Chang-yong "Considering Flexible Regulation Application"

National Assembly Audit of the Bank of Korea on the 23rd

Lee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea, stated regarding the copyright infringement issue of the Sipwonbbang currency design, "I will consider whether the regulations can be applied flexibly."

At the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee audit held on the 23rd, Governor Lee responded to the question from Park Dae-chul, a member of the People Power Party, who asked, "Since the use of the currency design was restricted for the Sipwonbbang manufacturer on the grounds of commercial use, is there no willingness to resolve this magnanimously?"

The Bank of Korea had previously requested the manufacturer to cease using the design of Sipwonbbang, a famous Gyeongju tourist product imitating the 10-won coin engraved with the Dabotap Pagoda, stating, "Commercial use of currency designs is not allowed."

In response, Representative Park pointed out, "I think this is a prime example of desk-bound administration," and added, "I am concerned that applying the regulations too strictly to something that could be taken lightly might become a policy error that goes against the livelihood of the people."

He further said, "Although it is said that the use of currency designs must comply with the 'Currency Design Usage Standards,' since these are internal standards, the Bank of Korea could separately permit it," and added, "The design well reflects our cultural heritage and regional characteristics, and it has intangible added value that stimulates consumption by evoking memories, so it should rather be encouraged."

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