5 K-pop Artists With Plagiarism Issues in 2023: BTS Jungkook, IU, More
This 2023, many of our favorite artists have experienced plagiarism accusations over their songs, content, and merchandise.
Here are 5 K-pop artists who experienced plagiarism allegations this 2023
1. BTS Jungkook
On August 22, a Korean news outlet reported that Jungkook's "Seven" (feat. Latto) was based on Fin K.L's "Time of Mask." It shared how the second verse of "Seven" bore similarities with the chorus of "Time of Mask." This was the reported resemblance:
On the same day (August 22), Jungkook's agency BIGHIT MUSIC denied the allegations, saying that the plagiarism claims were not true. "We would like to declare that the copyright infringement claims of Jungkook's 'seven' are false," the company stated.
On August 24, Jungkook's plagiarism accusations were finally debunked by an exclusive report from Dispatch, which concluded the claims as groundless.
"Time of Mask" producer Yang Joon Young explained why plagiarism accusations were initiated. "The keys of the two tracks might be different, but both songs' four-bar scale system are similar," the producer stated.
However, when Dispatch compared the tones of the two songs, the graphs ended up concluding that the alleged identical sound was in the end, not plausible, debunking the plagiarism claims.
2. IU
On May 10, an anonymous individual accused IU of plagiarism. The claims alleged that IU had plagiarized music from local and foreign artists, which were implemented in six of her songs. These songs include "The Red Shoes," "Good Day," "BBIBBI," "Pitiful," "Celebrity," and "Boo."
The news gained buzz in the online community, as well as the reaction of IU's producers for each song, who all claimed that all six tracks are original to their core. EDAM Entertainment also issued a warning to those who create malicious comments and claims against IU.
On September 4, EDAM released an official statement announcing the dismissal of the criminal allegations filed against IU on August 24. On October 6, the agency wrapped up the case by declaring its resolve once again to protect its artists from any harmful accusations.
3. Jeon Somi
On August 7, Jeon Somi made her highly anticipated return with the album "GAME PLAN" alongside title track "Fast Forward."
However, the K-pop community pointed out the similarities of an animated character in "Fast Forward" MV to the art style of Rumiko Takahashi's "Urusei Yatsura" series.
Somi's agency THEBLACKLABEL responded to the plagiarism accusations on August 9, when the company decided to change the scene. THEBLACKLABEL also apologized for not thoroughly checking the content's resemblance.
4. THE BOYZ
On November 13, netizens were taken aback by THE BOYZ's virtual photocards, which went viral across online communities. According to the claims, the Zepeto photocards relayed the same lighting, background, and vibe from BTS's "Proof" album.
Though the group wasn't involved directly, the resemblance of the photocards was enough to stir the internet.
5. SHINee Taemin
Taemin had everyone excited when he released his comeback album "Guilty" on October 30. However, the ace took the brunt when he was accused of copying BTS V's "Layover" concept in his teaser photos.
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