"Singing Is Fine, but This Is a Bit Much..." Pharmacists Wary of Lee Gichan's Pharmacy Performances

Concerns over possible violations of laws banning "customer solicitation" by pharmacies

Singer Lee Kichan has drawn attention for promoting his new song by visiting pharmacies across the country and performing his hit song “Cold.”

Singer Lee Gichan performs a busking show at a pharmacy. YouTube screenshot.

According to Yonhap News Agency on October 18, Lee Kichan has visited pharmacies in Chuncheon, Seoul, Daejeon, Chungju, and Incheon this month to sing. His so-called “pharmacy busking” schedule, posted on Instagram, includes additional stops in Daegu, Busan, and Incheon by the end of October. Last month, he released “Cold (2026),” a remake of “Cold,” which he first released in 2002. He then began performing at pharmacies, an idea inspired by the song’s title, to promote the new release.

On the TV program “You Quiz on the Block,” which aired on October 14, he said, “I thought it might be fun to connect pharmacy busking with ‘Cold,’ and the response was good. The fact that I’m sitting here means it’s causing a stir on social media.” He added that pharmacy busking had even earned him the nickname “Gamgichan” (a combination of “gamgi,” meaning “cold,” and his name, Kichan), and that he planned to perform at pharmacies until the flu vaccination period ends. One online user mentioned another of his hit songs, “Beauty,” and asked him to perform at dermatology clinics or beauty salons as well.

Singer Lee Kichan performs a busking show at a pharmacy. Screenshot from Lee Kichan's social media account.

In notices about his pharmacy busking schedule, Lee Kichan wrote, “Promotional inquiries are very welcome,” and said, “The performances are conducted in compliance with relevant laws, including the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.” However, some pharmacists continue to point out that “pharmacy busking” could promote specific pharmacies. The Enforcement Rules of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act prohibit pharmacy operators from soliciting consumers or patients. Local public health centers are also reportedly of the view that performances at pharmacies could constitute an act of attracting patients.

An official from the Korean Pharmaceutical Association told Yonhap News Agency, “We do not oppose singers performing or appearing on broadcasts,” but added, “We are concerned that performances inside pharmacies could be used to attract customers or promote pharmaceutical sales.” The official said that some of the pharmacies where the busking took place were warehouse-style pharmacies, which the association opposes over concerns such as the potential for medication misuse. “Medicine is not an ordinary consumer product that is better when you buy a lot of it cheaply,” the official said, emphasizing that “it is important to take medicine when needed, with guidance on how to use it.”

Meanwhile, Kangwon National University Hospital appointed Lee Kichan as an ambassador for its flu prevention campaign. On October 12, Lee received a flu vaccination at the hospital and raised awareness of the importance of taking preventive measures. He then performed in the hospital lobby, sharing messages of comfort and encouragement through music with patients, their caregivers, and visitors. Flu-prevention quizzes and other campaign activities helped attendees learn about flu prevention in an accessible and engaging way.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.