[K-POP] NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” Caught in Plagiarism Controversy: Silence from Ador

 

Introduction to the Controversy

The popular girl group NewJeans is currently embroiled in a plagiarism scandal involving their new track “Bubble Gum.” This controversy erupted on May 18 when a post titled “NewJeans’ New Song Controversy” surfaced on several online communities. The post suggested that “Bubble Gum” plagiarized the main melody from “Easier Said Than Done,” a song released by the British band Shakatak in 1982.

Background on Shakatak and Their Response

Shakatak, a jazz-funk band formed in London in 1980, continues to perform and produce music today. As the plagiarism allegations spread, Shakatak responded via their official channels. When a fan reached out to them about the issue, the band replied, “Thank you. We will look into it.”

Silence from Ador

Despite the growing controversy, Ador, the agency representing NewJeans, has remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the allegations. This lack of response has only fueled public curiosity and concern about how they will address the accusations against their artists.

Previous Plagiarism Disputes: The ILLIT Case

This isn't the first time NewJeans has faced plagiarism issues. Last month, Min Hee-jin, CEO of Ador, accused the group ILLIT of copying NewJeans. Following a heated management dispute with HYBE, Min released a statement on April 22 claiming, “ILLIT has copied NewJeans in every aspect, including hair, makeup, outfits, choreography, photos, videos, and even event appearances.” HYBE denied these accusations, asserting that ILLIT had not plagiarized NewJeans.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

The silence from Ador regarding the “Bubble Gum” controversy contrasts sharply with their vocal stance against ILLIT’s alleged plagiarism. This discrepancy raises questions about their approach to handling such disputes. Will they continue to remain silent, or will they eventually address the allegations head-on?

This ongoing saga underscores the broader issues of originality and intellectual property in the music industry. As more artists draw inspiration from a diverse array of sources, the lines between influence and plagiarism can become increasingly blurred. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact NewJeans’ reputation and the industry’s approach to similar issues in the future.

Navigating the Waters of Controversy

In an industry where originality is prized yet often difficult to maintain, allegations of plagiarism can be particularly damaging. For NewJeans, the outcome of this controversy could shape their career trajectory and influence how other artists and agencies handle similar accusations. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting Ador’s next move, hoping for clarity and resolution in a situation that has captivated the music world.

As we continue to follow this story, it’s a reminder of the importance of creativity and integrity in the arts. Let’s stay tuned to see how NewJeans and their agency navigate these challenging waters, and what lessons the industry might learn from this high-profile case.