A post on the popular Korean forum Pann has gone viral and has sparked heated discussions as it compiles multiple plagiarism controversies involving HYBE and its artists.
With over 144,000 views, the post highlights a series of incidents in which HYBE’s groups have been accused of copying concepts, logos, and even performances from other artists and companies.
The scathing compilation starts with TWS — HYBE’s newest boy group — who has been accused of logo plagiarism, allegedly mimicking the style of ONEUS. Furthermore, the group has been embroiled in comparisons to both GD&TOP’s “Knock Out” and NCT U’s “Baggy Jeans” music videos.
Fans Accuse TWS For Allegedly Plagiarizing Popular Idol Group’s Song
KATSEYE, another HYBE debut from 2024, has also been scrutinized for their choice of fandom name. The chosen name, EYEKONs, closely mirrors the already established name of iKON’s fandom, iKONIC.
HYBE Girl Group KATSEYE Under Fire For “Copying” iKON With Their Fandom Name
ILLIT‘s fandom name also sparked controversy earlier this year. LILLIES faced backlash for being too similar to the name of BLACKPINK Lisa‘s fans as well as another K-Pop star: NMIXX‘s Lily.
BLACKPINK Lisa’s Fans Furious With HYBE For “Stealing” Fandom Name, More Criticism Ensues
ILLIT’s Fandom Name Receives Massive Backlash From Netizens
Even members of lesser-known groups, such as SYNDI8 — the company’s very own virtual pop group — have come under fire. A member named Kanari has been compared to Aespa’s Karina, with similarities noted in their height, outfits, and even personality types (MBTI). Other members of the group have also been accused of drawing inspiration from Aespa’s concept, adding fuel to the allegations of unoriginality.
Bang Si Hyuk’s Latest “Girl Group” Sparks Disgust Over Alleged Creepy Obsession With aespa’s Karina
The post goes on to list more examples, including LE SSERAFIM — who have faced several plagiarism accusations concerning their songs and performances — with comparisons to international artists like Rosalia, Tyla, and SZA.
Every LE SSERAFIM Release That Has Been Accused Of Plagiarism
The viral post has become one of the most talked about topic on the popular forum today — surpassing 70,000 views and receiving hundreds of comments. Netizens seem perplexed by the sheer amount of controversies. Some have even accused HYBE of controlling the narrative through the media as in their opinion some of these controversies haven’t been much talked about.
- “The fact that there hasn’t been any controversy until now shows just how much control HYBE has over the media. Wow.”
- “The fact that all of this happened in 2024… ^^,,”
- “They must admire SM so much that they tried to copy them but got caught. ㅜㅜ”
The most liked comment, meanwhile, brings attention to a suspicious case related to Scooter Braun — the current CEO of HYBE America — and his “right-hand man” as netizens demand an explanation.
Doesn’t HYBE need to explain this too? LOL
— Pann comment
Source: Pann
