Kim Jun-ho Secures 'Jana~' Catchphrase Rights Through Trademark Registration, Leaving Jo Hye-ryun in a 'Bittersweet' Situation?

The long-standing debate over the origin of the catchphrase 'Jana~' between comedians Kim Jun-ho and Jo Hye-ryun has taken an unexpected turn. During a recent broadcast of MBC's 'Home Alone' (also known as 'Save Me! Home'), the topic of trademarking catchphrases arose. It was revealed that Kim Jun-ho had successfully registered the trademark for 'Jana~' first, effectively securing the rights.

On the show, Jang Dong-min highlighted how personal talents and ideas are now protected by patents, suggesting that comedians' catchphrases could also be registered as sound trademarks. This led to discussions about comedian Kim Dae-hee's management of his catchphrase 'Bap-muk-ja' through trademark registration. The conversation naturally shifted to Kim Jun-ho's 'Jana~,' with Jang Dong-min reigniting the debate by claiming Jo Hye-ryun was the original user.

Previously, on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy,' the two comedians had a similar dispute over the catchphrase's ownership. Jo Hye-ryun's side argued that she first used the phrase in the 1994 program 'Hae Tteok Sori,' while Kim Jun-ho countered by stating he received the Grand Prize in 2013 for 'Jana~' and even used it in a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game. Kim Jun-ho even presented evidence of trademark registration for 'Care for Jana~,' though he sheepishly admitted that no one used it.

Things escalated when a past clip from tvN's 'Life Bar' surfaced, where Kim Jun-ho acknowledged imitating Jo Hye-ryun's speech pattern and citing her as the inspiration. This put Kim Jun-ho in a difficult position, prompting Jo Hye-ryun to humorously demand a 70/30 split of any profits generated by 'Jana~.' However, legally, the catchphrase was awarded to Kim Jun-ho due to his prior attempt at sound trademark registration.

Netizens reacted intensely, with comments like 'Jo Hye-ryun seems to be the original, but priority rules!' and 'Will Kim Jun-ho get royalties if 'Jana~' appears in commercials now?' This incident has expanded the discussion beyond humor to copyright issues for comedy catchphrases, signaling a potential shift in how comedians manage their signature lines.

Kim Jun-ho debuted as a KBS gagman in 1996 and gained widespread recognition through numerous hit comedy shows like 'Gag Concert.'

He is celebrated for creating various memorable catchphrases, including 'Jana~' and the 'Hawaiian Dance' from 'Infinite Challenge,' solidifying his status as a top Korean comedian.

In recent years, he has also showcased his entrepreneurial ventures, actively engaging in various fields alongside his broadcasting career.