On January 3, BUDDYs, disbanded girl group GFRIEND's fandom, rejoiced after the news about the group's trademark rights came out.
Keep on reading for all the details.
'GFRIEND_IS_FREE' Trends After Source Music's Trademark Application For Group Gets Rejected
On this day, fans took to Twitter to upload photos showing that the Korean Intellectual Property Protection Agency (KOIPA) has officially rejected the trademark application of Source Music for GFRIEND in all 17 codes.
This means that Source Music won't be able to receive or generate income from GFRIEND's brand including their songs anymore.
At the same time, the girl group who are currently pursuing their respective careers will have the chance as well to act as GFRIEND again without any issues or problems.
It happened. Its COMPLETELY official official: ALL parts of the trademark have been legally rejected. Every. Single. One.
— blaine (blanine) ʚïɞ MET VIVIZ (@ilovejungyerin_) January 2, 2023
Its finally over💜🤍💙 https://t.co/0sdRxmy2QY pic.twitter.com/qhcEJHozk8
As a result, the hashtag #GFRIEND_IS_FREE began trending on Twitter, with BUDDYs celebrating the fact that it's only time that they will wait to see the whole girl group once again on stage.
A fan was particularly delighted that Code 41 was rejected, containing the right to performance and promotions as GFRIEND.
gfriend is free , all trademark brand codes have been rejected , including even the most important code 41 , buddys it's time to party 🎉🎉🎉 #GfriendFree pic.twitter.com/62pN2qMVua
— Nico87GfriendReunion2025🌱 (@NicoBuddyNaV87) January 2, 2023
Although fans believe that a reunion may take some time, this news gave them enough strength to look forward to the former members' future announcements.
what a wonderful day to started the year with 🥳 looking forward more good news from our girls 💜 #GFRIEND_IS_FREE !! pic.twitter.com/9P4KlRYqdV
— 사피라 ♡ (@yeochination) January 3, 2023
Meanwhile, Source Music, a HYBE subsidiary, filed the application for trademark registration with KOIPA on March 11, 2021.
ALSO READ: Source Music's Trademark Rights Application for 'GFRIEND' Denied
After more than a year on July 14, 2022, the agency's application for the name "GFRIEND" was initially rejected for two reasons; (1) GFRIEND is similar to an English notation name. Also since there are no members of GFRIEND left in Source Music, the members' consent is required for them to use the trademark and (2) there was a risk of misunderstanding and confusing about the quality of the product or consumer deception in relation to GFRIEND's English name.
In January 2023, all trademark rights are now free to be claimed by GFRIEND.
Where Is GFRIEND Now? Members' Activities 2023
Meanwhile, GFRIEND, which debuted in 2015, is a six-member group consisting of Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji. They rose into stardom for their songs "Me Gustas Tu," "Rough," and "Mago" and became a top-tier 3rd-gen girl group.
Unfortunately, they disbanded in May 2021 after the contract expiration.
Currently, Sowon is focused on her acting career under her real name Kim Sojung, while Eunha, SinB, and Umji are now in a three-member group VIVIZ.
Yerin and Yuju are each continuing their activities as solo artists.
Despite pursuing different careers, the GFRIEND members are consistent in attesting BUDDYs they are still a group, hinting at the possibility of reuniting in the future.
VIVIZ even showed their loyalty to their leader Sowon as, despite redebuting as a trio, they decided not to choose a new leader because the position has been filled a long time ago.
Following the news, K-pop fans are focused on what will GFRIEND's next move be.
READ MORE: Where is GFRIEND Now? These are What the Members Sowon, Eunha, and More are Up To
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
