ATBO Faces Plagiarism Accusations With NCT 127's 'Kick It' Concept

By Robyn Joan Oct 18, 2022

ATBO is drawing attention for their latest comeback teasers, in which they are accused of plagiarizing NCT 127's "Kick It" concept.

Keep on reading to know more.

ATBO Accused of Plagiarizing NCT 127's 'Kick It' Concept With 'The Beginning: 始作' Teasers

IST Entertainment's rookie boy group ATBO, who is formerly known as ABO, is currently preparing to make their first- ever comeback with their second mini album "The Beginning: 始作."

Their upcoming comeback comes only just three months after the group made their debut back in July of this year with their first mini album "The Beginning: 開花" and its lead single "Monochrome (Color)."

However, in the midst of their preparations, ATBO has become entangled in plagiarism accusations following the release of their concept teasers across social media on October 18.

The group, which was formed through IST Entertainment's survival program The Origin - A, B, Or What?, initially had a youthful concept, with the members dressed in the popular "school style."

But in ATBO's newest set of concept photos for their upcoming album, the group can be seen posing in what appears to be a dōjō, with the members wearing coordinated black and white leather outfits - a 180 degree flip from their youthful style previously.

While the style change doesn't concern fans, it is the concept itself that does. Many pointed out the strong similarities of ATBO's concept photos to that of NCT 127's concept for their "Kick It" promotions back in March 2020.

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In particular, NCT 127's "Kick It" concept also includes a dōjō, with the members also donned in coordinated black and white leather outfits.

ATBO's 'Monochrome' Choreography Allegedly Plagiarized 'Kick It'

Interestingly, this is not the first time ATBO was accused of plagiarizing the SM Entertainment boy group.

According to fans, ATBO performed a dance move in the group's first release, "Monochrome," that was very similar to that in NCT 127's "Kick It" choreography, a move that has been credited to NCT 127 member Taeyong.

As a result, many are not criticizing the boy group, but their company IST Entertainment and their creative team.

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Some comments from netizens read:

"Dude, you have no idea so you have to steal other people's ideas? Look at your actions, the group is not famous yet so the company wants to create a scandal to attract attention? Give me a satisfactory explanation."