Following accusations that SEVENTEEN Jeonghan x Wonwoo copied aespa's "Drama" teasers, netizens are coming into the defense of the boy group.
On May 19, 2024, SEVENTEEN released the teaser for Jeonghan X Wonwoo's first single album as a sub-unit, "THIS MAN." The moving teaser showed a building with an electronic billboard malfunctioning, before promoting the duo's upcoming release. It then pans over to a stray flyer, which is also promoting their debut.
JEONGHAN X WONWOO
— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) May 19, 2024
1ST SINGLE ALBUM ‘THIS MAN’
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲
2024.06.17 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)#JxW #정한X원우#THISMAN pic.twitter.com/HcU9iYv1IM
While CARATs loved the air of mystery the teaser had, MYs (aespa's fandom) were quick to accuse the boy group's agency, Pledis Entertainment, of plagiarism. They claimed the visual teaser bears uncanny similarities to aespa's teaser for "Drama."
For reference, aespa's teaser also made use of buildings and an electric billboard. While other billboards showed imagery that references aespa's concept, the billboard in the middle features Karina's face with the words "I'm the Drama."
With aespa's teasers coming out in November 2023, many were quick to claim SEVENTEEN had copied aespa's teaser.
mind you that's clearly aespa inspired teaser and we're not even allow to talk shit after what HYBE done to aespa?
— an_ (@aeshittie) May 19, 2024
atleast have some shame? https://t.co/3qtDKYNoQP pic.twitter.com/pUg3xDfrzJ
— َ (@inthefiat) May 19, 2024
girl I thought this was an aespa teaser pic.twitter.com/827s6OOOQ6
— melody (@wonyadoll) May 19, 2024
However, after doing some digging, netizens quickly came to the defense of Jeonghan and Wonwoo.
It was noted that the person who produced aespa's teaser, Soohwan Oh, had shared SEVENTEEN's teaser to his Instagram Stories. Therefore, it is highly likely that he made SEVENTEEN's teaser as well.
CHECK THIS OUT : Video Of MYs Practicing aespa 'Supernova' Fan Chant Goes Viral: 'Sounds Like a Magic Spell'
On his website, it was noted that he has worked on several projects with a similar aesthetic. This is normal for designers to do, as it showcases their identity and specialty to clients who wish to hire them. Since this is the kind of work he is known for, it is highly likely that Pledis Entertainment hired him without aespa's teasers in mind.
Y’all did that the last time too, only for the people in charge to be the exact same as for aespa. It’s not THEIR aesthetic but the persons that designs these. So unless one of the members made their teasers themselves sit down & don’t claim someone else’s work https://t.co/LHLPgzxQkq
— MingyusBoo (@lelemosvfm) May 19, 2024
like i hire editors or graphic designers,, and they show me their works(PORTFOLIO).. like?? that's how they market themselves... GO MEET PPL OUTSIDE!
— 🐯W✺✺Z𝇓 H✺≾H𝇓 V≋RN✺N ¹⁷ ᴵˢ ᴿᴵᴳᴴᵀ ᴴᴱᴿᴱ (@uji_hochi) May 20, 2024
To the Aespa stans in the quotes. Have you ever thought that they might have the same creative directors? Everytime I come to this app, I feel like I lose fucking braincells. https://t.co/QMICjP13Vh
— Jane😺 (@JaneDd22) May 19, 2024
Anyway, same digital creator again. https://t.co/jAkIx0QJbG pic.twitter.com/1MP6f0p67E
— BOO 🌌 (@boosadandelion) May 19, 2024
CARATs stated that aespa does not own the billboard and building concept. In fact, Soohwan Oh used the concept for brands like Samsung, Gentle Monster, and more.
And if Samsung tells you they were first?
— 💎 𝘼𝙮𝙀𝙨ʳᵉᵐᵉᵐᵇᵉʳ ¹⁷ (@SeventeenIU_) May 20, 2024
Lotte would definitely object, and say they were first.
Luckily, they're not brainless.
🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️ https://t.co/L59BHyDYSn pic.twitter.com/7LuIAcjKNC
mind you this kind of concept for teasers/ads were made even before a£spa. now is it safe to say your favs copied gentlemonster's concept? pic.twitter.com/K9YodwZyVZ
— les (@noncheolants) May 20, 2024
“Find the authentic”
— Tori🍂 (@hrtcoups) May 20, 2024
FOUND HIM☝️ ugh so many copy of buildings and led screens and balloons like so unoriginal! pic.twitter.com/QMRMFyTtuR
With that, it is safe to say that SEVENTEEN did not copy aespa.
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
KpopStarz Owns This
Written by Alexa Lopez
