Red Velvet's 'Ice Cream Cake' Music Video Criticized For Similarities To 'Solo Day' By B1A4

The members of SM Entertainment's girl group Red Velvet have found themselves amidst accusations of imitating another K-pop group.

The quintet made its 2015 comeback in March with the release of a pair of music videos for "Ice Cream Cake" and "Automatic." Shortly after "Ice Cream Cake" climbed to the top of Korean music charts, fans noticed similarities between the music video and that of B1A4's 2014 song "Solo Day."

Screenshots from the "Ice Cream Cake" and "Solo Day" music videos were posted side by side on Korean website Pann. The images reveal that both videos were not only filmed in the same location, but that Red Velvet's actions in the video closely imitate those of the B1A4 members.

The SM Entertainment group was criticized in the past for alleged plagiarism of certain aspects of their promotions.

After Red Velvet debuted in 2014 with "Happiness," there were allegations that the girl group's logo was similar to that of a luggage company, and that their multi-colored hairstyles were similar to a popular Korean model, who happened to share the name "Irene" with one of Red Velvet's members.

Additionally, a Korean indie band by the name of Red Velvet also expressed disapproval of SM Entertainment's use of the same name for their girl group, as the band had formed in 2013 and had already released an album using the name. Representatives of both SM Entertainment and Red Velvet met and decided that both the idol group and indie band would continue to use the same name.

The similarities of Red Velvet's and B1A4's music videos were noticed by Korean Internet users and international fans alike. Comments on the YouTube video highlighted the issues, pointing out that the use of the same set in California isn't problematic but the framing of shots and actions of the idols are the root of the issue.

"I would be fine if it was just the like gas station and the diner," said YouTube user Lisa Chiang. "Even though LA is huge like seriously the same exact place? But I'll let that slide because I know a lot of [music videos] have the same sets and things. I mean even the same looking roads, which I can also let slide because it might be hard finding a long stretch of road that not a lot of people travel on. However the car scenes really almost exactly like Solo Day. Even the car! (I'm not a cars expert but they look pretty similar to me)."

One user, Kanashiikobato, pointed out that both music videos were filmed at Four Aces Hotel movie set in Palmdale, California.

Other users questioned whether the same production team was involved in creating the music videos for "Ice Cream Cake" and "Solo Day."

Check out the "Ice Cream Cake" and "Solo Day" music videos below and decide for yourself. Then share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Tags
Red Velvet
B1A4
Ice Cream Cake
SOLO DAY
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