The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) has announced a crackdown on a large-scale operation that reproduces and distributes illegal PDF copies of over 3,000 publications. As the usage of digital devices has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of scanning and reproducing copyrighted material for commercial purposes has become more prevalent, particularly in online communities associated with universities. This trend has caused significant harm to the publishing industry, and MCST plans to use its special copyright police powers to take strict action against unscrupulous copying shops.
While the practice of scanning and making personal copies of books is not considered copyright infringement, using professional copying services to reproduce copyrighted material without permission falls outside the legally permissible bounds of private use. Moreover, selling these files online, whether through second-hand marketplaces or university communities, violates the “Copyright Act” and may result in corrective advisories, damages, or even criminal prosecution. In response, MCST, in collaboration with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency and the Publication Industry Promotion Agency of Korea (KPIPA), conducted a joint online and offline inspection campaign throughout March 2023, issuing 342 corrective advisories to sellers of illegal PDF files and holding over 689 promotional and educational events. The authorities also shut down 46 illegal operations among 600 copy shops in close proximity to universities nationwide.
Investigations revealed that some copy shops had obtained computers, copiers, and bookbinders, enabling them to illegally reproduce over 3,000 publications for profit. These files were then bound or sent via email, violating the owner’s reproduction rights. As a result, the authorities have launched investigations under the “Copyright Act.”
Starting in April, the Korea Copyright Protection Agency and MCST will launch a preventative campaign aimed at raising awareness among university staff, students, and copy shops regarding the illegality of PDF file trade and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. Additionally, university community site administrators will be requested to participate actively in preventing copyright infringement and raising awareness of the issue among students.
MCST’s Copyright Bureau has underscored the significance of instilling a comprehensive comprehension of copyright protection among future copyright holders, primarily students. To achieve this objective, MCST intends to launch initiatives to raise awareness and enhance student understanding. Additionally, the bureau aims to collaborate with the private sector in monitoring and curbing illegal online trades, with the ultimate aim of issuing corrective advisories and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
