Agency denies legal violations regarding Lee Ki-chan's pharmacy busking

IPD Studio stated on the 19th that singer Lee Ki-chan's nationwide pharmacy busking performances do not violate the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, following scrutiny over the unique promotional method used to promote his song "A Cold."

While singer Lee Ki-chan (47) has garnered attention for his unique busking performances where he visits pharmacies nationwide to sing his hit song "A Cold," the activity has now come under scrutiny for potential violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. Although the distinctive promotional method combining music with pharmacies has successfully captured public interest, controversy has arisen regarding the specific nature of pharmacies and related legal regulations. His agency stated that the performances are being conducted following legal consultation and that there are no legal violations.

A representative from IPD Studio, Lee Ki-chan's agency, explained on the 19th regarding the possibility of the pharmacy busking violating the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, stating, "We have been confirming the details and continuously seeking legal counsel, and there are no matters that violate the law." The implication is that the performances have been carried out while reviewing relevant regulations even amidst the raised controversy.

The agency emphasized that they are aware of the requirements to be observed during the pharmacy busking. "We are also aware that soliciting customers or distributing medicines on-site is not permitted, and we are performing with this in mind," the representative stated, adding, "We are also taking care to ensure there are no legal issues with the filmed footage through methods such as mosaic processing." The explanation suggests that they are not merely performing, but are also paying close attention to the filming and release process to avoid legal problems.

Furthermore, the agency indicated its intention to collect various opinions following this controversy. "As the pharmacy busking has drawn attention, we plan to proceed by listening well to various opinions," the representative said. This is interpreted as a stance to consider both public reactions and concerns from related industries, given that the unconventional attempt is attracting interest.

Collaborative proposals utilizing "A Cold" are also following. According to the agency, proposals for collaborations between pharmacies and hospitals using Lee Ki-chan's hit song have been received, and Lee Ki-chan has also been appointed as an honorary ambassador for the influenza prevention campaign at Kangwon National University Hospital. This attempt, utilizing the commonality between the song title and seasonal illnesses, is expanding beyond musical activities into health campaigns.

Lee Ki-chan's pharmacy busking began after he released "A Cold (2026)," a new arrangement of his representative song "A Cold" released in 2002, last month. He promoted the new song by personally visiting pharmacies across the country to sing, and this unique promotional activity gathered interest online. The heterogeneous combination of a familiar ballad and a space that sells medicines instead served to stimulate curiosity.

On the 14th, Lee Ki-chan appeared on the tvN variety program "You Quiz on the Block" and shared the background of starting the busking. He stated, "I started it out of a desperation for the stage, and while I was initially intimidated by the sight of people passing by indifferently, it is amazing that it is now spreading into a nationwide tour." It is a story of how an attempt that started from a thirst for opportunities to stand on stage is establishing itself as a new way of activity by gaining unexpected interest.

However, regardless of the agency's explanation, whether an actual violation of the law has occurred is a matter to be judged based on specific performance methods, on-site situations, and the application of relevant laws. While it cannot be concluded that singing in a pharmacy is illegal solely by that fact, it is necessary to separately examine whether there were actions that influenced the sale of medicines or the operation of the pharmacy. As the agency stated they have undergone legal consultation, compliance with relevant regulations and on-site management are expected to be important tasks for future performances.

Lee Ki-chan's "pharmacy busking," which started from a desperation for the stage, is now receiving conflicting interests ranging from simple street performances to legal controversies and collaborations with medical institutions. As the song "A Cold" meets the public in a new way, for this unique promotional strategy to continue receiving positive responses, meticulous consideration of the location and relevant regulations must support its creativity.

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