HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
While Gikwang fans tried to defend the idol, SHINee Taemin's fans, Shawols, dropped "proof" that the resemblance is too many for it not to become plagiarism.
Lee Gikwang Solo Success With 'Predator'
HIGHLIGHT member and soloist Lee Gikwang showed off his domestic and foreign chart power after dropping his solo comeback album!
On April 17, Lee released his first solo full-length album, "Predator" with a same-name title track. In just six hours after it was introduced to the public, the song and the album ranked 11th, and from there, it recorded a steady rise in various Korean music charts including Bugs.
Gikwang's performance internationally is also promising. In the popular global music streaming site, iTunes, the male idol's album topped Chile, as well as it, entered the Top 5 in seven regions including the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The song also sat in the top 5 in Japan, Italy, Canada and Germany, while it once again topped in Chile.
Plagiarism? Lee Gikwang's 'Predator' Gets Compared With SHINee Taemin's 'Advice'
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
Meanwhile, Gikwang didn't only reveal the album comprised of 12 new songs but unveiled the MV for "Predator" as well. The MV received enthusiastic responses, which contains his strength and new attempts.
All is going well when internet users, especially Shawols (SHINee fans) raised the suspicion that "Predator" referenced Taemin's concept for his last release before the military titled, "Advice" in 2018.
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
ALSO READ: SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Sweeps iTunes Charts + Ranks No. 1 on Domestic, International Charts
Starting with the cover, both used red letters with similar font and design.
In their teasers and MVs, Gikwang allegedly copied the part where Taemin wears a black mask with a chain wrapped around it like a net while being topless. Even their body tattoos have an uncanny resemblance.
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
Their concept photos, also look the same you would confuse them as teasers from the same album.
As soon as this claim spread online, Gikwang fans, Lights, immediately defended the idol and stated that most of the concepts above are "common." The fandom also stated that Gikwang and Taemin were sharing the same stylist; hence, they had similar vibes.
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
However, Shawols are frustrated that Lights called Taemin's concept, "common," pointing out that the idol always put his best effort into every work he's doing, including with his last release, "Advice" before entering the army.
The fandom also stated that even though the concepts were really "common," having so many "coincidences" between the two albums' details is not possible, especially the flame tattoo.
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
HIGHLIGHT Gikwang Under Fire For 'Plagiarizing' SHINee Taemin's 'Advice' Concept
Shawols furthered that it is not true that Gikwang and Taemin shared the same stylist after a concerned fan DMed stylist Kim Wook on Instagram asked about this matter.
Gikwang's fans in the comment section were spreading rumors that Kim Wook was also Gikwang stylist lol
— ™ (@EvilTM_) April 17, 2023
A shawol DMed Kim Wook to clarify everything and said He is not the stylist. https://t.co/FHBYXRUpdH
In response, the stylist said that he was not working with Gikwang.
What are your thoughts on this?
READ MORE: HIGHLIGHT Lee Gikwang To Make Comeback As Solo Artist in THIS Month
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
