IU's Song Producers Release Official Statements Regarding Plagiarism Allegations
The songwriters of IU's iconic hits "The Red Shoes," "Good Day," and "BBI BBI" have addressed the ongoing plagiarism allegations.
Read their statements here.
IU's Song Producers Respond to Artist's Plagiarism Allegations
On May 11, "The Red Shoes" and "Good Day" songwriter Lee Min Soo, have shed light on the plagiarism allegations through a letter.
Previously on May 10, IU was accused of plagiarizing songs from local and foreign songs. The complainant stated that similarities were embedded in six songs such as "The Red Shoes," "Good Day," "BBIBBI," "Pitiful," "Celebrity," and "Boo."
Read Lee Min Soo's full statement below:
"Hello.
With a heavy heart, I'm writing after a long while after this difficult topic started. Yesterday, I learned that IU's two songs "Good Day" and "The Red Shoes," which I wrote, were being accused of plagiarism.
Regarding the plagiarism issue of "The Red Shoes" in 2013, I debunked it back then, and have ceased from commenting more, as it would be a meaningless action. However, I will now declare this message due to the criticism towards the artist.
I didn't reference anyone else's songs when I worked on "Good Day," and "The Red Shoes." As the tracks' songwriter, I genuinely hope that this does not leave scars to anyone."
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Following Lee Min Soo's announcement, the songwriter of BBIBI, Lee Jong Hoon, has offered his take on the matter.
Lee Jong Hoon shared his viewpoint on the plagiarism allegations, where he discussed the mechanics of accusing someone, the terminology of plagiarism, and ineffectiveness of third party complaints.
Read Lee Jong Hoon's full statement here:
"Hello. This is songwriter Lee Jong Hoon.
I've read an article reporting that "BBIBBI," IU's song that I wrote, has become the subject of plagiarism allegations.
First of all, we can't help but feel pitiful that you picked the wrong target for plagiarism accusations. I would like to explain that Copyright, also considered as intellectual property, is not the domain of the singer, but of the composer. Even if allegations or complaints are made, it's suitable to file it against the composer.
Furthermore, plagiarism is classified as chingojae, which means a victim's complaint can be used to prosecute offenses. This also means that complaints from third party, as well as accusations, will have no effect on legal terms. This is just intended to damage the artist's image.
Lastly, I would like to clarify that I did not plagiarize any other work while composing "BBIBBI." I was able to confirm its unique individuality and differences, after listening to various YouTube songs that claim its similarities.
Additionally, apart from its genre of Hip Hop and R&B, aspects such as structure, instrumental, chord progression and more have its own identity.
While assessing the situation, I was informed that even EDAM Entertainment has stated checking the accusation's exact details would be difficult, as they've not yet been able to access the complaint.
I will elaborate and give my full cooperation to resolve this problem if there are aspects where my explanations are needed. I will deliver them without undergoing legal process.
I would also like to say that this will not only maintain my creation's value and significance, but also to develop existing writers' creative environment.
Thank you."
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