[THE INVESTOR] A local design firm has publicly accused the Lotte World Mall in Seoul for ripping off its design for their building on July 1.

Local design house 2CM claims that the exterior design of the main entrance to the mall’s luxury stores Avenuel bears a close resemblance to their design concept called “Star Collection,” which was also published in a booklet by Architecture@Work, an international trade fair showcasing architectural designs and supplies. 

“The exterior design of Avenuel is very similar to our ‘Star Collection,’ when the design is modified a bit,” Lee Dong-yeol, president of 2CM said at the press conference held in Seoul on July 1. “The design concept of the ‘Star Collection’ is light and Lotte Mall used that part (of the design) for a nightlight effect.”

The operator of the mall Lotte Corporation, however, rejected the allegations and said it’s a groundless claim. The exterior of the Avenuel was designed by Benoy, a global architectural and design firm, an official of Lotte Corporation said. “It’s an original design that embodies Korean knot,” the official said. “If (2CM) continues to accuse us without a proper reason, we will take legal steps for defamation or business obstruction.”

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)