TWS, the first boy group from Pledis Entertainment since SEVENTEEN, is gearing up for their debut on January 22, 2024, with a pre-release single slated for January 2.

Inanticipation of TWS's debut, both Pledis and HYBE have enlisted support from artists within their conglomerate.

Notably, members of SEVENTEEN and official accounts of other groups like BOYNEXTDOOR, TXT, and ENHYPEN have been sharing promotional content related to TWS.

The Suspicious Slogan: "ALWAYS CONNECTED

While the promotional efforts unfold, keen-eyed netizens have observed a recurring phrase, "ALWAYS CONNECTED," in various posts.

This has ignited suspicion that it might be TWS's official slogan.

ENHYPEN fans, however, have expressed their discontent, arguing that the phrase bears a striking resemblance to ENHYPEN's iconic greeting, "1, 2, CONNECT."

The significance of the term "CONNECT" for ENHYPEN cannot be overstated.

Beyond being a key element in their greeting, it permeates official content, events, fan meetings, and even fan-generated taglines and hashtags.

The group's entire ethos revolves around the idea of connecting, discovering, and growing together.

A Pattern Emerges: ENHYPEN Fans' Prior Protest

Adding fuel to the fire, it has been noted that ENHYPEN's official account excluded the phrase "ALWAYS CONNECTED" in its promotional post for TWS.

:"1,2, Connect” “Always Connect” that will always be ENHYPEN’s line, FIX IT!#BeliftProtectEnhypensBrand#PledisFixTheTag#HybeRespectENHYPEN @HYBEOFFICIALtwt @pledisnews pic.twitter.com/GtLg18Emnn

— Sct_109 (@Sct109) December 28, 2023

This has led to speculation that both the staff and members of ENHYPEN are cognizant of the perceived similarity between the two slogans.

This isn't the first time ENHYPEN fans have raised concerns over a "stolen slogan."

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Previously, fans protested when the Japanese HYBE boy group &TEAM adopted "1, 2 WE LINK" as their greeting.

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Social Media Outcry: Trending Hashtags

In response to the alleged slogan plagiarism, ENHYPEN fans have taken to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to voice their discontent.

Hashtags such as #BeliftProtectEnhypensBrand, #PledisFixTheTag, and #HybeRespectENHYPEN are gaining traction as fans demand acknowledgment and resolution from Pledis and HYBE.

In the midst of heightened anticipation for TWS's debut, the controversy surrounding the alleged stolen slogan threatens to overshadow the group's introduction to the K-pop scene.

As fans wait for an official response from the entertainment companies involved, the future trajectory of TWS hangs in the balance, navigating the delicate terrain of fan loyalty and industry ethics.

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