NewJeans is facing new allegations of plagiarism.
On July 18, it was reported that English music label WISE MUSIC GROUP had filed a letter of claim alleging that NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” had plagiarized Shakatak’s “Easier Said Than Done.” The label has asked NewJeans cease using the song immediately and for an accounting of revenue allegedly owed to them.
According to a report by Munhwa Ilbo, the claim included several grievances of the English label in regard to the song that was composed by producers 250, Oscar Bell, and Sophie Simmons
ADOR denied that they plagiarized the group and revealed to Munhwa Ilbo that they had since replied in kind. ADOR went on to share that they are the ones currently waiting for a response from WISE MUSIC GROUP after asking their accusers for evidence backing up their claim.
On June 21, we replied to the claims made by Shakatak’s representatives on June 17. We did not use Shakatak’s original composition without authorization and have requested that they send us a credible analysis of the two songs to back their claims, which we have yet to receive. The accusing side needs to submit a report proving that plagiarism took place, so Shakatak’s representatives are the ones who need to respond.
— ADOR
Munhwa Ilbo stated that they had since contacted WISE MUSIC GROUP’s legal counsel in Korea several times for comment on ADOR’s response but have yet to hear back. Despite this, many HYBE fans alleged that the English label’s claim was proof enough that the track had been plagiarized.
- “Let’s see how NewJeans fans defend the group now, lol.”
- “I guess even NewJeans fans felt they were similar.”
- “F*cking Karma, LOL. They really said it was sampled.”
- “Their fans silenced us by claiming it was sampling because they felt it was similar too.”
- “Their fans are no different than those who think the loudest voice is always right, lol.”
- “They are similar… But when I first listened to NewJeans’ song, I wondered why the key was so high, although I feel that had they lowered the song’s pitch it would have become even more similar to the original.”
What are your thoughts? Check out Shakatak’s “Easier Said Than Done” in the link below.
Source: Munhwa Ilbo
