An operator of an internet broadcasting service (IPTV) that illegally transmitted Korean content in the Philippines has been arrested through international cooperation.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean National Police Agency announced today (the 6th) that they have apprehended Mr. A, who was operating illegal IPTV services targeting Korean expatriates in the Philippines, in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO·Interpol) and the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation.
Mr. A is accused of infringing copyright by illegally transmitting over 60 domestic channel live broadcasts, various online video service (OTT) content, VOD (replay), and adult videos.
The police and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism began collecting statements and evidence of copyright infringement from March this year based on complaints filed by MBC and SLL.
Prior to the local joint arrest operation, they strengthened their cooperative framework by inviting Interpol and Philippine National Bureau of Investigation officers to Korea for an international cooperative investigation meeting in June.
This arrest was conducted as part of the “I-SOP” (International Stop Online Piracy) initiative launched following a business agreement between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Korean National Police Agency with Interpol in 2021.
Jung Hyang-mi, the director of the Copyright Bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that as K-content enters overseas markets, activities to protect these contents must also expand internationally, signaling plans to enhance international cooperative efforts.
Lee Jun-hyung, the International Cooperation Officer at the Korean National Police Agency, said, “We will mobilize all our available capabilities, including international cooperation, resident officers, and domestic investigative personnel, to respond to copyright infringement.”
(Photo provided by the Korean National Police Agency and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yonhap News)